xivlia wrote:is there a way of checking to see if its still leaking fuel into the engine? anyway of checking that with the carbs out sitting on a table?
Yes it's best to check that the problem has been resolved before putting the carbs back on the engine.
All you need to do is sit the carbs horizontally (as they are on the bike) and fill up the carb bowls via the fuel inlet hose with fuel. Don't put too much in or it will just come out the carb overflows. I use a plastic syringe for the job but a funnel will work fine. Let them sit for a while and check for leaks.
While they're off make sure all floats are adjusted correctly and they return/ spring back properly. You might have covered this, I haven't read all 108 pages.
Whatever you do, get the job done properly so it's one less issue eliminated.