Topic: Stuck Float Bowl Drain Plugs - CB 350F

[CrashBar]

I've checked the Carb FAQ and done a search, but did not see anything on this.  I am half way through rebuilding the carbs on my CB350f.  So-far, so-good, except I cannot get the drain plug screws out of the float bowls.  I let them sit for a week filled with liquid wrench (the graphite solution), but it did not help.  Before I resort to more torque (impact driver or flat blade socket on a 1/2" breaker bar) are there any other tricks?  The screws are very soft.  Will heat help? Should I just drill and tap out the other side and switch them all around left vs. right?

Thanks in advance.

CB

[greenjeans]

heat gun and some PB Blaster...I had the same problem.   Put some PB Blaster in there and hit it with a heat gun. Give it a shot.   A BIGGER screwdriver will help as well.

[CrashBar]

Thanks, I'll give it a try.  I needed an excuse to go to Home Depot today anyway....

[Bodi]

If you do ruin them, I think Sirius has replacements for a relatively reasonable price...I know I saw some and that's the most likely place. The screw threads are super fine metric, pretty much unobtainable in the western world. Plus the profile is odd with the oversize cheese head, and there are holes drilled through the thing to let fuel drain... so basically making a replacement would be a nightmare.

[CrashBar]

Yep, I've already ordered a replacement set from SCI (figured by the time I got them out they'd be pretty mangled no matter what).  Everything is having a good soak in PB blaster at the moment, so let's see what tomorrow (and some heat, and a big screwdriver,  and maybe a pair of vice grips) brings!

[mattcb350f]

give the head of the screw a good wack with a hammer too before wrenching on it. It's sometimes enough to jar the threads.

 Matt.

[Gin Rickey]

some PB Blaster...I had the same problem.   Put some PB Blaster in there and hit it with a heat gun. Give it a shot.   A BIGGER screwdriver will help as well.

I second.

[CrashBar]

Presto - 4 for 4.    Soaked them overnight and gave them a rap with a hammer, and out they came.

Thanks!

CB

[heffay]

big screwdriver is a good hint... i've always had good luck w/ tricky screws by going over to the box, getting the foot and a half long phillips or flathead and trying again. 

i've tried to figure it out but what is it?  just plain more torque?  different hand and arm position resulting in better results?  wtf?

best tool in the box for this purpose though?... impact screwdriver set.  now, if only those little screws weren't buried in that tunnel! 

[Gordon]

best tool in the box for this purpose though?... impact screwdriver set.  now, if only those little screws weren't buried in that tunnel! 

I don't think I'd use an impact driver on the float bowls.  That weak metal will bend or break too easily. 
What tunnel are you talking about?

[heffay]

oops... i really didn't mean to put "for this purpose". 
i think i may have meant something like, stuck screws that you don't want to strip the head on...
thanks gordon.   

[heffay]

What tunnel are you talking about?

carb screws, whichever ones they are... inevitably seem to be in some sort of ridiculously slender tunnel.  whether these particular ones are or not was not really my point.  joking about the pain in the assness of carb work and stuck screws. 

[mattcb350f]

What tunnel are you talking about?

carb screws, whichever ones they are... inevitably seem to be in some sort of ridiculously slender tunnel.  whether these particular ones are or not was not really my point.  joking about the pain in the assness of carb work and stuck screws. 

It sounded like you were talking about a snowmobile tunnel (Chassis). whenever a screw is droped under the hood of a sled, It will no doubt come to rest under the engine in a pool of goop on the bottom of the tunnel, only retrievable with a telescoping magnet and and a large flashlight 

 Matt.

[heffay]

i hate THAT tunnel... i've dropped many a battery bolt down those