[GrayWolf]

Can anyone answer a question on carb rebuild kits? I ordered a "complete" rebuild kit for a '85 Suzuki LT185 that I just picked up for the grandkids.

When I opened the kit this afternoon it looks like everything is there EXCEPT the Jet needle, the big one that goes inside the Throttle slide. Is the Jet needle ordered seperately and doesn't normally come with the kit? Can you even order just the Jet needle? It's a name brand kit and is labeld for the right year and model.

The rebuild was necessary as it leaked fuel, had missing/damaged O rings on the Throttle stop screw and Pilot air screw and of course the Jet needle is bent down near the tip.

I'll call the shop and ask but it's a holiday weekend and there won't be anyone there until Tuesday so I thought I would ask some of you guys that have experience with rebuild kits as this is the first one I've ever done.

Thanks for any help or advise.

 

[Helmut]

The jet needle comes with some kits, but I don't know if it comes with all kits or not. You can buy them separate from the dealer, though, but they'll probably have to order it.

 

[blowfishRus6]

a cleaned up jet needle would be as good as new right???


i would think, unless its damaged or something.

 

[450RMAN]

As long as its the same length as the origonal and u get the retainer in the same slot i would think a used one would work if u happen to have one layin around.

 

[Helmut]

a cleaned up jet needle would be as good as new right???


i would think, unless its damaged or something.

He said the tip of his old one was bent.

 

[blowfishRus6]

doh...... i missed that. forgive my post. im a noob.

 

[GrayWolf]

No prob, me too. Thanks for the info. I think I'll try to straighten it a "little. Nothing to loose, then get a new one ordered first of the week. Thanks again.

 

[blowfishRus6]

i with you man, nothing to lose. might not even need to order one if you get it fixed. who knows.

 

[GrayWolf]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinkin. I found the very last section at the top of an old 6 section collapsible radio antena fit over the Jet needle perfectly.

The needle is pretty thin about 3/4" from the tip where it had a pretty good bend so working very slowly and carefully I think I got it pretty close to straight without leaving any nicks or groves on it.

Couldn't get at it today, had a whole gang from Phoenix arrive @ 5:30 am this morning (including the 2 young 'un's who are chomping at the bit to ride this thing) and tomorrow is a day of rest & partying by the pool. Looks like I'll know Tuesday if it works.

Thanks again for the guidance.

Oh, and does anyone have any idea just how one would bend a Jet needle in the middle of a carb? Maybe somebody took it apart and put it back together with a 3 pound hammer......??:icon_wink:

 

[Billy250X]

Some kits do come with the needle but some don't.You may have to order a new needle and seat they usually come with them or you could try this place.Jets R Us

 

[GrayWolf]

Thanks for the link Billy. I'm going to try the repaired one tomorrow, but I will also order the correct new one from that site "just in case".

 

[blowfishRus6]

yea when i reread it and noticed you said it was bent i was like what the hell, how does that happen???

your guess is as good as mine, i dont see how i it could happen.

 

[450RMAN]

Yeah, that's what I'm thinkin. I found the very last section at the top of an old 6 section collapsible radio antena fit over the Jet needle perfectly.

The needle is pretty thin about 3/4" from the tip where it had a pretty good bend so working very slowly and carefully I think I got it pretty close to straight without leaving any nicks or groves on it.

Couldn't get at it today, had a whole gang from Phoenix arrive @ 5:30 am this morning (including the 2 young 'un's who are chomping at the bit to ride this thing) and tomorrow is a day of rest & partying by the pool. Looks like I'll know Tuesday if it works.

Thanks again for the guidance.

Oh, and does anyone have any idea just how one would bend a Jet needle in the middle of a carb? Maybe somebody took it apart and put it back together with a 3 pound hammer......??:icon_wink:

Sounds like it to me

 

[GrayWolf]

Just a final update and to say thanks again for the help and info.

Did manage to get time to put carb back together with the "straightened- sorta" Jet needle. Works just fine. No leaks, starts on the first half pull, idle can adjust down to about 250-300 rpm with out stalling and no hesitation from start up to top RPM. Got the throttle lock set just above idle, for now... Not sure if I'll put the new Jet needle on when it comes.

One '85 Suzuki LT 185

Two city kids (8 & 10) from Maricopa, AZ

100 acres of hills and woods in Michigan

One empty 5 gallon gas can... Yeah, it WAS full on Tuesday!

 

[Helmut]

Glad you got it running good.