stuck float pin/ Float pin tool

[Ken Talbot]

Prototype #kt02, kt03

Got the technique figured out for filing down the end of the cap screws while they're spinning in a drill press. Also paid a bit closer attention to keeping things square while drilling the holes and tapping.








Then, I set about to try it out on one of my spare carbs. Kind of a nasty looking unit I must say:



Here's the tool placed onto the posts, getting ready to tweak it straight and apply the allen wrench:



Pin starting to move, but still in that fairly tight section:



Screw almost all the way in, and the pin is now clear of the right hand post and has passed beyond the tight section under the head of the pin:



Tool has been removed, pin is now loose enough to be removed by hand:

[mro]

VERY COOL
great pics



mro

[John]

Well done, Ken.

[CUBuffs]

Hey Ken,

Looks great. Do you plan to make more of these so we can buy them from you?

[Ken Talbot]

I've picked up a bit more material and will make up a small batch of float pin removal tools over the next while. When I've got some ready, I'll make them available to forum members for a small donation towards the cost of keeping this site operating. Until then, here is a link to some dimensioned drawings in PDF format that will let you build one yourself.

Suggested tools include a hacksaw, drill press, centrepunch, 5/32" drill bit, 5/32" round file, flat file, and 5x0.8mm tap.

Materials required include a 12mm piece of 2x2 angle iron, and one 5x16 metric socket head cap screw.

Link to drawings is here

Once I get my webspace access sorted out again with my ISP, I'll work on putting together an illustrated how-to page also.

[CUBuffs]

Great Ken,

I don't have the tools to make one so I'll plan to donate.

[Ken Talbot]

The first batch is ready!

Just a small batch, to see how much time is involved, how finnicky they are, etc.


With all the set-up and a few false starts along the way, there's probably about an hour of time in each one of these little guys, but at least the material cost is pretty minimal. I thought a cost of US$10 each would be a suitable price for this trial batch. This would include two driving pins, and shipping via mail anywhere in the world. All proceeds will go towards support of the forum.

I'd like to see a few people try these out and provide some feedback. Because these are hand made, there are slight variations in that some fit snugger or looser then others, some of the driving pins are machined a bit on the thin side, etc.

Along the way, I also drew this unit up in eMachines and have come up with something looking like this:



If there is enough interest to warrant a batch of 50, I could have them made commercially in aircraft aluminum. They could still sell for US$10 to make two or three bucks per unit for the site. Of course, higher quantities would result in lower unit costs.

If you'd like to the first on your block to own and try out one these, PM me and I'll get back to you with my PayPal details, or we can work out something else. When I get some feedback, I'll set up a poll to canvass to see if there is enough interest for a large batch.

[xj11john]

Very cool Ken,

And let me say you are another example of quality leadership and kindness of the members and moderators on this site, we are lucky to have such a Super talented guy and moderator as you!

Thanks for all your dedication to this site and its members and visitors.

[GNEPIG]

.. yep, i have one ordered

[GNEPIG]

.. sorry Ken, my camera is phuckin up, no pics
mostly all i had to do to make my pin press work was to file the holes square so they would fit the newer model carbs with the larger square posts.. i also filed a releaf to clear the float tang that keeps the float from hanging down to far
. you might want to try your presses to make sure that the press bolts line up with the pin, on my press the bolt was placed too low and the brace hole on the pin side would barley touch the top of the post.. i cut and welded the bolt mount higher and now it works fine.. i was wandering if a smaller diameter bolt would help get the push bolt closer to the top
.. after some adjustments the pin press works just like it's supposed to
.. all in all, its a good tool, and the price is right
Thanx Ken

[81xsproject]

I think it was on this thread that i read it, but while I had the pins out I put each one in the end of my drill and spun them while I ground the heads off the pins. The bowls are set up so the pins can't come out... the pins are also a slightly larger diameter at the head end which I also reduced. The pins are snug but still slide out easily now, no tools required

[GNEPIG]

.. hey Ken, mro or anyone interested, i've been thinking about another tool.. you know the 78, 79 carbs that have the long skinny pointed air/fuel adjustment screws and how some people over tighten them and break the point off in the bottom of the hole, well how about a press that will push that broken brass tip back up into the hole? i was thinking of something shaped like a C clamp with a sharp point or a flat that will fit in the little hole in the top of the ventury and the push bolt pushing down on the top of the tower that the adjustment screw goes into.. maybe a push bolt bigger in diameter than the tower with the end machined to fit just inside the threads at the top of the tower so it doesnt move around so much while you're focused on aligning the point on the tip of the screw inside the carb
.. this is just an idea i have been kicking around since the pin press idea but i have'nt had the time to work on it either,
.does anyone see anything wrong with this idea or have any suggestions,?
.. Gene

[mro]

I saw a post where some one used a "bulletin board stick pin"? and a wrench?,,, is this is what your talking about?

Would not be hard to make a tool but I don't have an older carb which would be necessary to make to right size etc...

only have some 80's carbs.


mro

[mro]

Universal Pin Removal Tool???

Finally got around to finishing tool that is adjustable.
Pin height from about 1/8" (from top of post) to 3/4" deep.
(never seen a pin that far down though)

Distance between posts up to 1 3/4"
(XS's are about 1")

Allen screws (4) all same size wrench
3 are used for adjusting for different post widths and distances
1 (longer) goes through sliding part to press out pin. slides up to 1/8" from top of post, and down to 3/4" (can cheat to get a little higher)

Whole thing should fit between carbs w/o having to separate them









Works on the XS carbs, but haven't a clue if a MC Tech would want one.

Now need another bike to try out on


mro

btw
whats next

[Wet Rock]

mro

I like it, purty too.
Any of you guys that received Kens version have any reports on how they've been working out.