Topic: PD carb help

[Nortstudio]

I am helping a friend clean his PD carbs from a 1978 CB550k. Having never worked with these carbs before, can someone confirm whether the brass piece below the "tower" in the picture is a jet (slow?) that can be removed?

It's got a small hole at the top, and the thing is IN there. So before trying to unscrew it or pull it - I figured I should ask the experts.

Also, not sure how to get the carbs separated off the plate without a hassle - seems round, pivoting "doors" (can't recall the proper name) are all connected by the rod that runs the length of 2 carbs each.

Thanks in advance!

[Rigid]

Yes, that jet pulls out, try some heat from a pencil torch.

[Nortstudio]

Thanks Rigid!  The heat worked perfectly.

One more question (I hope!): does the float needle seat come out?  I can't see a place to grab onto it - or a placement for a chop stick on the other side either.

Appreciate the quick help.

Scott

[TrueSpin]

Also, not sure how to get the carbs separated off the plate without a hassle - seems round, pivoting "doors" (can't recall the proper name) are all connected by the rod that runs the length of 2 carbs each.

Those are the choke butterflies, and yes, they do have to come off the shaft (unfortunately) to separate the carbs from each other.

[Nortstudio]

Right!  Butterflies. Spaced out.

Do you know if these float needle seats come out?  Those would be the last of the brass bit in tere at this point.

Thanks!

[Deltarider]

to separate the carbs from each other

Why would you do that?
Just remove the float bowls.

[Nortstudio]

He was looking to dip them in carb dip. Won't fit in the can when they are all 4 connected. They have been sitting in the elements, neglected for quite some time, so dip would not have been the worst idea. But I convinced him to just clean them on the plate.

Float needle seats?  Removable or no?

[madmtnmotors]

Float needle seats should not be removeable. The PD carbs use a rubber-tipped float needle, the seat should not be a wear item.

[Nortstudio]

Great. Thanks for the clarification.

[TwoTired]

The float seats must be drilled, or milled, for removal. (I've never done it, and I don't know where to get replacements.)
The float needles are not all rubber tipped from the factory.  Perhaps some were.
If the steel needles and seat don't seal upon closure, then I suggest lapping compound to re-mate the needle with the seat.

Cheers,

[Nortstudio]

Thanks TT. He has the rubber style, so he should be good. Amazing how different these carbs are compared to my 087a.