Metric bolts - finding what to look for...

So all of the fasteners that hold the float bowls to the underside of my xj550 carbs are pretty much boogered up from PO.
i'd like to replace these, without paying $2.50 per fastener on bikebandit.
so i set out trying to find a match...
here is what i found.

metric bolts come like this

M#x#

first number is the diameter in mm, and second number is the thread pitch, if there is a third number its length

so here is the thing
diameter and thread pitch usually match up to usual combinations
example
M4x.7
m5x8

the bowl fasteners are a dead match for an 8 thread pitch
but its diameter is definitely closer to an m4
the combination m4x8 is nearly missing on the planet, or at least on google.
it shows up on funny places like milwaulkee tool repair website, but with no pics to make sure its a flat contact at the head

a 7 pitch works, but with aluminum i'd be afraid to screw the threads up permanantly

thought i'd share, and see if anyone can chime in with wisdom

 

Do you have a good hardware store locally? I mean a full service local neighborhood type store. You can usually find SS replacements. If you know the bolt and pitch, McMaster Carr is a great parts warehouse. Unlike bike bandit, they tend to get things out the same day, and have prices you would expect to pay for hardware and not obsolete oem motorcycle hardware prices.

 

I get all mine over at ACE Hardware.

Take one with ya, they got a nice wall display for checking bolt/nut size & thread, SAE & Metric.

 

Or, ...

You can go Stainless and get a whole Kit to replace every fastener in the rack for less than 15-Bucks with High quality Stainless.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GS550-GS ... 0288689894

 

Thanks for the link Rick.
Just ordered that stainless kit for my carbs.
I noticed they do YAMAHA XJ650 MAXIM SECA XJ 650 80 - 82 Stainless kit
(80 pieces for $34.99)

 

Same comment here. I've had good luck over at the local Ace Hardware / True Value store with finding good replacements for very cheap.

 

I don't mean to suggest that the only remedy for replacing Bunged-up Carb Fasteners is a Stainless Kit.

My local Hardware Store is Tru-Value or Ace.
They have an aisle of Fasteners in pull-out drawers.

They are in step with the times having more Metric Fasteners than you'd ever need.

 

Cool. Thanks for the next line of options.
My local Ace only carried the standard M4x7, and no M4x8 combinations - I usually like to support the local family owned.

But www.stainlesscycle.com from the ebay link RickCo provided has a lot of the fastners that Mikuni used.

Rick, do you have a good line on the fact that the GS550 carb kit you linked will work on an XJ550? I contacted the seller and he doesn't think he has a carb kit for my model.

Here's to long Fridays after tough weeks...

 

The Link was the first one I found close to what you might need.
I don't think the Carbs are the same ... (might be, though) ... but, I think the actual FASTENERS are going to the right sizes ... (might not)!

The KIT I bought from the guy was for XJ650/750. Every darn Fastener on the whole rack had a replacement Stainless Screw in the KIT ... even the Sync Screws.

I thought about changing the Sync Screws over to Stainless and then I kept the Stock Sync Screws.
If I had a long-enough Allen Wrench to reach them during the Sync Process, I might have changed them.

You don't really get to enjoy the Carbs getting changed-over to Stainless like you do the Cases and Covers with the Dress-Up Kit.
You can't see very many of the Stainless Fasteners on the Carb Rack when the Carbs are on the bike.

They do look good with LED's aimed on them to show them off.