Float valve needle and seat

[aaaaahab]

I have several times over the years had the tip of this needle change shape from a cone to a plug that sticks shut.
Do others have this problem. It requires replacing the needle.
Is there a way to keep this from happening. For me the needles hold up about 1.5 seasons.
Will changing the seat to help?

[JOHN COOKSON]

Off the top of my head there sounds like there is a mismatch between the needle valve and the seat. Maybe different manufactures? I would try buying them as a pair.

TRUE GRIT

[edwardc]

I've had the float valve tip completely disintegrate, leaving just the metal stump! I believe (without proof) that this is a result of ethanol in the gas softening the rubber tip.

[Loki9]

Fuel pressure too high?

[Dave Neptune]

I seldom replace the needle and seat when redoing a carb and I've done hundreds of them! When using a "tipped" needle I always replace the "set" however on the solid ones unless I can "see" an imperfection forming on the needle I leave that "matced set" in place as they are well "mated" and known to work properly. I have had far more trouble with new "hard needle & seat sets" that don't seat until you futz around with them a bit.

Dave Neptune