Float pins

[Marvey]

I have pics, but photobucket is... well, it's just super shortbus.
Is there a site you fellas use to post pics here? Can't seem to post them directly from my machine, so.. Yeah.

On two of my carbs the float pins go in easy and smooth.

On the other two they don't. They'll go if you armstrong them, but the floats will be stuck. They go in through the first post (right or left, doesn't matter), but won't slide in to the second. Again, from which side you start makes no difference. Jiggling, wriggling, etc. Produces no result.

3&4 acted this way before the cleaning. Now they are smooth and 1&2 are the offenders.

This problem defies all logic and reason. Nothing has changed as pertains to the float pins, bowl assemblies or posts. Haven't dropped them, haven't hammered them, even despite my frustration, which is now at a level that could be described as dangerous to the general public.

These carbs have me all ****ed off. Anyone have experience with float pins that have a mind of their own?

I've already taken a fine file and removed any burring resulting from removing them with a centerpunch (even though logic decrees that couldn't really be the problem anyway, see the difference between 3/4 and 1/2 above; have not switched parts around, all parts stay with their corresponding homes, just like an engine teardown)

If anyone has any advice, however mere, please post. Or failing that, provide me a link to a manufacturer of quality straight jackets.

[Nessism]

The pin flares under the nail head detail so they are a slight press fit to the post. A slight tap with the handle of a screwdriver is all it typically takes to set them fully in place. If yours are binding the float it sounds like they must be bent.

[Marvey]

I appreciate your reply man.

The carbs are vm26ss if I didn't already state that. I've got to believe that bending isn't an issue here, regarding floats or pins. This thing has been under pretty strict supervision, if ya know what I mean.

These pins aren't flared either. Not that the naked eye can tell. I've flipped them and tried everything from all directions. The first post always goes, the second being the problem.

Could you elaborate on what you meant by "under the nail head detail"?

Again, I appreciate your help. Thanks.

[Nessism]

I appreciate your reply man.

The carbs are vm26ss if I didn't already state that. I've got to believe that bending isn't an issue here, regarding floats or pins. This thing has been under pretty strict supervision, if ya know what I mean.

These pins aren't flared either. Not that the naked eye can tell. I've flipped them and tried everything from all directions. The first post always goes, the second being the problem.

Could you elaborate on what you meant by "under the nail head detail"?

Again, I appreciate your help. Thanks.

Was thinking about CV carbs, not VM's.

Maybe try rolling the pin on a flat surface to see if it's bent?

For the photos, just upload to Photobucket and then cut and paste the IMG code into the body of your post here.

Good luck.

[Marvey]

Right on.

Sorry about not stating what bike / carbs I'm dealing with. NooBs get a free pass on that right?

I'll give the photobucket deal another shot when my mood isn't running quite so red.

Thanks brother.

[psyguy]

my first thought as well was that the pins must be slightly bent

or the float holders that the pins go through may be bent

they may have worked before if both the pins and the float holders have been bent as an assembly, but now that they're apart you can no longer find that same position

[bwringer]

You can replace the pins with a piece of a nail, or a bit of rod from a hobby shoppe.

The shape of the float bowl ensures that they won't come out in use.

I agree that they're probably slightly bent, or the posts are a bit bent. Stop applying force to the problem.

[Steve]

I have pics, but photobucket is... well, it's just super shortbus.
Is there a site you fellas use to post pics here? Can't seem to post them directly from my machine, so.. Yeah.

Well, here are some instructions on how to get on and off the short bus.

[Zooks]

Well, here are some instructions on how to get on and off the short bus.

But please refrain from licking the windows.

[Marvey]

Nailed it

Having exhausted all emotional and pshychological resources trying to figure out whether things got bent or tweaked I gave up on the OEM pins.

Measured the holes on one and two with an orifice bit, they are .094"

Went to three hobby shops and found a .093" steel rod. Fits like magic.

On to the next hopefully non carburetor related task.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Much appreciated.