Float needle and seat

[jsandidge]

My float needles all have weak springs. I have read that it is best to replace the needles and seats as a set, but that looks rather expensive. Needles only doesn't seem overly pricey. How well do new needles in the old seats seal? Where is the best place to buy genuine? Does anyone sell the needle/seat assembly at a reasonable price? I don't want aftermarket.

[60ratrod]

With the floats installed, does the float compress the plunger or does the float stay up? The needles don't have a lot of strength to begin with. It's just enough to keep the float from compressing the spring dry

[jsandidge]

With the floats installed, does the float compress the plunger or does the float stay up? The needles don't have a lot of strength to begin with. It's just enough to keep the float from compressing the spring dry

The weight of the floats are partially compressing the springs, making it difficult to set the float height accurately. I will be adjusting for fuel level after I get them back on the bike, so I'm not really sure if the weak springs matter. Does it? I haven't been having any leakage.

[bwringer]

On some other bikes, the springs in the needles aren't designed to be strong enough to hold the floats up when the carbs are upside-down. So yes, this arrangement can and does work fine, although it's hard to say for sure that it will work fine on your particular GS with your particular assortment of weak springs. Worth a shot, I guess.

To set the float level when the needle springs are too weak to hold the float up without compressing, simply tilt the carbs at a 45 degree angle instead of lying flat.

[jsandidge]

I really would prefer not having weak springs. The main question is, are needles only a good option? I haven't found genuine Mikuni anywhere. Are the ones Z1 sells any good?

[JTGS850GL]

If the original needles have no visual wear (as in no ring or scaring around the seat area) then just replace the needles. If there is any sign of wear then replace the needle and seat as an assembly. I've had reasonable luck using aftermarket needle seat assemblies form partsNmore.com.