Valve needle adjustment

[jeffro1954]

So I've torn apart the carbs to give them a good cleaning. 1978 XS1100 standard. I picked up K & L carb kits. only using a few things out of the kit since the consensus is the jets aren't always correct. The valve needle is the same length as the old ones laying side by side, but there is a height difference in the floats of around 3-4 mm depending on which one I use. I'm not sure it's because the springs inside the needles are new and better? It's a pretty big adjustment with the tangs so before I do that I'd be curious what the real mechanics out there think? obviously the old needles sit lower. Am I better off with the new ones in there?

[DiverRay]

YES!! REPLACE THE NEEDLES! it's normal to need a 3 to 5mm adjustment. Just remember to check BOTH floats in each carb.

[jeffro1954]

You are correct on float heights, a couple of the floats were different. Everything matters.
thanks.