"Special Tools" needed for Carb cleaning

Just got my yamaha repair/maintenance manual in mail. About to start breaking down the 1985 xj700n and do some much needed maintenance. I was looking up all the "special tools" needed, but which of those tools are necesary for cleaning the carbs?

 

I have the same bike and had the same question.

I was most concerned about the screwdrivers --I think Japanese-- that some folks said were needed. Apparently they have flat blades rather than the tapered blades US screwdrivers have. This allows them to fit flush in the grooves of the soft brass jets. Instead, I took an old screwdriver and a wheel grinder and made myself a screwdriver that fits perfectly.

You will also need some type of manometer to sync the carbs. There are a lot of examples on this forum, but I made one using two glass baby bottles, some tubing, and rubber plugs I got at the hardware store. Since the plastic tubing can get hot and swell I added a brass coupling and some vacuum hose to the end of each.

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=15650.html

You will also need a YICS blocking tool, although some folks use a piece of cotton with knots and soaked in oil. I opted for the tool that Chacal sells and I'm glad that I did. If you use that tool, soak it with oil and it will help in removing it. I've found that removing the YICs plug and gently pulling and wiggling the tool allows it to be removed slowly without damaging the rubber inserts.

http://www.xj4ever.com/HCP5460%20YICS%20tool.pdf

http://images.cmsnl.com/img/products/yi ... 1_9ea6.jpg

You will need to make a bracket or something to level the carbs when you set the floats. It is critical that they are level. If you can't come up with something PM me and I'll show you want I made.

I also put masking tape on the front of each carb and marked off 1, 2, & 3 mm, which makes it much easier to set the floats.

If the cover for the pilot screws has been removed, be very careful and clean the threads thoroughly to avoid damaging them as you remove the pilot screws. They get full of dirt and grime easily and the threads are small and aluminum.

 

JIS screwdrivers are a must.
They look like a Phillips but they aren't.
Google it- for 50 years I have cursed this Phillips guy . . . Turns out that it is by design for a Phillips screwdriver/ head to "cam out" (strip).
Japanese Industry Standard (found on Yamaha's) are angled differently, using a Phillips on them will make you curse and drink.

+1 on tabaka,s recommendation with grinding flathead screw drivers for a perfect fit. I ended up with three different 'custom' flatheads.