Float pin removal?

I cant get the float pins out... and i'm stumped on how to do it... manual just says to remove them lol, i don't want to bang them out with nail and hammer for fear of breaking a post. there isnt enough to grip with plyers...

I'm sure there is some easy way to take them out i just dont know it.

 

It depends on which kind of carbs you have. In some models like the Mikunis on the XS1100 the pin is larger at the head end so it sticks in the hole in that one post. Don't bang on the end or you are likely to break the post. I use a small pair of side cutters or dykes to grip the pin right behind the head and pry against the post to get it out. Haven't broken one yet.
On the 750 Seca with Hitachi carbs the pins are loose and fall out on either side. If you have Hitachis they are probably just corroded or gummed up.

 

A spring-type centerpunch works best for any type. if the pin as one end that's larger, use the punch on the opposing side. If both are the same size, it doesn't make a difference.

Available at Sears or Harbor freight.

-Matt, CO

 

its Mikunis from a 1981 maxim 550, one side is bigger than the other... unfortunatly on the side that is bigger that head is burried in the post on all 4, that or its so tightly butted up against it i cant slip anything behind it to pry... i guess i'll give that center punch thing a try if i can find something that will work.

 

I've used an offset screwdriver a few times to get at those pesky pins that get stuck. No trouble so far, just take your time and go gently. A broken standoff is a very bad thing.

 

this may be stupid... but do you use your offset driver to unscrew the screw under the rear of the float? or just get it lined up over the pin and nock it out?

 

The center punch is the best way to go if there is no possible way to get something under the head of the pin to pry it out. But which ever method you do choose just be careful with them, no broken parts wanted. If they are truly stuck you may have to get a brass center punch and a small hobby hammer and gently tap them loose or at least far enought ouyt for the use of dikes/sidecuts.

 

well even with the center punch and hammer... i still cant get it to move, not even a little.

maybe i should dry out the rack really well, and heat the pins with a small butain torch?

 

I used the off-set as a punch. A bit unorthodox but it worked for me.

 

heating them did the trick... the really stuck pin had a little bit of a bend in it... i worked it out and now its fine...

NO MORE STUCK PINS floats are all free and moveing again...

i'm cleaning them up right now and plan on putting them back on the bike and seeing if it starts