Pilot screws & tool.

[Tropic traveler]

Finally got back around to working on the '97 carbs. The pilot screws were very obstinate coming out so I had to use the "hacksaw method" of cutting a slot to get them out. After slotting them I was able to back them out with a screwdriver but I butched some of them up pretty badly, boy they were grungy!
Anyways, the shorty D shape pilot tool I got from Redeye was just about useless after I abused it attempting to get the stuck screws out & I'm going to have to buy replacement screws. So I have 2 questions....
Does anyone make any replacement pilot screws that are already slotted OR is there a better option for a D shaped tool. I really don't want to slot the brand new expensive pilot screws I have to buy.
I would rather modify a tool to fit the D shape better if possible.     

[BonS]

I can't compare RedEye's D tool to this but this is what I have and so far so good. It's a Craftsman 41380 knurled holder that accepts the a hex D shaped bit from MotionPro. The hex D bit is made of tool steel rather than brass so it's quite tough and holds up well. It just barely fits underneath our carburetors on the bike but it does fit so you can make adjustments with the bike running if you want.

One end of the Craftsman 41380 holds the hex bit and the other end accepts a 3/8" wrench. I've been lucky enough to never need to use a wrench and simply use the knurled cylinder with my fingers.

[BonS]

Here's one more pic and a link to the MotinPro D-Shaped bit on Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-Replacement-D-Shaped-08-0242/dp/B003CMWC4U

[Tropic traveler]

Thanks!
Looks much sturdier than the one I have.
 

[John Schmidt]

Eddie, every time I've had pilots out on any carbs I've worked on I have always cut a slot in the head. But I used a Dremel with a cutting wheel on it, works a lot better. I let the carb hold it for me by backing it out just far enough to raise is above the hole it fits in, then use the Dremel. Before installing your new ones, give them a little dab of antiseize. I also have the same setup that Bon has, and it works fine but you have to get the little suckers out first. 

[Tropic traveler]

Well, I got them all out & upon closer examination I can save 3 or 4 of them. I used a 3" cut off wheel on a 1/4" electric grinder to make the cut. It is a bit bigger than a Dremel & I guess I got a little off center on some of the cuts.      I have a set of 4 used pilot screws coming & I have a pilot screw re-seal kit from Red-eye so I should be able to make a good set of 6 to put back in. I'm going to slot them all for this bike.
I'll get the D driver set up like BonS has for the other Valks.

John, are you coming up to Bert 'n Sherrie's party for Tom this Saturday?  If you are I'll pick your brain on slow jets & pilot adjustments then. I have both 35's & 38's. The original 35's cleaned up nice & I have new 38's.

[John Schmidt]

John, are you coming up to Bert 'n Sherrie's party for Tom this Saturday?  If you are I'll pick your brain on slow jets & pilot adjustments then. I have both 35's & 38's. The original 35's cleaned up nice & I have new 38's.

Going to try and make it, Rita has been having some issues lately but insists I attend. I have some extra #35's if you want to mess with them. I don't really trust cleaning them without cooking them like a self-cleaning oven...I just happen to be anal about such things. And if you don't have a Dremel it's time you got one.  

Hope to see all you guys Saturday.

[Patrick]

Slot cutting !     Been doing it to all of them for about the last 15 years along with never-seize. Seems to me that I remember reading somewhere that thats how the European bikes are.

[Gavin_Sons]

I remember reading somewhere that after a certain date the manufacturers had to make them tamper proof because of emissions. That is why they are up in that little sleeve and odd shaped.

[BigBad1]

Thanks BonS for that info. I too just ruined by Honda pilot tool trying to take out a stuck Screw. I had to cut a grove also but the tool was shot by then.