bent float pin

[tantofolder]

I was replacing my needle valve assemblies when I bent one of my float pins, much like the one pictured with the toothpick on the message board. Like an idiot, I tried to staighten it and now I have a useless, doglegged peice of junk. I've searched many of the links here to find a replacement but so far have been unsuccessful. Will I likely have to get this from a graveyard or have I missed an obvious link. Thanks in advance.

[skids]

Re: bent float pin

I once cleaned a Kawasiki carb that had an unrestrained pin. It went all the way through the goal posts and float pivot and was simply held in place by the sides of the float bowl. It was NOT pressed in place. What a concept!

Originally posted by tantofolder
Will I likely have to get this from a graveyard or have I missed an obvious link. Thanks in advance.

[tantofolder]

bent float pin

The pin will no longer go through the pivot point. Are you suggesting I make one? Are originals that hard to come by? Thank you for responding.

[tantofolder]

The pin will no longer go through the pivot point. Are you suggesting I make one? Are originals that hard to come by? Thank you for responding.

[fredintoon]

Float pivot pin

Hi Tantofolder,
Just mebbe your dealer has one, if not try the local bike breaker. If all else fails look for a common finishing nail at the hardware store that has the exact (measured with a micrometer) same diameter as the original.
More important is how to remove & install those pins without wrecking them (or more importantly) busting the goalposts off.
I got this tip from Bill Denton on the XS650 site and it's brilliant.
Buy a spring-operated centrepunch. They are not cheap but it will pay for itself tenfold the first carb. goalpost you don't bust off.
Put the point on the small end of the pin and push. The punch will compress and go click and the pin will move out without being bent or damaged in any way.
I've had some shoot right out and some needed 2 or 3 clicks before they'd move with my fingers but come out they all did.
To put 'em back in, slide them in with your fingers until they resist then click them home with the punch.
Fred Hill, S'toon.

[macnut xj]

The center punch trick is the way to go! That's the way I do it, and I never have to worry about breaking the posts.

[macnut xj]

BTW, if you can give me length and diameter measurements from your old pin, I will look around and see if I have something from my stock of old junk bike carbs that will fit.

[tantofolder]

Many thanks freditoon and macnut xj. I don't have a micrometer now, so I"ll have to try tomorrow to find an original. The center punch sounds good to prevent further disappointment. My 80 Midnight Special has been sitting for years, which was fine when I had something on the road. I need to take my time and baby this old dog,now.
Richard

[Czekus21]

You may be able to fab one out of a dowell pin that can be picked up at just about any hardware store.

[tantofolder]

Well, after digging around in my junkpile, I came across some stainless wire. I was able to make a straight pin that works however, it is just slightly smaller than the diameter of the float sleeve, leading me to believe the float may try to stick if it doesn't rise level. I say this because I realise how precise the float adjustment must be.This wire was what I had and it only took a few seconds, so its no big deal if it doesn't work. Anyone have any thoughts?

[Snow]

You can get brand new OEM (maybe NOS) from bikebandit.com - I got four of 'em a year ago.

[pgg]

snipped off nails are fine. 2mm.

[skids]

Well, there you go. I liked the simplicity of the Kawasiki carb. The pin was long and slid a little side to side, only being restrained by the sides of the float bowl from going too far.

Originally posted by Snow
You can get brand new OEM (maybe NOS) from bikebandit.com - I got four of 'em a year ago.