SU Carb Needles Stuck

[Mr Tiger]

Hi,

I've got a pair of HS6 inch and three quarter SU carbs and would like to find out what needles are fitted. I've removed the grub screw from the side of each piston but the needles won't come out. The Haynes SU manual says to tap the needles in first but to be careful not to bend them. I haven't tried this - too afraid of damaging them. They are the spring loaded biased type. Has anyone had similar problems and know of a good way to free them up?

Thanks,

Chris

[v8250]

Coco-Cola's your friend. Sit in a bowl with a little CC and soak over night. They will come out cleanly the following morning; and be super clean at the same time. Rinse off with hot water and dry. Any other SU carb' issues contact Burlen Fuels in Salisbury.

[guru_1071]

if they are the spring loaded type, its not the needles which are stuck, rather its the little metal holder that holds them in place thats jammed.

ive never tried the Coca-Cola trick, I normally put them into some boiling hot water and then the needles should just tug out of the alloy piton with the little holders.

sometime you have to admit defeat and realty yank them out- this ruins the needles, but at least you can then see the code numbers to order some more!

[lowdrag]

CC is also brilliant for seized engines. In the rebuild of my E-type we have had the carbs and manifolds ultrasonically cleaned and they have come up like new. Will post a photo when the external hard disk decides to connect with the 'puter.

[Hooli]

After you've seen coke clean stuff you'll never drink it again.

[Mr Tiger]

Many thanks for the replies.

I hadn't thought of using hot water let alone Coke. Can't help wondering if Pepsi's better though!

Cheers,

Chris