dooman333
New member
Attempting (my first time) to clean the carbs on my new 2002 SXR600. It's also starting to look like the previous owner hadn't done this in a while. I got the 2 outer carbs opened up and cleaned them with carb cleaner and compressed air. (minor gunk in jets and fuel screw) My issue is that i CANNOT get the FRIGGIN middle one open! All 4 phillips screw around the float bowl are stuck bad. I have tried ever jerry-rigged way possible and I have in the process started to strip them all. I will of course replace them but how can I get them off??!!! Here's a pic of what im workin with...
Also how many turns back from snug should the fuel screws be? Before I removed them they were set at about 1 1/2 turns away from snug...?
Also, once they're all clean and ready to reinstall, do you guys have any tips for me?
Thanks guys
Also how many turns back from snug should the fuel screws be? Before I removed them they were set at about 1 1/2 turns away from snug...?
Also, once they're all clean and ready to reinstall, do you guys have any tips for me?
Thanks guys
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super1c
Super Moderator
Same thing happend to me. I used a pair of needle nose vice grips to twist them out. I then replaced them all with allen head bolts. Can get them at your local hardware. Dont know the size off top of my head but just take one with you and they can match them up. These screws are known to be a problem. CCC

bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
Had that issue a number of times.If a small visegrip cannot grab the head to turn it..go to old Faithful.>>>>>>>>dremel with cutting disc.Slowly slice a line across the head so it can now execpt a larger style flat screwdriver snugly.Try that and even a visegrip on the screwdriver handle to aid in turning the screw,works everytime for me with different screws that won't turn because of stripping the heads.
it's just that easy!!!!!!!

dooman333
New member
LOL thats funny you said that.. Thats the tool i was thinkin of and i don't have one! Ill pick one up and try it. thanks
dooman333
New member
so if this is so common, do you think the tightness designates how long its been since they were cleaned?

bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
shouldn't. The Philips heads are junk and the metal is soft.I screw mine down now using my drill and setting the clutch setting to 3 or 4 and then all the screws are torqued all the same.Try it and then take a screwdriver and back 1 off..it should be snug enough to not just spin off easy.If it is to easily turned by hand..set the clutch on the drill to the next torque setting and so on.Once you know what setting does the trick..write it down for future reference.I always carry about a dozen spare screws in my inventory.
SX600abuser
Member
Hey bud, whenever I do this I always use a very good hardened tip phillips, just because it helps the screw from getting messed up. The way I have solved this on my sled before is to put the carb in the vice, then use a sharp chisle and dent the the side of the screw. Then put the chisle in the dent hammer it counterclockwise until the screw starts to move, then try the screw driver. Thats my 2 cents...if u do it my way replace the screw when u get it out.
here is a link to the allen head bolts you will need to replace your old ones with * http://www.fastenal.com/web/product...02&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&searchBox=1
dooman333
New member
Much appriciated guys. Anything else i need to drain or need to kno before i start her up? Gas is about 4 months old with stabil... Too old? Syphon it out?
dooman333 said:Much appriciated guys. Anything else i need to drain or need to kno before i start her up? Gas is about 4 months old with stabil... Too old? Syphon it out?
I would. You can run it on the stand and such and with DCS you may be safe, but you just know once the snow flys and you get it on the lake you're gonna want to open 'er up. With old alcohol blended fuel the octane rating may have diminished.
I'd recommend putting it in your car or truck and use fresh fuel.
Hmmm I wonder who works for Fastenal???? lol. Let me know how many you need and I can grab some today at work.
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SX600abuser
Member
snomofo said:I would. You can run it on the stand and such and with DCS you may be safe, but you just know once the snow flys and you get it on the lake you're gonna want to open 'er up. With old alcohol blended fuel the octane rating may have diminished.
I'd recommend putting it in your car or truck and use fresh fuel.
Snomofo is right in my opinion. I have heard that stabil does nothing but insure you need to clean your carbs every season. I always drain my carbs and tank for storage. The best fuel is new fuel. Also if u r firing it up now, I wouldn't put a lot of fuel in it, I would wait for some powder then fill it up to keep the fuel fresh. Again just my 2 cents.
dooman333
New member
Thanks for the help guys! I put i little fresh fuel in her just now. 10 pulls and she sounded glorious!!!