1986 VFR700 Pilot screw spring -- Where can I get one?

Like the title says, I need a pilot screw spring.

I really don't want to replace the whole carb or buy a rebuild kit, but I'd consider the carb if it's clean-ish and real low price range.

Story behind it -- bought the bike in pretty damn good condition in 07, not running. Basically just cleaned things up a bit and replaced filters et al and it ran as my daily driver for about a year. It had a pretty steady fuel leak though, and I couldn't really figure out the source from looking externally. Turns out the pilot screw on the #3 float was missing its spring! At least I hope that's the issue, anyway. The float is adjusted properly, all seals are good (minus the pilot).

So, where can I find that spring? I've looked online pretty thoroughly but, lacking the real expertise of a seasoned fixer-upper, had no luck. Also no luck checking with my local carb shop.

 

Local Hardware stores usually have a pretty good collection of springs. Pull one off another carb and try to match it up. I'm not familiar with your springs so this is just a guess but it's worth a try. Maybe a local lawn mower repair shop also.

Good luck!

Maggot

 

I've tried matching it with zero luck. It's a bit of an odd spring, closely wound with odd faces. Good advice though, thanks.

 

If it is the typical adjustment screw, i.e. there is a metal washer and an O-ring that the spring pushes against, any spring that is close will probably work. If it needs to be trimmed to length, place the flattened side of the spring against the washer/O-ring. Not the best fix, but it will probably be OK.

Adding an additional washer between the screw head and the cut end of the spring will help keep the spring from binding, and going with a lighter versus heavier spring will make it easier to feel when the pilot screw seats. Too light of a spring might not exert enough pressure to compress the O-ring completely, but it will give it a fighting chance.

This company has a wide variety of all kinds of hardware;

http://www.mcmaster.com/#compression-and-die-springs/=5bczzm

 

So it's worth trying a comparable spring, then? I wasn't aware that was plausible (was mostly just hoping for something stock I guess).

Thank you for the link!

 

The spring just holds the o-ring tight and keeps the needle from turning by its self. Something comparable will work.

 

:embarassed: Thanks, GreyV750F, and sorry 'bout that, Phentos! I missed your last reply somehow...

 

Thanks to you both. I added pictures for help in identifying them (assuming not everyone around here is an uber guru haha).