Basic carb questions

[Guest]

Ok, gramps has turned the carb duties over to me on my GS650. I haven't got started as I lack the funds but very soon Question 1 -- My carbs looks to have two shiny(er) caps on the outside two carbs. Are they pieced together from parts, what explains this? Question 2 -- The screws on the tops & bottoms are very buggered up quite a bit. Gramps said just replace with same at ace hardware, I say why not do this http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-79-suzu...73d757&vxp=mtr instead? ANy reason not to? Also when you use stainless stuff in aluminum don't you need to use an anti-seize? Ok, thats all for today. Prepping myself for carb work!

[LarryA_Texas]

I think the shiny covers on the outside are just to be pretty. I've seen a lot of older bikes with some shiny, some not, some mixed. Don't use the buggered up screws. If Ace has the right ones you can use them but I'm not sure you'll find the metric screws you need at ACE.

Something you should know as you begin working on these bikes; there is a difference between standard #2 Phillips screwdriver and a Japanese industrial standard. The reason your screws are buggered up is because people have been using Phillips screwdrivers on JIS screws. If you'll go to the effort of finding a JIS screwdriver screws will be much easier to get out without damage.

Having said that, you should replace the screws. If you like the Allen set from Ebay, buy them. I had to go to a specialty fastener supply to find the proper metric replacements. Either way, you need to own a JIS screwdriver.

[Joe Guilbeau]

Go ahead and get the hardware upgrade kit, because if you spend the money to get the best you can afford, then over the long haul you are paid back with a nicely detailed bike, which, in all reality; is the sum of it's parts.

My signature includes everything you need to rebuild your carbs.

Take that call from Steve as he offered, that takes a whole lot of the guesswork out of it.

[Steve]

That allen bolt kit is not the right one for your carbs.

Get THIS ONE instead.

.

[cyclepat650]

That allen bolt kit is not the right one for your carbs.

Get THIS ONE instead.

.

Okay, thanks for the re-direction. Do you need the anti-seize stuff though?

[Steve]

Any time you have dis-similar metals together for a long time, you should use anit-seize.

By the way, for stainless and aluminum (or the zinc-based pot metal on the carbs), you should use the copper anti-seize.

.

[Joe Garfield]

Ok, gramps has turned the carb duties over to me on my GS650. I haven't got started as I lack the funds but very soon Question 1 -- My carbs looks to have two shiny(er) caps on the outside two carbs. Are they pieced together from parts, what explains this? Question 2 -- The screws on the tops & bottoms are very buggered up quite a bit. Gramps said just replace with same at ace hardware, I say why not do this http://www.ebay.com/itm/1977-79-suzu...73d757&vxp=mtr instead? ANy reason not to? Also when you use stainless stuff in aluminum don't you need to use an anti-seize? Ok, thats all for today. Prepping myself for carb work!

As you get going on the GS projects, you will find that Z1Enterprises.com is a great resource. The proprietor is a member here. I am bringing this up because they have a great selection of stainless fasteners, and you can buy as few or as many as you like. Shipping is usually around $7 so I don't place orders there just for screws, but in the month or so I've had this current bike I've probably placed 5 orders with them. I usually add a few screws or electrical connectors or something to an order.

Also what they have on their website is what they have in stock. Shipping is as fast as it gets, and they have things like gaskets, o-rings, and all kinds of parts.

[Scout]

JIS screwdrivers are very handy as you can see what it does when folks use a phillips on a JIS screw. Also I highly recommend you get yourself one of those $4.99 cheapo sets of screwdrivers at places like Harbor Freight and then make yourself a nice fitting set of blades that fit the carb jets properly. Use a bench grinder to modify tips and slim down the barrels as needed. Trick is to make good contact with pressure and when you turn you'll feel the jet brake loose. The pilot jet screwdriver will pretty slim. Also careful around the air screw (in top).

[Wingsconsin]

Here are my GS850 carbs once finished (by me) -
I added the Allen Socket bolts - I got them at Ace hardware by my house -
They have a nice selection of Metric..
JIS Screwdrivers are worth the investment if you plan on doing your own wrenching.
Look on Amazon or eBay for a good set.
Stay organized and be thorough and you will only have to do them once....miss something and you get to do it again and learn more...

[Kyler]

everyone has an opinion so your mileage may vary.

I now use Permex anti-sieze on almost everything on my racing sidecar (and have quit using Loctite Blue - not that you need Loctite on carbs.) It is ... "A highly refined blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants."

[Wingsconsin]

Here are some pictures of my work desk as I get started on a carb rebuild..this is last years GS650GL




More pictures in my Photobucket album --> http://s214.photobucket.com/user/Win...?sort=3&page=3

[Wingsconsin]

Here is a jet I found -- the carb dip cleaned this right off...