Why do they use solenoid shut offs for fuel; are needle seats unreliable? I have a Honda GX340 with fuel leaking into engine, needle and seat seem clean. I am going to remove carburetor to get better view of seat itself (IE. Varnish, etc. ) The little spring on needle seems like bad design. I would rather have the ability to manually adjust float level and let buoyancy of float hold needle seated instead of this "candy-a--" spring. IE. For safety's sake, you should have a solenoid shut off with this design and gas tank above engine. (Like everyone, I hate to admit I make mistakes. Even though I knew I just changed the oil, I checked it anyway. It just started pouring out of the fill hole. First I thought I somehow overfilled the oil until I smelled the gas. Just imagine what would have happened if I started the engine! (If you see this happening immediately, you can remove the spark plug and pull the starting cord to blow the gas out of cylinder before it ends up in crankcase. (spray in a little silicone first))

I guess I'm wondering if anyone has any other ideas besides the float not sinking from having a hole in it (which I'm going to check again) or the needle and seat not making a good seal?? Thanks Forums are informative for all.

Hi,
The fuel shutoff solenoid is to prevent backfires that might occur when the engine is shutoff at above idle. Theses would affect the valves and the flywheel key.
Ypu have a probem with that and the inlet needle since you have fuel flowing by.
Peace,
Clarke

Clarke, Thanks for the insight, here's a link you'll find interesting:
http://yhst-16070691084514.stores.yahoo.net/525-554.html

We have 10% ethanol in our gas in Massachusetts. The deterioration of the fuel needle's elastomer (rubber sealing area) will still occur, although slower than higher concentrations of ethanol. Makes me wonder how many people have started the engines with gas in the oil? Not to be negative but what the H were the Honda guys thinking ? Perhaps they should send everyone a new needle with the correct elastomer that's resistant to alcohol. I'm using the carb. From a Kohler engine. You can change the direction the throttle operates from CCW to CW. It mounts to engine easily.

Most Vitons will work nicely. Suggest getting the o ring size and ordering a Viton O-ring from an O ring supplier.