Topic: 78 550k - slow jet swap from #42 to #35

[Vintage Esquire]

I have read the numerous posts related to this and it doesn't look like anyone else has switched from 42's to 35's on a  stock 550k.  My new slow jets arrived from Sirius today, however the ones which arrived are press in type #35's.  The stock ones were press in type #42's.  My bike is completely stock.  Can I use the 35's?  If so, what other adjustments will I need to do?  I have the 42's soaking now in an effort to clean them, but unclogging them seems unlikely.  Thanks.

[bwaller]

Use a small torch to heat them to just glowing. It will soften the crud enough to sometimes blow clean. Soak them again after you get the opening clear to be sure. I wouldn't use the 35's

[TwoTired]

#35 not recommended.

Talk to Sirius and get them to exchange them.  Or, clean the old ones you have with a 0.010 or 0.009 Guitar string.

Be gentle though and just push out the clog.  You don't want to scratch the soft brass orifice hole.

[Vintage Esquire]

Bwaller and Twotired,

Thank you very much for the advice!  I just grabbed a blow torch and heated the original #42's until they glowed.  All of the solidified fuel inside turned to black ash which I then blew out with the air compressor.  I finished the cleaning by running the two smallest wires on a K&L tool through them, then carb cleaner. 

The blow torch advice must have come from the ultra-secret advanced class on carb cleaning!!  Now I can just return the 35's.  Thanks.