New float needles are sticking

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New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 17:45
#757678
I rebuilt the carbs on my 1980 550, installed all new parts including the float needles and seats. However, the needles (which are metal tipped) seem to be sticking in the seats and I can't seem to knock them free on a consistent basis. Any ideas on how to get them to move freely?
1980 kz550 LTD

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  • Scirocco
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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 18:44
#757683
Are you sure you have the right needle valve?

www.cmsnl.com/kawasaki-kz550a1-1980-usa-...odel15477/partslist/

Fits the Kawasaki Kz550( A4 )1980 Usa Canada. 16030-1024 is the manufacturer code


Fits the Kawasaki Kz550('80-'81 A1/A2/A3) 1980 Usa Canada. 16030-1009 is the manufacturer code.


Michael
My 1975 Z 1 B 900 Project

www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode

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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 19:53
#757691
Yeah I picked them up from a seller on eBay. They're supposed to work for this bike.
1980 kz550 LTD

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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 20:08 - 25 Mar 2017 20:08
#757694
The tang on the float must be close to level. If too much an angle, they will cock the needle to one side and make them stick. If you need to, bend the float arms to make them close then bend the tangs for fine adjustment.
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229
Last edit: 25 Mar 2017 20:08 by SWest.
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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 20:13
#757697
Thanks Steve, I don't think that's necessarily the issue though. To check the fuel flow I removed the float bowls entirely while I ran fuel through the carbs. The needle has a tendency to stay stuck seated, meaning no fuel will flow until I jiggle the needle loose
1980 kz550 LTD

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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 20:15
#757700
Replaced as a set?
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 20:18 - 25 Mar 2017 20:23
#757701
Something is wrong , the needle valve have to slide easy into needle seat and back.
Where have you buy the needle valve and needle seat as a set?
Buy cheap = buy twice, China crap parts spread all over planet earth.
I prefer Keyster carburetor kits

www.motorradbay.de/kawasaki-sh-4.html

www.motorradbay.de/images/products/gross/K-843KK.jpg
www.motorradbay.de/images/products/gross/KK-0049.jpg

Please take some pic´s to get a closer view.
My 1975 Z 1 B 900 Project

www.kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/605133...ears-deep-sleep-mode
Last edit: 25 Mar 2017 20:23 by Scirocco.
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Re: New float needles are sticking

25 Mar 2017 21:38
#757710
Yeah I replaced all 4. And they all are having the same issue to some extent. Some are worse than others though.
1980 kz550 LTD

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Re: New float needles are sticking

26 Mar 2017 06:51
#757723
Why did you replace the original parts? Were they somehow damaged? Do you still have them? Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)

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Re: New float needles are sticking

26 Mar 2017 08:02
#757726
I still have them. But I replaced them because no matter how I set my floats fuel would intermittently squirt out of the overflow tubes. I tried cleaning the needles and seats a few times but it just wasn't helping.
1980 kz550 LTD

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Re: New float needles are sticking

26 Mar 2017 08:24
#757727
Pics of the two to compare?
Steve
Z1b1000 1975 Z1b
kzrider.com/forum/11-projects/598262-kz-...-will-it-live#672882
kzrider.com/forum/2-engine/597654-poser?start=240#704229

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Re: New float needles are sticking

26 Mar 2017 10:04
#757736
A new float needle are pictured left and an old one is on the right. The old needle pictured is fairly representative of how all of the old needles are
1980 kz550 LTD

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