Stripped float bowl screws

  • Topper
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Stripped float bowl screws

12 Jul 2018 15:44
#786863
One of the screw holes on one of my float bowls has been stripped since I got the bike ('79 KZ750). I tapped that one with an American thread and it's held up fine, but now another one is stripped. 

Let's say I don't want to further sully my bike with any non-metric fasteners. Do I have any options? There's not a lot of material there to work with. I don't think there's room to put a helicoil in there. Don't think I can go up a whole metric size either.

Can these be filled, drilled and retapped? If so is this something I can do in the garage without welding equipment or will I have to take it to someone who knows what they're doing?
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1979 KZ750 Twin
2009 Kawasaki Versys

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  • Nessism
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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

12 Jul 2018 15:52
#786864
A helicoil doesn't take much space.  I've been messing around with some small 4-40 helicoils this afternoon and the amount of oversize from the original hole is minimal.

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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

12 Jul 2018 16:37
#786866
Any pics of the stripped screw hole?

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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

12 Jul 2018 16:46
#786867
No. I haven't pulled the carbs yet. Will probably do it this weekend.

I'm worried that the helicoil (or any thread repair) will weaken the flange on the carb body and end up causing more damage. Would love to hear from anyone who's had success with thread repair on a carb float bowl like this. 
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  • slmjim+Z1BEBE
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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

12 Jul 2018 18:52
#786871
Longer screw, nut & lock washer.  Not pretty, but it'll work.

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slmjim & Z1BEBE
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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

13 Jul 2018 19:46
#786915
Here are some photos. I decided to take the easy way out and tap it with an American tap (8-32 i think)
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2009 Kawasaki Versys

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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

13 Jul 2018 21:31
#786919
I'd say so.
Steve
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  • cbrianroll
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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

13 Jul 2018 22:07 - 13 Jul 2018 22:13
#786920
Could it be brazed full, retapped with right size?
1980 kz550ltd
Last edit: 13 Jul 2018 22:13 by cbrianroll.

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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

14 Jul 2018 04:26
#786926
cbrianroll wrote: Could it be brazed full, retapped with right size?

No.  It's aluminum so brazing is not applicable.

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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

14 Jul 2018 05:15
#786929
Nessism wrote: Plenty of meat for a helicoil.

Good to know! I may give that a shot then.
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Re: Stripped float bowl screws

14 Jul 2018 09:26
#786937
Please excuse my ignorance,  why couldn't it be brazed solid? I've brazed aluminum tubing.(not very purdy lol)
1980 kz550ltd

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