crusty nipples

[jimmy boots]

Hey all, I can't find a thread on this. I've been cleaning my carbs as a set without taking 'em off that long strip that holds them together at the bottom (screws are stuck, don't want strip/snap heads). The four T-connector fuel line nipple jobs between #s 1&2 and 3&4 have quite a bit of whitish crusties inside, is this b/c they are rubber and I've been spraying them lavishly with carb cleaner? How can I remedy this?

Regards,

JimmyB

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Jimmy,

The white crusty stuff is oxidation from the aluminum, as well as just junk/residue. It would be best to remove the outer carbs off of the rail to be able to remove them for best cleaning. If your screws are that badly mangled, then use a dremmel to either cut a larger straight slot in the head of each one for a good sized slotted screwdriver, or just drill or cut the heads off with a drill or dremel. Then once you have removed the carb, you can put a plier/vice grip on each screw to remove it from the carb body. Go to your local auto/hardware store and get some new ones, folks go with the allen head design....stainless or black/grey your choice!

You'll want to be careful with the "T" fittings, they are rubber coated, and it can break down, stick to the carbs, or just crack and flake off while you are removing them! But, if they do that, then they were a leak possibility anyways. Several options for repairing or replacing them, either with a few O-rings placed around the remaining metal tube once the rubber is removed, or getting replacements.
T.C.

T.C.

[jimmy boots]

thanks for the thorough response TC

p.s. I like that xs11 'carbs under load' vid you posted on youtube

[Bigfoot]

With a title like "crusty nipples" i figured you would get alot more replies.

[tarzan]

I had good luck removing those screws on the rail with an impact screw driver(the kind with a big steel handle that you hit with a hammer and the impact spins the screw).I think the #3 phillips bit fits perfect,or was it the #2 bit.Those screws on mine were installed with red locktight,so they are a little snug all the way out.But once you break'em loose you can turn them by hand
it just takes a little work.Good luck

[Bigfoot]

I have been working on a set of carbs from an 80 mns. Every screw on the rails I have had to drill and use an easy-out. what a pain. Had to drill out about half of the ones for the float bowls and top covers. The stock brass screws are way too soft.

[DJinNH]

Originally posted by tarzan
I had good luck removing those screws on the rail with an impact screw driver(the kind with a big steel handle that you hit with a hammer and the impact spins the screw).I think the #3 phillips bit fits perfect,or was it the #2 bit.Those screws on mine were installed with red locktight,so they are a little snug all the way out.But once you break'em loose you can turn them by hand
it just takes a little work.Good luck

Just to second this...I too had to use an impact tool on every screw for both brackets and the carb top lids as well. No corrosion visible, it was just that every single screw was frozen most likely due to disimilar metals. Some WD-40 and a few wacks from a hammer on the impact tool worked on every one.

Good luck.

Don