Carb. problem

[JacobAndrew]

Well I did it this time.. I don't know what happened but somehow the fuel/air mixture needle broke off inside the carb and I can't get it out. I noticed that the needle wasn't as far down as the others so I tried screwing it in all the way and I think I wedged it in there real good. Anyways, I don't know of any other option so I'm probably going to have to replace that carb. I tried pushing it out, but that didn't work and its to small to drill. But anyways, anyone know where I could get a single carb for pretty cheap, I have all new kits for it with all new jets. Thanks for any help.

[trdriver71]

There is a thread here that you can use to make a tool to get the broken needles out.

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=31670&highlight=carb+needle

[fredintoon]

Well I did it this time.. I don't know what happened but somehow the fuel/air mixture needle broke off inside the carb and I can't get it out. - - -

Hi Jacob,
if one of those tricks don't get the needle stub out of there yes you can drill it out.
Carefully. In a drill press. Making sure it's dead centred.
A hand-held power drill is NOT your friend for this.
It should take a 1mm (0.039") drill bit but if (like mine) your bench drill chuck won't grip a drill bit that small, a 1/16" drill bit will work too.
You just don't thread the needle out as far.

[jeffro1954]

I'd let you use the tool I had my guy make but I loaned it to Les Dutcher and he broke the tip off.

[JacobAndrew]

Thanks!

Thanks for the info! I tried searching, but didn't find anything... I just got the nut picked up, but couldn't find a drill bit small enough, so I might have to just grind one down to fit. I'm hoping it works as good as it sounds. The only problem I could see is getting it centered right. Can't wait to give it a shot!

[JacobAndrew]

Well it isn't working as good as I hoped.. Everything I use for the needle either breaks or bends. I've never seen brass so tough before. I put them in the freezer tonight so hopefully that will help. I guess we will find out tomorrow...

[jeffro1954]

Maybe the freezing will work for you, it didn't for me. I decided to take mine to a machine shop to have them drill it out since they have a precision drill press and a small enough drill bit. He came up with the extractor tool after I showed him a photo Ken provided of a tool. He used the tool instead of drilling and it worked. Cost me $50 but it was worth it to get them out and not mangle the holes.
I tried pins, nail brads, picks, PB blaster.

[jeffro1954]

I should add that the guy at the machine shop did apply heat on one of them to get it to come loose.