Needle in a haystack

[Guest]

Cleaning the carbs on my 750E today, and I managed to lose the needle out of my #3 carb needle valve. I see several places online that sell just the needles, but places that actually display parts diagrams show the needle and seat as a unit.

Am I likely to have a leak if I just replace the needle and keep the old seat?

[1948man]

I would think that would be okay. Also, if you post in the Parts Wanted, I'm sure someone has a needle

[hannibal]

Z1 sells just the needles. They are K&L brand. https://www.z1enterprises.com/mikuni...dles-6-pk.html

[OldVet66]

I would recommend getting the Suzuki seat and needle. There is no telling how much wear there was and they both wear together. Before you buy something though, that needle went somewhere. A big magnet might find it.

[850 Combat]

I've purchased aftermarket and new. I'm not certain that they are identical.

[Hinermad]

Thanks folks. I went ahead and bought the matched needle and seat from Babbitt's. The price wasn't too bad.

[Hinermad]

Before you buy something though, that needle went somewhere. A big magnet might find it.

You called it. I went to Harbor Freight today and got a magnetic pickup tool and swept the patio with it. Two minutes and one click later and I had it. Unfortunately it spent the night outside and it's formed a little rust on the sides. The tip and ribs are still bright though.

I have a new needle & seat on the way, so I'll probably just wait for them before I start putting it back together.