Slide Assembly won't fit back in

[ilyena]

Hey there guys!
I'm in the process of cleaning my carbs. I've pulled apart the assembolies and cleaned them, and put them back together, but I can't get the slide assembly to fit back into place. The needle jet is not perfectly vertical (I did not disassemble the assembly) and so it won't slide back into the carb. Should I take apart the assembly? Should the jet needle be perfectly vertical? Are there any tips for sliding it back in?
Thanks!

 

[portdave]

What kind of bike? Year and model?

 

[Steel Toed Tank]

mine sit at a bit of an angle too when the slide is out of the carb body. It's the spring inside that forces it down pushing it off to one side. I just turned it until I could get it as verticle and possible and the needle slid right into the needle jet easily.
I'm talking about a CV carb though and without knowing your year or model It's difficult to know if this information is helpful or not.


Tank

 

[ilyena]

Sorry! It's the 1978 550, I think it's the VM model (same as here http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/vm_carb_rebuild.pdf)

 

[Guest]

There is a notch (dowel) that you have to line up and guide the needle into the emulsion tube.

 

[Steve]

If the needle does not line up with the hole, just reach in with your finger or a small tool and move it so it does. It is very common to be at a slight angle.

.

 

[ilyena]

Thanks! Got it back in!