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Fixing my carbs this weekend; I have questions about the tools.

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by James Sampsan, Jan 28, 2019.

  1. James Sampsan

    James Sampsan New Member

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    I bought a bike a week ago, and will have time to mess around with it this weekend. I should state off the bat that I have read the Church of Clean, but some of the tools required seem unnecessary. I have a ton of questions, so please bear with me

    I only have a handful of philips and flatheads since I have never done any major repair that has required anything more than that. ANY and all help is appreciated. I'm in college and even with my job I have little money to spend, so I would honestly like to skip the unnecessary items and just purchase what I 100% need; I know this may annoy some people, but I can't be buying a $50 visegrip or a $80 ultrasonic cleaner when I can use elbow grease.

    • access to ultrasonic cleaner; tumbler or glass-bead blaster. - These are expensive, any alternative? Elbow grease and some solution / cleaner I can get at AutoZone, Harbor Freight, Wally World, Tractor Supply, etc?
    • JIS phillips-drive screwdrivers should be used. - This is the big one I have questions on. I know the difference between JIS and regular ol' Philips, but where the hell can I buy them? I've found a singular JIS screwdriver - https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B000TG8OTY/webikeworld-20 - that has been recommended somewhere else on this forum, as well on in another group, but is this the only JIS I need? I would prefer to buy a JIS bit set, but I can't find one that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. Any leads would be appreciated.
    • mini, mini-plus, or man-sized passage cleaning wires set. - Will this thing work? - https://www.amazon.com/Carb-Cleaner-Wire-Set/dp/B001DDMB2I
    • Metric socket wrenches are easy enough, since I can just buy a set from WallyWorld or HF.
    • I've got some needlenose and tongue-and-groove pliers, but is a visegrip necessary?
    • I can buy a float height ruler or gauge and fuel level sight tube since those seem like something I'd need to have for the future.
    • Carb rack Alignment Plate
    • All the fluids I was going to get at any local store, so no problems there.
    • All the other stuff for carb rebuild I'll figure out if I have to go down that road, but my first task is to take it apart and figure clean everything first.

    Thank you for the help. This is a learning experience for me, and I'm still reading the manuals; I've got a Haynes Yamaha XJ650 & 750 Fours Owners Workshop Manual, The Yamaha XJ650G Service Manual, and the Yamaha XJ650J Supplementary Service Manual.


    1.jpg 2.jpg
    (the mirrors were taken off to avoid breaking during transport.)
     
  2. chacal

    chacal Moderator Moderator Supporting Vendor Premium Member

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    HCP23604 Aftermarket JIS-standards MECHANICS-GRADE SCREWDRIVER BITS SET. This set of 4 driver bits contains one each of 1/4” hex-drive bits in the #0, #1, #2, and #3 size phillips-drive, JIS-standard screwdriver bits, and this range of sizes will handle everything down to an M1 sized screw (that's tiny, smaller than the size of the petcock faceplate mounting screws) all the way up to the biggest screws commonly used on these bikes. These mechanics-grade screwdriver bits are approximately 1” long and are designed to be used in a 1/4” bit holder or similar..
    $ 17.95
     
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  3. JeffK

    JeffK Well-Known Member

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    Many of us "made do" when we were young and poor like you. Listening to Chacal and getting at least one set of JIS drivers will make your next few years much easier though. Just take your time, use plenty of Carb cleaner and stiff nylon brushes and yes, you can do a good job BUT with carbs, the details always make the biggest differences! You might also want a small dremel tool with a cutoff blade, to make all the buggered JIS slots, into flathead slots if you don't get the correct drivers! LOL

    jeff
     
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  4. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Nice and complete looking Maxim! Hopefully non of the JIS screws have been buggered up by PO's stripping them with Phillips. Good on you for reading up and getting prepared. Lots of help here too.
     
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  5. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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    carb rack alinement plate. I use the bed of my table saw you could also use the edge of a level if it a wide body level or a slab of plate glass

    vise grips is to get at the heads of screws that are messed up cost about 15$

    canned air works.
    if you can get an air tank you can refill it this will give more pressure than canned air .if you ever see an old fire extinguisher liquid type they work well as an air tank

    ultra sonic cleaners no need to have one of those
     
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  6. James Sampsan

    James Sampsan New Member

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    Would the Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set (NEW 3rd. Gen) sold by Tools Supply on Amazon be adequate? I've got Amazon funnymoney.


    https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU/

    Thanks -
     
  7. XJ550H

    XJ550H Well-Known Member Premium Member

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  8. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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  9. Polock

    Polock Well-Known Member

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    i've been taking jap carbs apart since the 70's, i don't own a jis screwdriver. one of my old worn philips always works.
    no wires or brushes, just strip a piece of cheap extension cord wire
    the smallest vicegrips is about the handiest tool you'll ever own
    a float height ruler or gauge is for people with white lab coats, just wet set then and be done with it
    something that's missing is a vise, then use two hands to hold the driver straight and turn it
     
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  10. Moparmaniacca

    Moparmaniacca New Member

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    Check over the bike to see if the factory tool kit is still there. It'll have most of the tools you'll need, including a JIS screwdriver.
     
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  11. James Sampsan

    James Sampsan New Member

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    Would it be under the seat or something? The bike came with nothing extra, but the next time I'll see the bike and look over it will be this weekend.
     
  12. jayrodoh

    jayrodoh YimYam

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    Yup, there is a tray right under the seat that will have the toolkit if still present.
     
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  13. James Sampsan

    James Sampsan New Member

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    I'll give it a look in a few days. Thanks!
     

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