Topic: Snapped off Pilot Jet

[gwallis]

I just purchased a 1976 CB550F.  I have been looking for one for the last several months.  The one I found has not run for the last ten years (2004) and only has 13,000 miles on the clocks.

In the initial tear-down I removed the carbs and found the reason that it has not run in the last ten years... someone snapped off the pilot jet on #2 carb.  I can still see the remains of the brass jet about one eight of an inch from the top of the jet housing.

Does anyone know the best way the remove the piece that remains?  I purchased the smallest 'Easy-Out' made; but a 'starter hole' has to be drilled in order for the easy-out to get a bite.  Or should I just drill out the snapped piece and try to Tap new threads... if that is even possible!

Gary

[RAFster122s]

Be very careful with Easy Outs as they are harder than drill buts and if you break it off you are looking at replacing the carb or an expensive trip to a machine shop/engine shot to use a Electro process that eats the broken piece off. I  think a machine shop would try a left hand drill bit if it is screwed in. Or would drill out the jet.

If it is a pressed in jet, then there are various techniques to pull a broken jet. I am presuming that the top of the jet broke leaving in the portion that was pressed in lower. Sometimes you can insert a steel screw that is larger than the jet's hole and get it screwed into the jet. Once it is solidly in you clamo a set of vicegrips onto the shank of the screw. Place a piece of hardwood across the carb body to lever against it.
Sometimes that can work to pull it.
Second method is very similar in that you drill it to the next size to cut threads into the bore of the jet. Once tapped you screw a machine screw or bolt into the jet and you can use a vice grip or you have a couple nuts on the threads above a plate drilled the screw shaft. A thick fender washer and then your nuts on. Then you tighten the nuts and it presses against the plate and slowly pulls the jet out.
Sometimes you have to secure the screw shaft so it doesn't spin or overstressed into the jet hole and snap off in the jet.

[gwallis]

David,

'Thank You' for your very detailed message.  This was my first time asking a question in order to get technical feedback... I am not disappointed!

I will let you know how all this turns out.

Gary

[gwallis]

Well David,

I was able to get the pilot jet out with a very small 'Easy-Out'.  I first drilled a small hole for the device to bite into the jet.  Being brass it drill drilled easily and allowed the device to bite into the jet.  After several turns I could see the threads and the rest is history.

I hope this is instructive for others with the same problem...saved me from having to buy another carb!

Take care,

Gary