79 XS11F idle mix screw help

[BBQRider]

I’m not sure if the carb rebuild kit I got came with the correct idle mix screw? Unfortunately I cannot put my hands on the original. If anyone has a picture of the correct screw, that would be super helpful. Also, is there supposed to be an o ring and washer on the early carbs or just the screw and spring? Thanks in advance.

[JeffH]

Hi, for the 78E-79F it should be just the Screw & Spring. The long tapered needle point.
You know, the one with the pointy tip that breaks off if we aren't careful.

Part #2A2-14923-00-00 for the Needle Screw and #456-14934-01 for the Spring which is NLA

Hope that helps. I will look for a photo later today.

Jeff

[bikerphil]

Yep, no O-ring or washer on the early type...

[BBQRider]

Ok great. Thanks so much guys!

[BBQRider]

Actually, do you guys have any suggestions on how to NOT bend the needle? It’s kinda hard to tell when your screwing it in with the resistance from the spring.

[JeffH]

Breaking off a tip is bad trouble. And as you said, with spring under full tension loading it it nearly impossible to tell when it is too much. And with the spring under full tension it is very knotchy so it is easy to get the tip down the pin hole and to a breaking point.

What I found that works and at least is idiot proof for me is:
Put in the needle without the spring and count the turns till it bottoms. With no spring there is no resistance and you can easily feel when it touches bottom. As I recall it is 10 or 10 1/2 turns from start of threads to tip seating at the pin hole. Then to double check I count the turns coming out. Of course same 10 or 10 1/2 whatever it is.

Then I put on the spring on the screw and if you want the screw out say 1 3/4 turns then 10 - 1 3/4 = 8 1/4 so screw IN 8 1/4 turns would equal the setting of 1 3/4 turns out from bottom.

That has worked good for me on cleaning many carbs and i've never worried about breaking a tip. Plus when doing the Sync the carbs are happy and don't need much screw adjustment. Maybe a 1/4 turn out if anything. But I'm using OEM parts and ALL stock OEM setups.

Jeff

[cajun31]

I would add .... If you have the carbs off the bike ... hold your finger over the hole in the mouth of the carb then count the number of turns in until you just feel the tip emerge. Stop there and you have a good guide to go by while on the bike.

[BBQRider]

Hey Cajun, correct me if I’m wrong but on mine (early carb) the needle doesn’t seem to poke through?

[BBQRider]

Feeling a little dumb but yes I do see (feel) the hole where the needle comes through. Bad news for me, I feel a broken off tip.
Is it hopeless or is there a way to safely get it out??

[bikerphil]

You could try this...

https://xs11.club/forum/repairs/carburetors-fuel-system-aa/195-idle-mixture-screw-broken-tip-removal

[cajun31]

Hey Cajun, correct me if I’m wrong but on mine (early carb) the needle doesn’t seem to poke through?

They do... but you don't want to overtighten from that point. That is how you end up with the broken tip. When I say hold your finger over the hole I guess I should have said until you feel the hole fill up.... LOL. Hopefully you can get that broken tip out without having to drill it out.

[BBQRider]

Thanks guys. I was able to get the broken tip out, so hopefully I’m good to go. Illl try to get things back together over the next couple days and let you know how it goes. I really appreciate the insight.