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Valkyrie Riders Cruiser Club > General > General Board > Should I change the original Pilot jets and Float Valves to new ones?
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Author Topic: Should I change the original Pilot jets and Float Valves to new ones?  (Read 602 times)
Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK
« on: January 18, 2026, 04:15:47 AM »
OK, I'll be getting my old Valkyrie back on Wednesday.
Before I sold it a year ago it was running spot on. I'd dismantled the carbs, gave them a good clean and used my Digi Sync to balance them all out.
I'll be taking the tank off as I have a cbr600 manual petcock to fit.
I have half a mind to change all the pilot jets and tiny o-rings since they're 28 years old. (  I think they're the Pilot jets. The ones you turn out 2 and a quarter/half times for rich/lean). The reason is that I'd filed a slot in them to make it easier to turn with a screwdriver and my first attempts weren't great.
I've purchased six sets of carb rebuilds (made in China) and wonder whether I should fit new ones.
The kit also has new Float Valves. Would you replace these also as I'm thinking the new rubber ends would be a good fit.
Or, of course, would you say leave it as it is.
The owner, for the year, only did 800 miles so I don't know if the bike was static for a period with an ethanol lacquer build up there.
Any thoughts?
« Last Edit: January 18, 2026, 05:27:58 AM by Knapdog » Logged
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'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
Hook#3287
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Posts: 6880


Brimfield, Ma
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2026, 06:49:02 AM »
I'd ride it for a bit before deciding to do anything.
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98valk
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South Jersey
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2026, 08:48:12 AM »
NO and NO.  Honda used a higher grade of Buna-n for the o-rings.

which grade do u think china use?

age has nothing to do with Buna-n going bad. 
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

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Knapdog
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South Wales, UK
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2026, 09:40:48 AM »
Quote from: 98valk on January 18, 2026, 08:48:12 AM
NO and NO.  Honda used a higher grade of Buna-n for the o-rings.

which grade do u think china use?

age has nothing to do with Buna-n going bad. 


OK. Thanks.
What about the actual Pilot jets?
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Stay between the hedges!

'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
h13man
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Posts: 1903


To everything there is an exception.

Indiana NW Central Flatlands
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2026, 05:31:04 AM »
Replacing 28 yr. old rubber is becoming an issue on our bikes thus replacing the "float" valve is definitely a must. As for the brass jet's, needles etc., I wouldn't replace them just a careful thorough cleaning.

One source for parts but not everything: https://redeye.ecrater.com/c/414983/carb-intake-seal-kits
« Last Edit: January 19, 2026, 05:38:54 AM by h13man » Logged
98valk
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Posts: 13818


South Jersey
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2026, 05:51:32 AM »
Quote from: Knapdog on January 18, 2026, 09:40:48 AM
Quote from: 98valk on January 18, 2026, 08:48:12 AM
NO and NO.  Honda used a higher grade of Buna-n for the o-rings.

which grade do u think china use?

age has nothing to do with Buna-n going bad. 


OK. Thanks.
What about the actual Pilot jets?

no reason to change them.  if u want a clean intake system including the ring pack and an increase in MPG and keeping the needles inside of the needle wells lubricated look into TC-W3, I've been using it for yrs. the needle wells in these carbs are not replaceable.   read here about it and ratio to use.

https://www.ls1.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91206
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1998 Std/Tourer, 2007 DR200SE, 1981 CB900C  10speed
1973 Duster 340 4-speed rare A/C, 2001 F250 4x4 7.3L, 6sp

"Our Constitution was made only for a Moral and Religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the goverment of any other."
John Adams 10/11/1798
Knapdog
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Posts: 360


South Wales, UK
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2026, 08:02:22 AM »
The genuine Honda float valves in the UK are around £27.
Another thought... Wouldn't the genuine Honda ones have been hanging around on the shelves and be almost as old as the ones on the bike?
« Last Edit: January 19, 2026, 08:49:34 AM by Knapdog » Logged
Stay between the hedges!

'98 Honda Valkyrie Tourer⁸
'96 Honda C90
'83 Honda C90C
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