stuck float pin/ Float pin tool

[CUBuffs]

I'm using a center punch on a float pin that won't budge. Does anybody have another suggestion for me please.

[randy]

Careful, a centerpunch will break the post if it slips!

DON'T ASK ME HOW I KNOW THAT!

Use a wire cutter, under the head of the pin and gently squeeze, lifting the pin. After lifting it, you can get a needle-nose pliers on the head and spin it to ease it out.

[fxrer]

Ditto what Randy says!

Go to Tech Tips (left column) > Maintenance> Carburetors> Carburetor Float Pin Removal

You will see a picture, with explanation

[CUBuffs]

Thanks for tips gents!

[Winterhawk]

Try a metal block behind the far post when you gently tap the pin out

[skids]

Originally posted by Winterhawk
Try a metal block behind the far post when you gently tap the pin out

A word of caution... I broke a float goal post once by using some side-cutters. The pin was stuck on the opposite post and pulling it with the cutter action pulled the opposite goal post over! (it was tantrum time)

[GNEPIG]

.. i use a hammer punch that i bought from the snap-on guy, since using this tool i have only broken off one "goal post" from a very stubborn set of crusty old carbs in the last 10 years
.. you can get the cheaper brass colored ones from the other tool trucks for less money but that one has too much hammer force and the chances of breaking off the posts again will be considerably higher
..

[CUBuffs]

Hey Gnepig,

I looked on the Snap-on web site and can't find any "hammer punch". How long ago did you purchase that?

[John]

It may be called a spring loaded center punch. Is this the type of punch in question?
http://www.cyberguys.com/templates/s...sp?T1=115+0370

[CUBuffs]

John, I'm not familiar with what Gnepig was talking about so I don't know.

What I do know is that I'm giving up on trying to get those pins out. Think I'm going to take it to the Yamaha dealer and let them do it.

[John]

CUBuffs

Somebody had mentioned in an earlier post something about a 'hammer punch". I think that tool was what they were talking about. This tool is a center puch that doesn't need to be struck with a hammer. Just press down on it, and the spring will release an internal 'hammer, and that will strike the end of the punch.
I would try either soaking the pin and post in some kind of penetrating fluid, or you could try using a propane torch and heat the post around the pin. Propane is not hot enough to damage the aluminum. Use a small vise grip or a secure a small pair of needle nose pliers to the post to act as a heat sink, to keep the heat from spreading too far into the body of the carb.
Don't take the carbs to a dealer. Take them to an independent shop that has some older mechanics. Look around...they're out there. Those guys will be familiar with the bike and the carbs, and the indie shops don't charge as much as the stealerships.

[prometheus578]

Think I'm going to take it to the Yamaha dealer and let them do it.

Oh, so THAT poor sap can fight with it and break it off.

and the indie shops don't charge as much as the stealerships.

All four dealers and the one or two independents here charge the same: $75 per. (who really cares what Hardly Driveable charges?)
Everybody talks about takin' those things out, but no mention of putting them back in. What... so you can break it next time? I either run the pin back and forth many times on a file to thin it, or just use my smallest drill bit to open the hole.
"But then the pin can slide out!"
No.. the floatbowl has a square type section that the float towers fit into. The closeness of those walls should stop the pin from backing out. I don't drill the hole too sloppy.
(HHmmm. I suppose I should get the micrometer out and measure the tower distance and the bowl section before running my mouth. The end of the pin may be able to move out of the far tower. Shall check tomorrow.)

[GNEPIG]

.. i will be changing my name to "Somebody" tomorrow..

yes to every thing that the other guy the Guru has said.. the picture in Johns link is what i was talking about but be careful this is the one that has too much hammer force
.. i would try the lube, heat and pliers thing first, just take your time and dont use the force

[pggg]

CB Cuffs! Don't you DARE take that carb to a rip-off Yamaha dealer!! Only if they do it for free. A genuine business would charge nothing. If they tell ya it'll cost, tell them to take a hike, and also tell them they'll never get any business from you ever ever again! Carefully drill the sucker out at the last desperate resort. Most of my pins are replaced snipped nails. Send the money saved to charity!

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Prom,

You're right about the float bowl keeping the pin in place!! I had broken off a post, and totally mucked up a pin, made one from an aluminum nail, cleaned it up and reduced it's diameter a touch with some emory cloth to ensure that it would allow the float to easily spin/pivot on it, and then used wire cutters to cut it to desired length, and after JB-Welding the post, put it all back together, had to file the ends of the pin to ensure it wouldn't hang on the sides of the bowl!!
T.C.