needle and seat

dms

Cadet
Joined
May 19, 2002
Messages
24
I just took apart my carburator to inspect the needle and seat only to find out that the needle was stuck. Once I removed it, it looked fine. My question is whether I need to replace the needle and seat, or can I just let it sit in a carburator cleaner overnight? I think the needle was stuck from last years' fuel gelling.
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: needle and seat

Hi,DMS..Yes, but do not soak this needle or the carb in carbonic carb cleaner.That stuff will soften (if not out-n-out desolve) all the non-metal parts in the carb..And some of these needles have a rubberized tip..clean it too well, and it's history..I would just use a good spray cleaner,and let it air-dry. I reccommend Valvolene's brand,not because I own stock in the company, but because of it's awesome wand that can be aimed. <br />Spray some thru the jet on the side of the pickup tube, up the pickup tube,and thru the needle tube,with the mixture screw removed. Please,wear goggles! The cleaner comes-out where you don't expect it to,and that is usually aimed at the eyeballs or mouth.<br />To remove the mixture screw, turn it in until it just contacts the seat,while counting the turns. Then take it out. This way,when u set the carb up,you can install the mixture screw until it just contacts the seat,then back out that number of turns. The mixture will be set where it was before you had any problems( which is ideal).<br />Good luck.
 

fireman 757

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
May 18, 2002
Messages
276
Re: needle and seat

Anytime that I replace the needle and not the seat it stuck again. It all comes in the kit and only takes a screwdriver and one minute to change. Make sure you run the fuel out each time you use it or use Stabil or 2 plus 2 in each tank. the gas now is not what it was even two years ago.
 
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