Topic: Cilp on F3 Carb Float Needle

[Trav-i]

Heys guys I was just putting my carbs back together when I noticed that number one is missing the clip on the float needle.  How important are these clips?  It seems that the needle doesn't move correctly without that clip, as compared to the others.  I have an extra set of carbs for parts , how hard are they to get off and still reuse?

Thanks

Travis

[ron.cieri.313]

The little circular clip which holds the needle is a set depth position?...if "yes" very very important...and yes, you could easily steal one from another carb...but maybe your talking about a part or year model I'm not thinking of.

[Trav-i]

Your right on Ron.  After I got to looking at everything I came to realize that it was indeed very important.  So after taking the float apart I found that the needle in that carb wasn't right it had no groove for the ring.  So I stole the best one I could find out of my parts carbs and put it all back together, and I feel much better about that carb.  Now all I have to do is check that float level and get some new bowl screws, as someone has butchered all the bowl screws.

Once again thanks!

Travis

[ron.cieri.313]

No problem Travis....it might worth checking if you haven't reassembled your carbs back onto your bike, if all the clips are in the same needle position...there are 5 spaces for positioning on each clip.

[TwoTired]

We may have a terminology disconnect here.

The float valve is in the carb bowl.  The clip on that helps the needle follow the float as the float sinks.  Many carbs don't have that clip and just rely on gravity or fuel pressure to open the valve, so it isn't strictly necessary.  But, it would bug the H out of me knowing that all the correct parts weren't in the carb.

The slide needle clip is quite another matter.  The carb won't work beyond idle position if that clip is left out.

Cheers,

[Trav-i]

Thanks Lloyd.  After looking and thinking I came to that same conclusion, so I robbed one from the other old useless carb rack I have.  Upon taking out the questionable float needle I noticed it must be after market because it was too big and had no groove for the wire retainer.  Your right I do feel a lot better about the right part being in there, espically since I can't pull the float bowl like you can on the earlier K.

Travis