Topic: Best source for jets?

[mgilvary]

Dismantled my carbs for the first time this past weekend. Great learning experience. And I was able to more or less cure my 'too rich' problem by dropping the needles a few notches (were on the 2nd from bottom,  now on second from top). No more powdery black plugs. Yay!

But I noticed two things. My main jets are a little beat up, especially the O-rings. And my float needles show a lot of wear (which explains the embarrassing puddles I sometimes leave behind). I suppose I could buy four rebuild kits at a cost of about $75 to $100, but considering that I only need main jets and float needle/seats, I was hoping to find a good source to buy those alone.

Also, if I want to rejet (as I am running pods and aftermarket exhaust), where can I find non-stock jet sizes. In other words, if I want to simply replace the stock jets, I have a Honda part number to work off of. But if I want to buy a different size jet, how do I find one that will fit in my carbs?

On last question: larger jet number means more fuel flow, right?

Thanks.

[mrbreeze]

 I just bought new main jets at the local Honda dealership for $7 each. I am also going to run pods and 4to1 header.I went from stock 105 to 120.Not sure about price of needles & seats sold seperately but I ordered K&L carb kits from Dennis Kirk at $18 each and they look to be pretty complete kits.Couldn't find anyone that has tried these kits but heard to stay clear of Napco and also some said Keyster.

[oldbiker]

There is a chap in New Zealand selling float jets on eBay for about $23 a set. I bought some for my cb400f and they are good quality. Should save you a few dollars.

[bryanj]

You say "O" rings on the main jets which suggests its a 400/500/550 and those you can only get from Honda IF THEY STILL DO THEM and they cost a fortune.

[mgilvary]

Yes -- it's a 75 550. Would Honda sell different sized jets, or are they only going to have stock ones?

[MotoDave]

www.partsnmore.com has Keyster carb rebuild kits for only $12.  Shipping is free with a $35 min order.

[TwoTired]

The jet sizes are specified in millimeters.  EG.#100 = 1 mm in diameter, #120- 1.2mm dia., #38= 0.38 mm dia.  etc.

This specifies the hole or jet restriction parameters.  This is the part that does the work.

I've seen (and reused) CB550 main jets pretty knarled up on the outside where someone chewed on it with pliers, or possibly and earth digger.  However, as long as the o-ring groove and the inner hole is undamaged, they still work fine.  It is very important that the o rings are resilient and seal correctly.  Honda still sells these $14-15 per carb.  (What price, performance.)

The CB500/550 in it's various models used different mains, #100 (#98 for the F models), different needles (taper profile), Slow jets, #40 (#38 for the F models).  There were also different hole sizes in the emulsion tube air bleeds.

Seems like combinations of the stock parts should get you pretty close to tuned.  Any aftermarket kits should have different numbers specific to the model type (not just cb550-all).  If not, they're just selling you parts, not solutions.

Lastly, if you suspect your needles are worn, consider the needle jets worn, too.  I haven't figured out how to renew those, yet.

[Ben]

I dont know what all the fuss is about with getting push-in mains! They are easily and cheaply available from david silver spares (www.davidsilverspares.co.uk) (always check there first!)

Cheers,

Ben.

[dzachary99]

You can also try www.newmotorcycleparts.com