Topic: Float Bowl Drain Plug Sheared 76 cb550k

[xruss]

In the process of rebuilding my carbs, I had a stuck float bowl drain plug.  I tried PB on it, then tried some heat.  I ended up shearing the head off the screw. 

I searched, but found no replacement screws listed online.  I know I'll need to tap out the old screw.  I don't have any experience in doing so and am nervous about screwing up the threads and causing a fuel leak. 

Anyone able to suggest a source for a replacement?  Any other concerns I should have?

Thanks.

[faux fiddy]

Keep an eye out in the parts for sale , and also put up a thread in 'wanted to buy'  float bowl with drain plug.  Someone here will surely set you up for a few bucks .

[chickenman_26]

Your '76 carbs use the same drain screws as the carbs on the CB500. Sirius sells them complete with O ring. They also have a pack of 2 for half the money, if you don't want to replace all four.
http://www.siriusconinc.com/pro_detail-honda_cb350f_cb400f_cb500_gl1000_float_drain_screws-39-1093.htm

[xruss]

Chickenman, you are the man...and a chicken, I guess.  Thanks so much for the link.  Still not sure how I'm going to get the old plug shaft out, but I have PB soaking on it and I'll give it a go tonight. 

[faux fiddy]

A tiny little easy-out.

[CBGhia]

a tiny left-hand drill bit. 

[Gnat]

If the float bowl is the same from a 350F-1 then I'll give you one for nothing. Bowl and screw. PM me if interested

Gnat

[xruss]

Thanks, Gnat.  Honestly, I don't know if they are the same size between the 350 and 550.  Maybe someone else can chime in on that.  I might take you up on that offer.  First, let me see if I can get the other two screws removed with no problems.  I rebuilt the first carb, sheared that screw on the second, and have two more to go.  If I can get the others off, I'll take you up on that offer.  If I end up with the same problem on any others, I'll order a new set of screws and replace them all. 

I have another question on fuel line.  I've searched for cb550 fuel line and see everything from 3/8, 1/4, 5/16, 5.5 mm and 5.3 mm listed as appropriate lines.  It seems most of the references are for 1/4" line.  I found this blue/green clear line for .99/ft.
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Anyone have any experience on this line, or other places I should check out?

Thanks.

[faux fiddy]

350 and 550 are probably the same drain screw, not carb bowl.

[Gaither]

xruss

You might want to try the ATF/Acetone (50-50 mix) on the others before you try to get 'em out. Fingernail polish remover is usually Acetone.

Those plugs are very easily snapped off (don't ask how I know).

[xruss]

Gaither, when you say ATF, do you mean Automatic Transmission Fluid?  Mix that 50/50 with finger nail polish remover, huh?  Should I be using something like this mix rather than PB?

[Gnat]

Well your welcome to the screws if they are the same...I just rebuilt my set and have gobs of leftovers from a set I robbed.

Gnat

[nickandkristy02]

got a complete 550 bowl and screw if you want it

[bollingball]

Yes that is what Gaither ment

[nickandkristy02]

Gaither, when you say ATF, do you mean Automatic Transmission Fluid?  Mix that 50/50 with finger nail polish remover, huh?  Should I be using something like this mix rather than PB?

sounds like a meth lab 

[faux fiddy]

Well your welcome to the screws if they are the same...I just rebuilt my set and have gobs of leftovers from a set I robbed.

Gnat

I might send you a few bucks for some 350 carb junk.

Gaither, when you say ATF, do you mean Automatic Transmission Fluid?  Mix that 50/50 with finger nail polish remover, huh?  Should I be using something like this mix rather than PB?

sounds like a meth lab 

Much Cheaper and more bang for the buck than pb. ATF has good detergent and penetrating qualities.

[greenjeans]

Is brass softer than that potmetal they use for the bowls ?      If you're careful, you should be able to drill it out.

[odiewan]

McMaster-Carr has a number of easy-out extractors and extractor + left hand drill sets.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#easy-out-extractors/=ansk66

Not very expensive, around $30. A set of extractors seems to be pretty essential on 30+ year old bikes.

Ok, what is PB?

[xruss]

PB is PB Blaster, a penetrating oil - http://blastercorporation.com/display.cfm?p=50003&pid=4

Anyone notice my question on fuel line a few posts up?  Looking for some guidance on size and quality.  Thanks.

[flybox1]

I found this blue/green clear line for .99/ft.

I've never had any problems with this line.
buy 5' and have some to spare.

[Duanob]

Sounds like Nickandkristy02 just saved your bacon. You don't know what condition the threads are in even if you get the old screw out. Just buy another bowl as offered and get back on the road.

[Gaither]

Thanks, Bollingball, you're correct - that's what I meant.

xruss, Auto Trans Fluid mixed 50/50 with Acetone is evidently (from a chart on here somewhere) far better than most if not all penetrating oil/s.

There was quite a lot on this recently when Nortstudio was attempting to remove a very stubborn brake bleeder screw - and this mix got it out.

Sounds a bit strange, but it really works. The combination penetrates very well and the Acetone quickly evaporates, leaving the ATF in the threads (or whatever you're attempting to get free.

FWIW, this mix was not my idea - just something else I learned from these great fellows on this Forum.

[tomkimberly]

I have another question on fuel line.  I've searched for cb550 fuel line and see everything from 3/8, 1/4, 5/16, 5.5 mm and 5.3 mm listed as appropriate lines.  It seems most of the references are for 1/4" line.  I found this blue/green clear line for .99/ft.
http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/Index_Main_Frame.htm

Anyone have any experience on this line, or other places I should check out?

Thanks.

Ask your local shop if they carry fuel line in bulk. BTW, your bike will not mind if the fuel line comes from Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki.


Tom

[xruss]

nickandchristy02, I sent you a pm.  Thanks.

Thanks to all for the fuel line info.