1982 kz550

The float needle is a critical part of the float valve. It is the piece that mates with the float valve seat when the float is lifted up to the correct level by the fuel in the carb bowl. When that happens it stops the flow of fuel into the carb bowl until fuel is depleted from the bowl and the float moves lower. If there is no needle there is nothing in the carb to stop the flow of fuel into the bowl. This would cause the carb to overflow, possibly into the cylinder to which it is attached, or through the overflow line (if so equipped) or into the air filter.

The engine may be able to run without them, but it would not be advisable to do so since excess fuel may make its way into the cylinder causing an overly rich air/fuel ratio. In fact, if fuel runs into the cylinder when the engine is shut off it will make its way past the piston rings and into the motor oil which it will contaminate. Ed

So this happened with one turn. What are my options. I need to get these out to remove throttle shaft to get to needles...they were super soft.

Also look what I stumbled upon!

CoN2389 wrote: So this happened with one turn. What are my options. I need to get these out to remove throttle shaft to get to needles...they were super soft.

any ideas fellas?

CoN2389 wrote: So this happened with one turn. What are my options. I need to get these out to remove throttle shaft to get to needles...they were super soft.

I'm not familiar with those particular carbs, but have rebuilt a couple sets. First, Make sure your screwdriver fits tightly in the screw. Then give the end of the screwdriver a couple whacks with a hammer. Most of my stuck screws have come out that way. Or if all else fails use a cutoff wheel on a dremel tool and cut a slot in the screw head and use a flat screwdriver to get it out. A impact driver is another choice also.

See this post by 650ed regarding Japanese screws
www.kzrider.com/forum/21-tools/532335-bu...jis-screwdriver-tips
The correct screwdriver is so important with these old bikes.
You should be able to get those buggered screws out with one of these www.walmart.com/ip/BOA-Grabit-Screw-Extractor/15162110

You should seek out more experienced help, or ask here before you do anything.
Those screws are now destroyed, and they likely did not need to come out.
You do not need to remove the throttle shaft to replace needle valves.
There is almost no reason to ever remove the throttle shaft unless a carb body is broken or the shaft itself is broken.

You also do not need to remove the choke shaft to replace the choke flap.

You should get a set of JIS screwdrivers before going any further.

I was simply going by the clymers manual

CoN2389 wrote: I was simply going by the clymers manual

Would use the link provided in the signature of loudhvx to download a KZ550 manual.

Good Fortune!