NOT! So I am pulling my bowls to change my jets, I do the back carb first, new Crafstman screwdriver, no problem, what are these guys talking about stripping screw heads. Front carb next I start getting cocky on the fourth screw(front bottom one) near the nipple coming of the intake, STRIP DAMN!!!


Managed to get it out with a pair of gas pump pliers (thank GOD) I used one 4x12mm hex bolt to replace the stripped on. I cannot seem to find 4x14mm anywhere around my area, lots of 4x12 and 4x16.

Lesson learned, slow down and listen to what other people say.

Thanks

Don

 

Yeah, it is a cryin' shame they put such weak screws on the carb bowls. What you could do though, buy the 16mm screw and a nut that fits. Thread the nut on the screw, then take off the extra 2mm with a grinder or sander. You can smooth off any leftover burrs by threading the nut on and off several times and maybe sanding the end a bit before installing it on your carb. Not the best solution, but works in a pinch.

 

I also used a 16mm length screw from Lowes/home depot and then added a few (tiny) washers to take up the slack. Works fine.

Happy trails...[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The bowl screws have a posidrive head, that's why a phillips rounds them out so easy. Get a posidrive screwdriver and you shouldn't have a problem. I have also had a problem finding the 4X14mm size. I am using the 12mm length, just not overtightening them. Been too lazy to shorten up some 16mm.

Also make sure to put some antiseize on those threads if your switching to a SS screw.

 

Craftsman screwdrivers are crap IMO, try to find one that fits these screws well. It seems the drivers are slightly smaller than the standard size and will lead you to heartache with these screws. For cheap drivers I like Thorson and Stanley.

I didnt strip any screws btw, but I removed the carbs so I had good leverage. Put the driver on the head and pop it with the handle of another driver for a slight impact. Im also pretty slow and methodical when I do things. For standard screws that are really stuck try an impact driver. You wack them with a mallet they push down and turn. My Yam FZ1 carb screws were stuck much worse than the Prairie, so maybe I was just lucky too. Owning a needle nose vice grip is a handy tool when stuff goes bad [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I did install the allen heads so I could get to them from an angle next time. You can get the screws at any hobby shop, I know the part number is on this board (link below). I cant recall if they are stainless or not? Good tip on the anti sieze though.

Glad you got her done Done.

http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...=carb%20screws

Link to TowerHobbies if you live in the sticks.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFRJ0&P=7

 

i agree...take the carb off and put the screwdriver in the screw and give it a hit with a hammer or mallet....seems to work everytime

 

I bought a phillips screw driver at Sears with a 14 or 16 inch shaft. Using that its a piece of cake to get to those screws and apply a lot of presure to not strip them.

 

I took mine off and on 3-4 times never had an issue. Use the right tool and apply proper pressure. They are soft screws so I replaced them anyway though.

 

Just purchased 4X14 MM Sockethead screws at the local Hobby Shop. Cost $1.65 for a packet of 4.
Cheaper than Lowes and they only had the 4X12 MM.