Carb Holder clamps

Took off the carbs... bla bla bla... here is the thing. 2 of the screws from the carb holder clamps are stripped. could I just use regular hose clamps instead? I don't see why this would not work, but maybe you have suggestions or comments on this!?

Thanks!

I still use my original clamps but... yes, you can use regulat hose clamps. Works fine..

Likely depends on design of the hose clamp and size of its mechanicals being compact enough to fit into the space allowed and being accessible for tightening.

On the large fours with manual slide Mikunis, its easier to use oem carb holder clamps and non-oem hose clamps on tubes from the airbox.

Also slightly easier access is afforded for tightening the inner airbox hose clamps by locating the clamp screw on top instead of on bottom, regardless of clamp type (oem or not).

Good Luck!

please delete this duplicate post

Hose clamp will be a pain. Just buy the right parts @ $4.00 or so each. Yes $4.00 is a lot of money, more than a gallon of gas. Part # 92037-178

I agree with Ron.
A standard hose-clamp will be wider,and COULD be a pain to get a tight seal.
Not saying it WON'T work,cause obviously it has for Bluemeanie,but I would still try to get the original ones.

I've been using hose clamps on the manifold for years with the BS34 carbs and they work fine. I still use the original springs for the airbox side.

I put stainless steel hose clamps clamps on the engine side of the carbs, screws on the bottom and use the springs on the airbox side. No problems

Maybe fix your original clamps with over size screw?

My clamps [Z500], involve a crosshead 6mm thread screwing into a captive nut.[captured by the clamp.] I removed the nut for cleaning/polishing, there are metal tabs each side that clamp the nut.They bend.
If yours are the same then you need a new nut.:silly:

Sparky, almost all the screws used in the Kaw carb holders are M5 w/.8 pitch and are actually JIS standard screws... they are not SAE type phillips head but JIS and a different screwdriver (JIS #1) is needed to ensure you don't strip the heads... If any of you wonder why carb screws are usually all stripped, it is because a JIS screwdriver wasn't used.

As far as using hose clamps, yes you can use them but keep in mind they tend to cause the rubber to deform some if you overtighten them. I used hose clamps for a couple years when mounting VM24 carbs on my KZ900 test bike and had to take care. I eventually bought the correct clamps. You can't use the larger clamps meant for a VM26/28 because they are just on the large side... The OEM VM24 clamps work great and hold up better than the VM26/28 type.

Hmmm, very different opinions here... i guess i'll try to find the right part at a dealer or something.... the "kid" at my local Kaw dealer had NO idea what I was looking for. then his supervisor came on the line and had no idea either. "I'll check and get back to you..." never did! I guess I'll find another dealer! I have the part number for the clamp, do the screws come with the clamp, or is it a different part number?

a JIS screwdriver, what the heck is that! I learn something new everyday!:laugh: