my manual gives me the float level spec, and says to bend the middle tang to adjust the float.BUT, it says the tang should rest on the needle valve,and not compress it. bending the tang doesn't seem to change my float height at all, it just compresses the needle. once i get it all back together, I get gas dripping out the overflow at the bottom of the carb.

the dealer wanted to sell me a new needle valve assembly ($57 Canadian!!), but i don't think it will make a difference if the float tang pushes open the needle.

I think this is a generic question, but in case you want specifics, it's an '89 Yamaha 125/Breeze. the float spec is 21.8mm-22.8mm.

 

I had the same problem.
Take the carb off.
take the bowl off the bottom.
turn it up side down.
look at the float, is it level?
if not, DONT take the float off
put a small screw driver in the center of the middle piece and bend it
make sure with it upside down it is level
and you are done.

 

that's probably more of a logical common-sense way than the poor instructions from Yamaha and Suzuki (my Suzuki manual for the LT160 says the same thing as the yamy manual). i think it's something that would make more sense if someone physically showed me, cuz the instructions just don't make any sense.