Carb question

[prez342]

How important is it to change out the needle on the slide diaphram. You need a long narrow clip tool to release it.
Waiting for parts then the rebuilb begins.

[bikerphil]

How important is it to change out the needle on the slide diaphram

Just check them for visable wear, if they look ok, leave 'em.

[CatatonicBug]

Not a big deal, really. Unless you are seeing symptoms caused buy worn needles. I hope to replace mine in the next few weeks, in the hopes of improving fuel economy (getting 28-33 MPG now) and some studdering/hesitation on accelleration.

[prez342]

They seem to move a little bit. I think this is normal. The rebuilt kit comes with replacements, though they seem clean enough.

[Crazcnuk]

"How important is it to change out the needle on the slide diaphram"

As phil says if not worn, they don't need changing, however, you do want to make sure you have the right ones, and where they are set (if you have adjustable ones.)

I take them out with a small screwdriver and a scratch awl. I just hold one end of the clip with the screwdriver, and use the awl to compress it enough to pop out.

[prez342]

Don't know if they are adjustible, I do know they have never been taken out. The bike has been in the family since new. 79 11 special.

[bikerphil]

79 Special will have adjustable needles if they are the original BS34-II carbs. 3rd position (center) is the recommended setting for the factory needles.

[MindWebs]

my 2 cents worth

i used a full carb rebuild kit on my 79 xs11 sf

i found that it ran better when i installed the supplied needles simply becauce
they matched the jets from the kit.

i'm sure it will run fine with the needles you have, but i kinda push things a bit too hard to want to risk it.

so it's your call. if they "look" all right run them, it you see wear, replace'em
if your kit comes with them, install'em.

good luck

Webs

[dbeardslee]

You need a long narrow clip tool to release it.

Mikes XS right angle snap ring pliers be the tool for the job. Mikes XS part #35-0009

[thumperjsa]

Sanp Ring Pliers needed, or advice

Outside of Mike's is there another source to get these? I tried Target, Harbor Freight and a few autoparts stores but none had them. Several years back I bought a set from Harbor Freight that workd but the pins on the ends have snapped off since then an dI don't own a grinder capable of remaking the tips.

Thank you.

[dbeardslee]

Z1 sells the same pliers - for $25. Cheaper at Mikes - even with shipping. I tried a bunch of places before I ordered one from mikes - couldn't find them anywhere locally.

[thumperjsa]

So at least this model of pliers should be long enough to get into the slide and compress the snap ring to get them in and out, right?

[dbeardslee]

Yeah. They work great on slides. Mastercylinders too.

[bikerphil]

I bought a cheap pair of craftsman snap ring pliers ( P/N 47384) that work fine on the needle retaining clips.

[thumperjsa]

I forgot about my small handheld grinder. I put a grinding tip on it and I was able to grind down to create new tips on the old snap ring pliers. I was afraid it might be to short but I was able to grab on to the snap ring and pull it out. Of course going back in is a lot easier.