Topic: Carb clarification & jet source

[Nortstudio]

That's great. I just want to make sure I have one complete set happening before I chase my tail any more than I already have

I think the 022a will be a better complete set, with a few parts from my 087 to fill it out. Primarily, I want to get rid of the damaged tube #3 on my 087 rack. If I recall, I may new to replace 2 float bowls. As far as I can tell, they both share the "pointed" bowl shape. I'll get some new gaskets etc, and hopefully be on my way...

[Deltarider]

My 087a carbs have the hollow tipped and cross drilled air screws.  But, I cannot verify they are original.

You can. In the Honda Parts List that covers the 550K, K1 and K2('76) it shows airscrew was modified from K1 to K2('76) model.
Partsnumber was 16016-323-004. With the K2('76) it became 16016-390-004, which is the same airscrew as found on the 550F, F1 and F2.

[Nortstudio]

Since we have last spoken, I have thrown another variable into the mix. I picked up a set of 4-2 exhaust. Although I know this makes diagnosis more difficult, it made me realize that my old pipes were in far worse conditionthan I thought. More holes in te bottom (where they escaped my gaze) and also I recognized that my pipe coolers were too loose. Is it safe to say, this less than stellar exhaust situation may have been causing some of my issues?

Just took delivery of the other set of carbs for my Frankenstein carb set up. This new set is very rough, and I haven't dug too deep yet (soaking in penetrating oil) - but I think these 022a might not be the main set after all.

Quick question: there are two tubes in the center of the photo below - coming up straight at you (so it looks like 2 holes).  What are these?  I don't recall these on the 087a set???  One of the tubes came with a small diameter hose on it - like a float drain hose.

[TwoTired]

The small nipples are for venting the carb bowls. (or providing atmospheric pressure to the top of the fuel level.)
The tubing should route down to in between swing arm and engine case.

[Nortstudio]

I don't recall seeing these on my 087a, did I just not catch it?  There definitely were no hoses there.  Could this missing link (breather hoses) be part of my issue?

[TwoTired]

I checked my 087a carbs and they have the same vent nipples.

[Nortstudio]

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phooey.  Sorry, can you confirm with me whether these hoses should be identical to the float tube/drain hoses?

Unfortunately, the 022a carbs I just got are in REALLY rough shape, so I'm a bit bummed, because what I thought was my biggest problem with the 087a set was that carb 3 has a slightly broken tube that holds the main jet.  Just a small part is broken off, and the main jet seems to remain in place ok, but it always bugged me.

For such an interesting piece of mechanical engineering, these carbs are becoming a serious pain in the ass

[TwoTired]

Phooey.  Sorry, can you confirm with me whether these hoses should be identical to the float tube/drain hoses?

Confirmed. 3.5mm, if I recall correctly.

Unfortunately, the 022a carbs I just got are in REALLY rough shape, so I'm a bit bummed, because what I thought was my biggest problem with the 087a set was that carb 3 has a slightly broken tube that holds the main jet.  Just a small part is broken off, and the main jet seems to remain in place ok, but it always bugged me.

Reserve your judgment until after they are cleaned.   If the slides are stuck, free them with a heat gun.
That's my recommendation.

Cheers,

[Nortstudio]

The slides move, it's really just everything inside the floats that look quite sad.

I will reserve judgement before completely freaking out, but.....