Okay, what've I missed (this time)?

[wiglaf]

Trying to take the needle out of my old carb, to put in the new one. I've removed the retaining screw. But the needle won't budge: shouldn't it just slide out? There's a small sort of brass button set in the base of the piston, which I've tried pressing too.

Just seized after not being touched for 49 years? I've sat it to soak in spirits to try and free it, and it's showing a lovely cloud of muck off the piston as a whole.

Is it safe to apply brute-force and a pair of pliers to the problem?

Thanks!

[bmcecosse]

If you apply brute force you will damage the old needle - so then you will NEED to get it out ! Try boiling water first. Did you not get another carb a while back ?

[wiglaf]

Right, boiling water - will give it a go.

Yes, I've currently got linearaudio's old carb, and it's okay but likes to run lean - with a "1098" AN needle: I want to try it with the M needle that "matches" the engine, without forking out for another needle when there's one sitting there in the old carb. It's not desperate by any means, but I'm in the mood for having a play.

Cheers

[bmcecosse]

So - just fit that piston complete with needle! Probably best to use it with it's matching 'bell'.

The M is slightly richer from about half way down onwards[frame][/frame]

[wiglaf]

On the old one (besides the jet being messed up, all the nuts etc fused together), it was sticky, with the piston "catching" somehow, leaving light scoring on both the piston and the suction disc. Not knowing just what caused this, wouldn't it risk messing up the replacement?

[bmcecosse]

Polish up with Brasso - or T cut.