1993: Can't find replacement carb float needle / seats .. ?

Discussion in 'Mechanics Garage' started by cruiserandmax, Mar 19, 2022.

  1. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    I have a 1993 VFR750FP with ~38k miles. It ran perfectly through all the years until I let it sit after the pandemic started and the gas gummed up the carburetors. After cleaning the carbs and getting the bike running again, now it seems one or more of the float needles/seats is worn and not seating properly so too much gas is getting through. I thought 'no problem, I will just get new float valves. It seems Honda discontinued the part (16011-MT4-000) and there is no aftermarket version made by anyone that I can find. Currently I can run the bike, there is just too much gas going in- so I can't get the idle below ~1500 and it smells horribly of gas.

    Any ideas on what to do/where to possibly find replacement valve sets?
     
  2. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    those same parts were used on dozens of carbed hondas over many years so try finding them from K&L supply. aftermarket, but made in japan quality.
     
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  3. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    K&L doesn't list any for a 1993, they do for the 1994-1997VFR, which I'm guessing are different. When we called they said they don't know when if they would make ones for 1990-1993. Unless I can figure out if a specific other model used identical ones- they don't seem to know.
     
  4. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    our #1 expert, captain 80's, will know. :thumbs:

    consider replacing the needles only since the seats almost never wear out.
     
    Last edited: Mar 19, 2022
  5. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Interesting, when I went onto my "site" to look at the parts finder, your part came up as you said, "no longer available" I have ordered new ones (OEM) for years. How does the rubber part look on the needle? They are super durable and rarely go bad in my experience, I always bought them because thats the way I role when I break something down. If its available, I replace it. They also have that cute little fuel sock on there to catch any debris, I usually "clock" those a certain way when I install the set up.

    You can go the way of K&L which could work if your needles are bad, or try typing the number into Ebay, there are alot of germans that are selling kits for some reason. Is your gas getting contaminated? Nice thing is you have a oil dip stick so at least you can touch, taste, smell it. BTW don't taste it. :mech:
     
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  6. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    I found these from Germany on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/334339081090?hash=item4dd8298382:g:lpkAAOSwW4hhknHn

    They appear to list 16011-MT4-000 as one of the reference OEM part numbers for these.. Though they don't list any of the pre 1996 bikes in "
    fits among other things to the following vehicles"... The photo also looks like a match except the screen is shaped slightly differently.. hmm..
     
  7. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    try to see if you can find the needles separately since the seats don't really need replacement and cost alot. if you change the seats you will need to check and possibly reset the float levels. some seats may be slightly different in height from what you have (as pictured) and will for sure need the floats to be readjusted.

    9-26-21 new c 018.JPG
     
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  8. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    Great point!
     
  9. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    the seats come with the seats, an aluminum crush washer, and a cute honda sock. If you left the washer out you would affect the height. I rarely get involved with changing float heights as its a "Pandoras Box" that can bite you in the arse. If you have a situation where you think it runs out of fuel, it could be something else as all things being equal, they rarely need to be adjusted. I did change something on a two stroke race bike with one carb that was running out of fuel in one turn on the track. That cured it, but that is an aftermarket carb on an almost custom app.

    Yes those are the kits I saw, make sure in the listing they are willing to send to USA, I have a connection there so they could ship them to a friends house for me that is. Its still a pita, I happen to be flying there in June anyway. Peace
     
    Last edited: Mar 20, 2022
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  10. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    Thanks for all your info and that super kind offer- it looks like they can ship them ("free" even) to the US. Pretty good deal if it works out. I'll report.
     
  11. Bud12oz

    Bud12oz New Member

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    Parts unlimited #1003-1330 carb rebuild kit. $100. Dennis Kirk has them or probably ebay. Just got my 93 on the road. So far all ok with these needles and seats.
     
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  12. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    probably chinese crap :eek: ebay definitely is.

    look for a set of needles from K&L, made in japan.
     
    Last edited: Mar 24, 2022
  13. Bud12oz

    Bud12oz New Member

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    I hear ya. K&L and Keyster. Are they one in the same? K&L catalog lists Keyster on some carb parts. (made in Japan). First set of needles and seats I had in my 93 were Keyster. From KH-1393 kit. They did not seem to seal or stop fuel flow properly. Floats adjusted to 9MM.
    Seems to be OK with the Parts Unlimited ones. Time will tell. I do run non ethanol so that will help.
    Next step would be from CMS or David Silvers spares and hope they are OEM.....At $44 a pop.
    I'm getting real good at R&R these V4 carbs. UGH.
     
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  14. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    The float valve sets from ebay came from Germany (made in China according to labels) matched/fit perfectly. No more excess gas in the float bowls. The bike runs almost like it did before. Now the weird thing now is accelerating from a stop in 1st gear it kind of lugs. It almost feels like staring out in 2nd gear, but it is 1st... Rolling in more throttle doesn't help much until you roll in 3-4000 to get it past the "lugging" and into super quick smooth acceleration. Then it shifts up through gears pretty normally... I don't know what this could be besides a jet issue?
     
  15. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Are you gona pull them off again? I like to use compressed air in the black T fitting on the back side of the carburetors and watch the slides go up together. Its kinda like a musical, they rise up in unison. Also, you did a proper bench synch right? Just throwing stuff out there, good luck and keep us posted
     
  16. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    could be over-rich mixture screw settings so try 1/2 turn in. how does it idle, and will it start easily without choke ?
     
  17. cruiserandmax

    cruiserandmax New Member

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    Lugging went away after running through a tank of gas.. no idea.. Fuel has been flowing good as ever for the past 500 miles. This is the only vehicle I've ever owned that I hoped would last forever and feels like it actually could.
     
  18. ridervfr

    ridervfr Member

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    Could be the last motorcycle that you will ever own, as morbid as it sounds, bear in mind, I have two of them. Game over. :Pound:
     
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