Needles to use or not?

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Marten
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Needles to use or not?

Post by Marten »

I am rebuilding my 82 cbx carbs.

After i read here that Keyster kit (that i bought) is a no go, i reused all my original brass. But i missplaced one of my original needles.

Is the Keyster needles also crap compared to original?

My original needles has i little ridge 2/3 from the bottom from i guess going up and down. Is that ok? Its hardy noticed when i draw my fingernails over it.

Here is a pic.
4EB8AD33-DB85-45D2-AFCE-6D24B15DCE61.jpeg
Does anyone have i original kehin needle to sell i be willing to buy it from you.

Thanks Marten
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Honda AF CR500 2002,
Honda CBX1000 1982, project.
Honda XL250 75, project.

CBX-tras
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by CBX-tras »

Don't use anything other than OEM needles. They should be anodized aluminum not brass

On the US spec carburetors, these needles have an identifier of "55A" on the shaft, just under the head. Used on '80, '81 and '82, 2 circuit, carbs here.

I'm not certain if your European spec is different.

I hope this helps you.

tevan
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by tevan »

How many do you need? All 6.. what number do you need 55A?

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Jeff Bennetts
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by Jeff Bennetts »

IIRC the OEM CBX carb needles are made from a Beryllium alloy?

daves79x
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by daves79x »

Your pic is not very clear, but I do not think those are original needles. Originals do not wear like that. Are they numbered 55A?

Dave

Marten
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by Marten »

Thanks for your answers.
I will check it out and report back.
Marten
Honda AF CR500 2002,
Honda CBX1000 1982, project.
Honda XL250 75, project.

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bobcat
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by bobcat »

What I see in the photo is a set of needles that have corrosion pitting
from sitting a very long time in carbs that weren't drained before being
parked. If you looked at them with a strong magnifying glass you could
see where the surface is pitted, not worn, and no amount of cleaning
will change what appears to be discoloration or wear. The rings around
the needle are where each taper begins/ends or fuel residue stains from
close fit in the needle jet.
I saved your photo to my file and sent it to myself where I could zoom in
for a closer look. Not a substitute for a magnifying glass but enough to see
the pitting. I did make out a 5 on one of them.

I rebuilt a set of GL1200 carbs that had the same issue only worse. The corrosion
was so bad that most of the needle tips were almost gone but they looked like
these everywhere else. You need a new or good condition used set of OEM needles.
Bob
82 CBX, 81 CBX, CB1100F, 79/82 CB900F (avatar)

Marten
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Re: Needles to use or not?

Post by Marten »

Thanks Bobcat. Thorough digging work👍

Tevan do you have 6 good needles?

Marten
Honda AF CR500 2002,
Honda CBX1000 1982, project.
Honda XL250 75, project.

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