Topic: I have a mystery part from the carb rack

[VRodPete]

1976 CB550F

The TL;DR version.   Carbs were peeing gas after first fuelling.   I removed carb rack suspecting a stuck float.   After removing bowls and cleaning this spring was in the bottom of the pan.   I have no idea where it goes.   

Long version.   I've been rehabbing third bike off and on (mostly off) for 2 years.  Last ran in 2012.  New spokes and tires,  new front caliper,  reset valves fresh oil,  and checked timing...  added fuel and big leaks.   So I have airbox rubbers and new bowl gaskets on order and started cleaning the carb rack (some sticky gum in bowls) when a mystery spring appeared in the cleanup bowl.   I have no idea what it is or where it goes,  but it looks important.   (I am not a carb expert at all)

[MJL]

It looks like one that goes or around a screw to keep the screw from backing out, possibly an air screw.

[VRodPete]

That's what I thought too.  I checked and all 4 air screws are untouched and still in the carbs.  There's no way one of them fell out.  I can't see anything external missing,  and I don't think there are any internal springs that look like that are there?

It wouldn't be a front brake part that was sitting there from my brake service?   I think I did use the same bowl.

[bryanj]

There are small springs in the adjuster mechanism where the ball joints go

[VRodPete]

There are small springs in the adjuster mechanism where the ball joints go

Not sure where you are referring to? Ball joints?

[Motorcycle jones]

Probably a air pilot screw spring. Just put it in your toolbox if you are sure you already have them
on all four pilot air screws.

[jonda500]

There are small springs in the adjuster mechanism where the ball joints go

Not sure where you are referring to? Ball joints?

The four ball joints that open and close the slides, the ones you have to dislocate to get the slides out.
John

[bryanj]

I will try adding a picture from cms. Part number 12.
Not a clear picture but there are two small springs in the adjuster holding the "cups" that the ball joint on slide and rack plate clip into, one is adjustable for sync the other isnt

[VRodPete]

Gotcha.  Will check those today.   I did not remove those pieces though,  just the bowls.   I'm thinking it might be an air screw spring as suggested above.  Air screws were also not touched,  so it might have just been laying loose in the rack from the p.o..

In the end,  floats and bowls were cleaned, all jets look squeaky clean so once gaskets arrive it'll go back together.

[VRodPete]

Thanks to everyone who posted.   Removing the rack was a bit harrowing.   I'm still not a carburetor guy