Seized carby lift pin

[crackers]

Trying to tune the Moggy today, I discovered the carby lift pin is seized. I assume I was fiddling with the lift pin - front of the carby with a spring around it. Couldn't get the brute to move for anything.

Short of tearing the carby down, is there any way of freeing it?

For those interested, and not being interested in removing the small manifold for the air filter so I could get at the piston, I turned to the dark side and resorted to my Colourtune... which shocked and horrified me by working for a change (only used it on dual carb setups before with dubious results).

[mogbob]

Are you sure the piston can move ? If not , then remove the air filter from the carb ,and lift the piston with your finger through the mouth of the body ( covered by the air filter ).
Ideally you need to remove the suction chamber , piston and spring ,etc. to gain access to the inside of the body.You will be able to see the top of the lift pin. Dribble some dismantling fluid around the top of the pin and leave it for a while to soak through. If you don't have dismantling fluid then WD40 will do . Then gently tap the underside of the pin until it is free. A hammer is usually too large , so I have used a pliers of pliers in the past, held closed and at 90 degrees to the pin. More fluid
if needed and only gentle taps until it is free.
If the operation of the pin is fine , re-assemble. If not remove the pin by taking off the tiny circlip ...don't lose it ! If it is banana shape try straightening in a vice. Otherwise buy a new one.
It's usually just years of general gunk that makes it seize up , so a good clean will get you going again. You can try the spray without dismantling if you like. You never know , you might be lucky.
Bob

[crackers]

Thanks Bob.
I'll try the WD40 on the outside and tap routine first in the hope it's crud at the bottom. I've a classic event on this coming sunday and the saturday before is not the time to go dismantling an essentially working carby.

[bmcecosse]

If the pin sticks UP then the carb won't function well at all.... Perhaps better to leave well alone. Simply adjust for best idle.

[crackers]

If the pin sticks UP then the carb won't function well at all.... Perhaps better to leave well alone. Simply adjust for best idle.

Good point. I'll pretend I don't have one until I can do a strip down. Thanks for the head up.