unlearnable lessons

There are two lessons I just can't seem to ever learn. One is not to drink to much alcohol, though it always seems like a great idea at the time. The other is not to use aftermarket parts to try to save money when OEM parts are available. I've been battling leaky carbs for a long time and tried several aftermarket float needles.  They look almost identical to stock, but the carbs kept overflowing. I finally sprung for OEM needles and problem solved. I really don't understand what makes a needle worth $40 vs $2, but lesson learned.

Or not...

Zaddict wrote:

There are two lessons I just can't seem to ever learn. One is not to drink to much alcohol, though it always seems like a great idea at the time. The other is not to use aftermarket parts to try to save money when OEM parts are available. I've been battling leaky carbs for a long time and tried several aftermarket float needles.  They look almost identical to stock, but the carbs kept overflowing. I finally sprung for OEM needles and problem solved. I really don't understand what makes a needle worth $40 vs $2, but lesson learned.

Or not...

Production tolerances and quality control - aftermarket parts are always a "lottery" some are really good, and some not 

For Keihin's, the only needles worth having are OEM or Keyster.  The cheap aftermarket pieces have a soft spring that can't hold up the weight of the float.  I bought a dozen Keyster's, to save on shipping cost, since I rebuild a fair number of carbs.  It's also good to use a HD q-tip and brass polish to clean up the inside of the seat really well.  

This shop sells needle valves sets with a viton rubber tip.

vergaser.saarbike.de/vergaser/et-oem-ver...r/kawasaki/index.php

 

Wookie58 wrote:

Production tolerances and quality control - aftermarket parts are always a "lottery" some are really good, and some not

That’s why I started this thread some while back: www.kzrider.com/forum/13-bike-related/61...-are-actual-upgrades