Carb Kits

I've spent the past few days rebuilding and tuning carburetors, specifically 3d-gen carb sets. I don't typically have a need for rebuild kits, not that there's anything wrong with a quality set, but I always try to reuse any of the original OEM parts when able, and I've sourced my own seals, so I don't have a need for much of the hardware or seals provided. However, I do replace the float valves and sometimes the low-speed jets if they're too far gone to salvage. I used to be able to get the 3d-gen float valve assembles separately from Sirius in Canada, but they seemed to have stopped stocking those, but do sell the Keyster kit shown below. They list these at about $95 USD but offer them in larger lots for about $71 with shipping and tax. That gives a good idea of their markup. Again, I don't need all of the extras — I don't think I ever met a main jet that couldn't be reused — but I'm kind of stuck. On the plus side, these are made-in-Japan parts and it's always easier to start with shiny new pilot jets. Obviously, this kit is only for the bits in the carb bowl, any seals beyond that will require a more complete kit…or a visit to my "Products" page.

 Just out of curiosity, I once ordered a Chinese-made rebuild kit for the 2d-gen VFR750 (below) and I received a mystery package of seemingly mis-matched bits and pieces along with a menagerie of seals, incorrect jet sizes and even a new jet needle. I should have know when the listing stated that the kit would fit several years of VF and VFR carbs, which are not compatible. But that little sync spring will come in handy one day, I'm sure. If anyone seriously thinks that all this stuff is of useable quality for $20, shipped from China, they deserve what they get, I suppose.

Speaking of reusing parts, don't be too quick to throw out your nasty-looking float blow drain screws. Yes, sometimes they've corroded away the tip with no hope of sealing ever again, but often a few minutes with some 1200-grit wet/dry sandpaper wetted with WD-40 or similar will have them ready for another 30 years. These are NLA from Honda, but are available aftermarket.

BTW, those rubber seals don't actually seal fuel, they just direct the draining fuel out the bottom spigot, so don't fret if yours aren't perfect.

---