OEM Jet Needle

So I'm finally getting around to rebuilding a set of VM24's from a C2. I noticed the jet needle in carb one was bent pretty bad at the tip, so I looked up the OEM part number on Kawasaki's site and ordered one up.

Part number was: 16009-071

I get it in the mail and it looks good, but upon closer inspection it looks like it's a little thicker. Near the tapered tip especially. Also, the original bent one is stamped: 5CN15 and the newer one is stamped: 5DL31

Should this be a concern? Picture attached.

Probably the closest replacement needle available. The ones in my rebuild kit were WAY off from the stock needle.

I suppose it's better than the ridiculously bent needle I was running.

bountyhunter wrote: Probably the closest replacement needle available. The ones in my rebuild kit were WAY off from the stock needle.

You need to order the correct needle. That replacement one is to lean for your set up. Otherwise you would have to buy more needles and needle jets, etc to make all carbs the same. Look here:

Motorhead, what site is that? I only ordered on thinking it was correct.

It is just the Kawasaki Parts fiche, but at cyclepartsnation.com as it it easy to use. But as you can see there are a couple of different needles, get the same )# as you took out, all carbs need to be the same.
Ask Z1 they will have a better price I bet.

First, yes you want all of the needles to match otherwise you will have issues attempting to get them to sync correctly. Not sure if you can still get the 5CN14 needle any more. But at the same time not sure how the 5DL3 needles will work with the needle jet in the carb. Either way in IMO all of the needles need to match, as do all of the needle jets.

Second, not all of the C2s came with the same carbs. From the info I can find there were 3 different carb assemblies used on this model. They are 16001-1022, 16001-1069, and 16001-1084. The needles in the 1022 set was the 5DL3-4 (part#16009-071)and the needle jets were O-8(that is an OH no a zero), in the 1069 set it was 5CN15-4 (part#16009-1013) and the needel jet was the O-4 and in the 1084 set the needel was 5CL16-3 (part#16009-1029)and the needle jet was AO-5).

The part # for the carb assembly should be stamped on the flange just below the choke lever. It will be something like this.

102
2(some other letter or number)

106
9(some other letter or number)

108
4(some other letter or number)

Just for additional info regarding the Mikuni needles and needle jets as I understand them

The needle jet is the main fuel passage to the main bore (venturi) of the carburetor. Depending on the inside diameter of a specific needle jet, this will also effect the function of the needle. therefore, needle jets and jet needles act togeher as the main system in controlling the amount and mixture of the fuel which is drawn in mid-range (1/4 - 3/4) throttle operation.

Needle jets are available not only in types, but by series and size. Mikuni series numbers for style of the needle jet. This series includes not only the physical fitment dimensions but also the nozzle profile, and the atomization pattern. The sizes (inside diameter size) within each series are listed according to a letter-number combination. The letter shows the inside diameter size in increments of .50mm. See the Mikuni Needle Jet Sizing Chart below for a better understanding


Mikuni Needle Jet Orifice Diameters in mm
-0 -1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -6 -7 -8 -9
N 2.550 2.555 2.560 2.565 2.570 2.575 2.580 2.585 2.590 2.595
O 2.600 2.605 2.610 2.615 2.620 2.625 2.630 2.635 2.640 2.645
P 2.650 2.655 2.660 2.665 2.670 2.675 2.680 2.685 2.690 2.695
Q 2.700 2.705 2.710 2.715 2.720 2.725 2.730 2.735 2.740 2.745
R 2.750 2.755 2.760 2.765 2.770 2.775 2.780 2.785 2.790 2.795
S 2.800 2.805 2.810 2.815 2.820 2.825 2.830 2.835 2.840 2.845
Y 3.100 3.105 3.110 3.115 3.120 3.125 3.130 3.135 3.140 3.145
Z 3.150 3.155 3.160 3.165 3.170 3.175 3.180 3.185 3.190 3.195
AA 3.200 3.205 3.210 3.215 3.220 3.225 3.230 3.235 3.240 3.245
BB 3.250 3.255 3.260 3.265 3.270 3.275 3.280 3.285 3.290 3.295
CC 3.300 3.305 3.310 3.315 3.320 3.325 3.330 3.335 3.340 3.345

The way Mikuni Needle numberings work is:

The first number is the length series. Lets take the series 4 needle. It could be 40.00-49.99mm in length. In turn a 5 could be 50.00-59.99mm in length.

The second and sometimes third characters being letters describe the taper from the clip end to the tip in 15minute (1/4th of a degree) increments. For example "B" is 30 seconds, and "E" is 1 degree, 15 seconds. Therefore a "BE" would be a taper starting out at 30 seconds (1/2 degree), followed by a second taper of 1min 15sec.

The last digit be it one or two characters is the suffix or revision number. Example. 4D3, and 4D8 are the same style needle, similar in length and taper. However the taper may begin higher up on the needle than the other. This would make a smaller tip diameter, or a shorter needle. If shims, or clip positions were incorporated on one needle it is possible that it may effectively perform like the other. For this reason we sometimes suggest ordering a 4D3, or 4D8 for example if an OEM application calls for a 4D5 which is not available, instead of a 4E?

Lastly there is sometimes a number designated by OEM's and this designates the clip position. Example: 5DP3-4. However this "-#" designation is not part of the needed part number.
One last note: A suffix number has the following unknown variables between one needle and another. Exact length, Major OD, Point of begining of taper in reference to clip position. Without physically measuring them there is no way to determine these characteristics just by looking at the part number.

Might be able to straighten the bent needle and return it to serviceable condition.

Could inquire at Sudco about availability of the correct jet needle:
Sudco International, 2410 South Sequoia Drive, Compton, CA 90220
New Phone (01) 310 637 8330 • New Fax 310 637 8331

Good Fortune!

do you have any means of measuring (mic) (calipers)
i would check where the yellow marks are an see if they are same?