Float Needle Clip?

Hi everyone, sorry if this has been talked about in another post, but my computer just died on me and Ièm writing this on an old pentium 3 that has a hard time loading up the forums, yet alone search them... (Bought two computers with SSDs and both of them gave up on me within a few weeks, Ièm starting to think it was a bad idea...)

Anyway, back on track! I'm rebuilding my carburators and the old needles have this little metal clip on the, whereas the new ones don't. Here are some google pictures to make my description a little clearer (not to mention I'm probably not using the correct terms.)

With the clip: http://www.oldbikebarn.com/core/media/m ... ccbfa1c249

Without the clip: http://www.weeksmotorcycle.com/images/f ... y_sml2.jpg

Now how do I transfer that clip from one needle to the next? Or I don't?

Thanks guys!

 

that sounds wrong, if you have bought the correct new needles they should be complete with the clip.
Are you sure you get the right needles?

 

Bought this kit from Chacal:

STANDARD COMPLETE REBUILD KITS with the Metal tipped float valve needles - It specifically says: ''for use on all XJ650 (except Turbo)''

Mine not being a turbo I thought it'd be all good :S.

Also it's listed for the hitachi carbs, so hopefully I got the right ones...

 

Hey Bill, the metal-tipped needles do not use, accept, nor require the hanger clip:

- The HCP17176 kits comes without a screen and the float seat has a 6.57mm screen mounting boss. The needle is slightly longer than the OEM needle and is metal-tipped (rather than rubber-tipped like the original needle). The float valve seat washer is made of aluminum rather than copper. These metal-tipped needles are a desirable option for people who live in an area where there is a significant amount of E-85 (alcohol) fuel blended with the gasoline. Ethanol tends to soften and attack rubber products, including the rubber tip of the original style float needles, which can then cause the float valve unit to stick (closed) or leak fuel even when in the closed position.



The clip (used on rubber-tipped needles) serves to "tie together" the needle to the float, so as the fuel level in the bowl drops....and thus causes the float to drop.....the clip will then exert a down-ward force and pull the needle open. This action may be necessary when using rubber-tipped needles, as fuel sludge and/or swelling of the rubber tip can cause the needle to "seize" within the float valve seat......and the down-ward force exterted on the needle, via the clip, as the float drops will pull the needle free.

Metal-tipped needles don't suffer this situation (no rubber tip to swell and seize the needle) and thus no clip is needed (or accepted) on these style needles.

 

Thanks a lot Len! I was pretty sure I was missing something obvious! Now I'm fixed! Great knowing you're there even once the sale is completed!