Topic: Really simple carb sync question.

[friedfish80]

Thanks to you all here I have become a master at syncing carbs on bikes now. I have sync parties for my friends and I kinda enjoy doing it. Everything goes good with the sync but I always have 1 problem. And its very frustrating. I always have the hardest time getting the screws in carbs 2 and 3 once im done doing the sync. The true name for them excapes me at the moment. But its the screws that you take out and hook up the carb tune to get the reading for them. There have been times that it take me longer to get the screw in carb then it takes for me to sync the carbs. Does anyone here have a trick for getting them back in with ease?

[Bodi]

I have a screwdriver with a spring screw holder, I've had them for decades and have no clue where to get them but Wiha and others show similar tools on the web. Works wonders for hard to reach spots with stainless or brass screws. If this is a steel screw just magnetize your screwdriver. Hold the tip on a magnet, or buy a cheap ($10.00?) tool magnetizer/demagnetizer. I have no clue how these things work - just a plastic lump with two holes, you put the tool in one hole and it's magnetized or put it in the other hole and it isn't - but they work.

[TwoTired]

You could also use a Phillips screw starter.  No it isn't an aphrodisiac.   Google it and you'll find it holds the screw on the tip of it for reaching and engaging the threads.  Technically you'd want a JIS screw starter.  But, I haven't seen one in the US.  And, since you don't really put torque on it, it doesn't damage the Phillips head screws.

Cheers,

[Spanner 1]

Jis ?.... all the SOHCs have slotted ( straight edge ) heads.... the problem is the screws on the vacuum ports are alumum or brass and non magnetic..... I just fill the screw slot with soap ( bar soap ) to 'stick' it to the end of the screwdriver, works great !!

[chickenman_26]

Go to any Sears store and buy their slotted screw starter - Sears Item# 00941024000. Model# 41024.
I use this tool about twice a week for the job that's driving you crazy. Works great regardless of what the screw is made of.

Stu

[Johnie]

Stu you and I must be old school. I have been using the same tool since the early 70's. Works real nice.

[TwoTired]

Jis ?.... all the SOHCs have slotted ( straight edge ) heads....

Not "all".  The 550s use cross point, maybe the 350s and 400s.  PD carbs have straight slot. 
The OP never said what bike he was referencing.

Regardless a "screw starter" is made for both types.

Cheers,

[chickenman_26]

Stu you and I must be old school. I have been using the same tool since the early 70's. Works real nice.

I guess so, Johnie. Old, and old school.  I bought both the cross point and the slotted back then. Broke the cross point recently and was happy to find Craftsman gave me a new one for free!

Stu

[Duanob]

A long time ago I used to have a set of magnetized screw drivers, both slotted and phillips. I loved them. I haven't found a set since.