GS 550 Stripped Pilot Screw

[rustysparksalot]

I've had my GS550E for a couple years now, and I've finally gotten around to doing the carbs with Ed Ness's incredible tutorial. (I'm sorry it took so long). Everything went well until Pilot Screw #3 got stuck. Mr. Ness calls them Pilot Screws, and you can find them on pages 31 & 32 of his phenomenal guide.

The screw gave me problems, but I was patient and surgical, and managed to extract it with the flathead screw driver I used for all the others. The slot on the screwhead got pretty mangled in the process though, and I'm not enthusiastic about putting the screw back in the carb, because I may never get it out again.

I'm cheap, but I'm willing to buy a new one of these Pilot Screws. The problem is, I can't find the right one for my 550.

I see lots of people on the GSR pointing to these at Z1:
Fuel Mixture Screw (BS Series) GS750 GS850 GS1000 KL18-2645

But they don't list my 550 as being compatible.

I've been looking all over the internet for one of these Pilot Screws, but I'm out of leads.

Will the one of the ones from Z1 work? Am I using a completely wrong search term with "Pilot Screw?"

See pic for mangling detail.

[tkent02]

That looks like the pilot air screw. Up high on the side of the carburetor?

[rustysparksalot]

Thanks for the quick reply. This screw was under an Aluminum Cap, on the center of the carb on the engine side, right where Ed Ness Has his screwdriver on page 31 of his tutorial.

[tkent02]

OK, CV carbs then.
Call Z1, they have them.

[hampshirehog]

I would just cut a new slot in the top and reuse it - just make sure all the threads are clean. It's not a thing you have to wind in and out all the time.

[Nessism]

That Z1 part is the same for the 550.

Suzuki calls those parts Pilot Screws. Check your Suzuki service manual if you don't believe me.

[rustysparksalot]

Like drinking from an incredibly responsive fire hose.

Thanks, guys, I really appreciate it.

[Nessism]

BTW, bet you could score a new one for less than $11 if you post in the Parts Wanted forum. I might even have a spare.

[rustysparksalot]

Thanks Nessism.

I put the word out on the Parts Wanted forum if you find your spare.