rubber-tipped BS38 float needle answer

I consider this a pretty critical part so I did spend a little more on the Made in Japan K&L needles as opposed to the cheaper Chinese ones. Still, only about $5 each, if they work out that's a savings over new $15 to $20 needle and seat assemblies.

I did have some "teething" problems. After a couple days, one carb started leaking. Turned out to be a bad float, not the needle, so that was a good thing. Took a couple of tries to get the new float set right. I used the clear tube method because I didn't want to pull the carb set so I could measure. This whole carb set is a big experiment, lol, XS500 carbs I adapted for 650 use .....

ReadyToMount.jpg
 
Update: I've used the rubber-tipped needles spec'ed in this thread several times, and I am completely convinced that they are the way to go.
I have made a further improvement. Before, in order to decrease the height of the needle I have been discarding the sealing washer. Instead, I used Motoseal -- see post # 28 in this thread -- applied where the sealing washer would have gone.
I now think a better solution is to use Permatex Thread Sealant on the threads. Much easier to apply. According to the Permatex propaganda, among other attributes:
  • Lubricates threads for easy assembly and disassembly
  • Will not loosen in service but can be easily removed with hand tools
  • Resists all auto shop fluids, fuels and gases, Safe on gas & propane fittings, Temperature range up to 204C (400F)
download.jpg
 
So can I clarify that if I use Keihin k1 type viton tipped needles and omit or slim down the jet washer I shouldn't need to alter the float tang on my 75's bs38s?
Tourmax seems to be the most reliable Japanese manufacturer and I can get them for circa £6.50.
Screenshot_20230510_082155_Chrome.jpg
 
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Dom said:
So can I clarify that if I use Keihin k1 type viton tipped needles and omit or slim down the jet washer I shouldn't need to alter the float tang on my 75's bs38s?
Tourmax seems to be the most reliable Japanese manufacturer and I can get them for circa £6.50.View attachment 242553
Click to expand...
I can't tell if that's the right needle or not. I can't find any vehicle fitment info for it.
 
Dom said:
They fit an 88 vt600c
Click to expand...
I still can't tell. Here is an example of the needle that I am using:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/192195452506
Under item specifics, it gives the following part numbers:
Honda part number
16011-382-004
Honda part number 1
16011-393-004
Honda part number 2
16011-KG0-004
Kawasaki part number
16030-1007
Suzuki part number
13370-26E00
Yamaha part number
5EB-14107-00-00
The listing also has a long list of compatible vehicles.
The above eBay needle is made in Taiwan, but works fine for me. I have also used Chinese-made versions that work fine.
 
I'm pretty sure they are the ones, these are TourMax rather than Keihin. I think they're worth a shot, I'm less keen on bending the float tangs if I'm honest but if it stops Mr Leaky carb so be it.
 
Yes, they should be the correct ones, the K1 type for the VT600C. It's what I used. They also make a K2 and K3, and those would not be right. I would fit them first without removing the gasket ring from the seat. They may fit fine, mine did.
 
5twins said:
Yes, they should be the correct ones, the K1 type for the VT600C. It's what I used. They also make a K2 and K3, and those would not be right. I would fit them first without removing the gasket ring from the seat. They may fit fine, mine did.
Click to expand...
I've ordered some now so hopefully they do the trick.
 
5twins said:
Yes, they should be the correct ones, the K1 type for the VT600C. It's what I used. They also make a K2 and K3, and those would not be right. I would fit them first without removing the gasket ring from the seat. They may fit fine, mine did.
Click to expand...
Excellent. I'll try the K1s next time. They sound perfect. The ones I've been using work fine, but I have to eliminate the washer and I have to very slightly bend the tang.
I'm going to add this info as an edit to my original post thread-starter so that searchers can get this solution without having to wade through the entire thread.
 
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Well they came and I've fitted them, literally the same length bar a hairs width. While in there I polished up the floats and accidentally put a thumb dent in one so I held a lighter next to it, it let off the most pleasing 'ping' when the dent popped out.

Any way no leaks now!
20230512_151132.jpg
20230512_151153.jpg
20230512_151034.jpg
 
I tried (and failed) to find inexpensive VT600C needles in the U.S.
I bought these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/175495486738 The listing says VT600C right in the title. But it doesn't say K1 anywhere.
(Side note: they were $10 when I bought them 6 days ago).
What I got were needles exactly the same as the needles I've been using all along in this thread for much cheaper, I.E. posts #2 and #22. In other words, a couple mm too long, usable if you eliminate the sealing washer and use thread sealant instead.
 
C'rap, having problems with leaking again. Not severe but enough to be able to smell it when parked after a ride with (vacuum) petcocks off and leaving residue on the bottoms of the float bowls. It stops after the fuel line and filter run dry... frustrating.
 

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