Won't Start

[tkent02]

But yeah, it looks like the PO didn't do anything to this bike..

You are probably lucky.
Neglect is easier to fix than stupidity.
Some POs o amazingly stupid things.
I'll take doing nothing to hurt it over doing stupid things to it for stupid reasons any day.

Typically, screwdrivers are made with the blade tip narrower than the rest of blade. You need a blade tip that just fits inside that tunnel down to jet- this gives maximum contact with pilot head slot. So you have to grind down the rest of blade (and shaft) that interfers with this action. A while back, I recall someone just going to Lowes or somewhere with a carb in hand and finding a perfect fit screwdriver- maybe someone else will recall, but I'm useless at searches here.

I went to mccabe do it center, they have a good selection of screwdrivers. The one I tried fit perfect, I turned the driver and I heard it turn a little then it slipped and destroyed the head. Not sure if it was to much pb blaster or just a 30 year old part, but it seems like the head just deteriorated.

[tom203]

Typically, screwdrivers are made with the blade tip narrower than the rest of blade. You need a blade tip that just fits inside that tunnel down to jet- this gives maximum contact with pilot head slot. So you have to grind down the rest of blade (and shaft) that interfers with this action. A while back, I recall someone just going to Lowes or somewhere with a carb in hand and finding a perfect fit screwdriver- maybe someone else will recall, but I'm useless at searches here.

I strongly recommend heat soak after pb soak- different expansion rates can help break grip. Without belaboring things, it's the tip of screwdriver that has to fit well, feel free to grind shaft down so the full size tip can fully contact jet head.

I am very new to this, not sure what you mean by grind shaft down...If you mean grind flat head down...what do I use to do that?

On another note... I had a few beers tonight, had a go at the carb intake boots....good god! I had to pull the dremel out and grind down one screw on the inner boot, I will have to on the other as well more than likely... but I actually got some frustration out grinding the screw down... granted I will have to more than likely buy at least one new intake boot, but I had a good time. I actually laughed at myself! I am glad I picked up the new intake o rings and fasteners!

But yeah, it looks like the PO didn't do anything to this bike..

[tom203]

This is starting to become a real pain in my ass. While waiting for the float bowl gaskets and carb 1 pilot jet to arrive, I decided to start breaking down carb 2.

Well, I get to the pilot jet once again...load it up with pbblaster, let it sit for an hour. Bring it to the local hardware store and find a few different flat heads, stuck one in that fits perfect, make a turn...bang, strips it immediately! So now I have to get it out again, and order another pilot jet.

GREAT start to a weekend.

I strongly recommend heat soak after pb soak- different expansion rates can help break grip. Without belaboring things, it's the tip of screwdriver that has to fit well, feel free to grind shaft down so the full size tip can fully contact jet head.

This is starting to become a real pain in my ass. While waiting for the float bowl gaskets and carb 1 pilot jet to arrive, I decided to start breaking down carb 2.

Well, I get to the pilot jet once again...load it up with pbblaster, let it sit for an hour. Bring it to the local hardware store and find a few different flat heads, stuck one in that fits perfect, make a turn...bang, strips it immediately! So now I have to get it out again, and order another pilot jet.

GREAT start to a weekend.

Persistence overcomes resistance. Keep at it until the inside looks as clean as the outside. It is an unfortunate case, but your carbs were in really bad shape to start. Please persist in the cleaning of the first carb until it is suitable. Then you will know what it takes to get the other 3 up to snuff.

[Octain]

I went ahead and bought the gaskets via ebay. Better to have new ones just in case the other bowls are bad.


I pulled the float bowl out of the carb dip, it still looks pretty bad. I used degreaser on it before dipping. It dipped for like 22 hours. Is there a special way you guys are degreasing your stuff before dipping?

Are you using Berrymans?
I've never had a reason to clean carb parts before dipping.
Now, if it's caked on ya might wanna scrub with some hot soapy water. If it really really bad would it be out of the question to use some paint thinner?
I'm asking..
I've soaked caliper and master cylinder parts in thinner before soaking em in Berrymans. Cant see why it might hurt a carb bowl.
Anyone?

[tom203]

I went ahead and bought the gaskets via ebay. Better to have new ones just in case the other bowls are bad.


I pulled the float bowl out of the carb dip, it still looks pretty bad. I used degreaser on it before dipping. It dipped for like 22 hours. Is there a special way you guys are degreasing your stuff before dipping?

Hooray for new gaskets- I didn't think you'd be looking forward to pulling the carbs again!
I just cleaned my honda carb and it had some bowl stain/residue- no big deal, so I just ignored it.

Post a picture of how bad it looks. I clean mine with a tooth brush and parafin inside the bowls only! Amazing how much elbow grease shifts.

I went ahead and bought the gaskets via ebay. Better to have new ones just in case the other bowls are bad.


I pulled the float bowl out of the carb dip, it still looks pretty bad. I used degreaser on it before dipping. It dipped for like 22 hours. Is there a special way you guys are degreasing your stuff before dipping?

It is your money and it is your bike. But you have the carbs off and the parts in your hand. It would take 0 extra minutes to put new gaskets on at this time. If you reuse gaskets from carbs that looked like that and they leak, then you have to go through all the hassle of pulling them again to replace the gaskets. Is it worth $8 to risk that? Up to you, it is your bike. I tend to err on the side of caution when it comes to something like that, but that is just me.

[Octain]

I would think as long as they're not cracked or in several pieces ya can re-use em.
At least I know I would..

As far as carb #1 goes the gasket doesn't really look to bad, just has some brown varnish or dirt spots on it. Can I just reuse it?

Those appear to be anatomically correct, but almost appear homemade. They should work, though.