Jet Needle adjustment gone bad

[kfb]

I just started the process of adjusting the jet needle and ran into problems.

I took off the tank, removed the carb tops, the large rod that connects the carbs to the Throttle.

Pulled out the first carb innards and tried to remove the two screws that hold the needle to the cylinder, I partially stripped the screws. They are in very tight. I used the correct P1 bit but to no avail. I then tried to put the assembly back into the carb and the needle doesn't line up with the needle jet hole. The needle has a slight amount of pressure that keeps it from being totally centered in the unit. The exact problem with Carb #2. Are these phillips screws normally a bugger to get out? and How do I align the needle with the hole?

GS750 1978

[kfb]

got the assembly back in

I used a little tie wire (took off the plastic coating) and put it in the hole next to the screws and was able to center the needle into the jet.

However I am at a loss to get those phillips screws out. I may have to drill them out. In the mean time I have applied some oil to the threads from the bottom of the hole.

[dirtyfingers]

I think #1 phillips may be too small, have you tried a good #2? Quality of the screwdriver DOES make a difference.

[crapwacker]

Good ole zip tie. Fold the tip. Hook it around the needle. And so far as Phillips heads go, yes quality is an issue; I worked for 15 years as a laser printer technician. I had at least 12 bits to run through. Snap On was and still is sort of an enigma for variety. The phillips head is so ubiquitous, but so temperamental, that one must be very selective in the selection of them. #2s don't always look or fit the same. just because the the tip fits tight, the wings might not engage well. And The #1 RULE with Phillips is Pressure.Push it to the bottom, hold it as hard as you can fathom, THEN twist.

[kfb]

I have some good bits

I have some good bits, however the screwdriver with the interchangeable bits is a little wide and keeps the bit off centered slightly. I will stop off at the tool store and pick up a quality new #1 and #2 that will hopefully work. I will definitely replace them with a torx or hex!

thanks!

[kfb]

so Far so Good

I got a new bit and soaked the screws. So far I have half of the screws out. Dirty fingers you are right the screws are actually #2. I have the others soaking and should be good to pull them on Thursday.

Thanks.

[trippivot]

J.I.S. #2 phillips needed. #1 = stripped screws.

in too tight? - pitty your misfortune 36 inch pounds maximum

I think #1 phillips may be too small, have you tried a good #2? Quality of the screwdriver DOES make a difference.

first put the slide all the way in to the bottom. THEN insert the needle-- it will go right into the emulsification tube. put the inner slide screw in and thread it half way in while the slide is at the bottom, next lift the slide and install the other screw at a partially lifted position.

[strawboss]

JIS Phillips Work Great

I second the comment about getting a #2 JIS Phillips screwdriver. I struggled with stripping out or marring phillips carb screws for years until I came acrossed this link on BassCliff's website and bought a set of the JIS Phillips screwdrivers. Now when I work on carbs you can't even tell you turned the screws. They just fit right!!!

http://www.cycleorings.com/phillips.html

I ordered mine from RJR Cool Tools and if I remember right shipping was free. The first two I ordered were two different length #2's which I use most often. Recently I picked up a #1 also but don't use it as much!

Good luck!

Ryan

[crapwacker]

I replaced those with stainless allen bolts

[kfb]

Replacing with SS hex screws

Thanks for the tips and encouragement. I have been replacing all the phillips screws with hex as I rebuild and repair the bike. I know it is not original but it makes a lot of sense to me.

thanks!

[tkent02]

+1 on the JIS, I like to use Allen head screws after they are out.