Hey,
I have question concerning a topic that I haven't seen brought up.
While in the process of bringing my '98 back to life, I pulled the carbs, cleaned and balanced them etc.. On the low end (under 3K) it was still boggy. Beyond that, it ran sweet. I assumed I still had something gunked up in my pilot screw circuit.
So I pulled the carb again and was pretty surprised at what i saw. The #3 and 4 pilot screws were now damaged. The "needle" part was all worn down. I have no idea how that occurred. When installing them after cleaning, I barely seated them so I don't think that is the issue. I did all four carbs the same and the #1 and 2 look fine. After fully disassembling the carbs I can see what looks like brass dust. I'm guessing that is the remains of #3 and 4.
Has anybody ever heard of this? What the heck did I do wrong? since I can't seem to find just the pilot screw, I'm forced to shell $$$ for a whole jet kit, which I don't need/want. I want to make sure not to perform the same screw up twice so any insight would be great.

 

What did you clean them with? You should be able to get them from your Honda dealer. Should be a #40 slow jet. It is # 34 on this page: Fast shipping. Up to 40% off Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, Suzuki and Polaris OEM motorcycle parts and accessories. Deep reseller discounts.

 

I just used regular Carb cleaner. The only way the dealer sells them is with a whole bowl be build kit which is over $100 per bowl.

 

Use the link I posted above and order one from MR Cycles. If that does not work, you can find them on E-Bay sometimes. This person has four for sale: http://www.ebay.com/itm/99-00-honda-...af1439&vxp=mtr

 

Thanks. I actually need the pilot screw. The one that has the D shaped head on it. That's the one that a bugger to find by itself

 

I would recommend buying a set of used carbs.

 

Yea I'm thinking that might be a good way to go. I just can't figure out why it happened to begin with. I don't want a repeat issue

 

I have not seen this. Not sure what carb dip you are using, but I would recommend the Yamaha carb dip. It is the one you mix with water. Great stuff and does not damage the rubber or plastic parts.

 

This is the part you're looking for. My concern based on your description is making sure you've got all the remains of the idle screw out of the carburetor body. Those passages are really tiny and it wouldn't take much to clog that circuit. Buying a set of carburetors of ebay is not a bad idea. You can find them for between $50 and $75 at times. Then you'll have spare carburetor bodies if yours are clogged as well as 4 replacement idle screws. A new gasket kit is about $22 per carburetor.

 

Correct. That's the part I'm referring to. My concern is how and why the sharp needle portion of the ones for the 3 and 4 screw are worn down like that. Thet were basically brand new, just gunked up. I used Napa brand Carb cleaner and a T-shirt to clean them. They looked fine when I real installed them. I can't figure out what would have caused this.