Air Screw O-Ring Question

What affect could a bad (i.e. hard and badly cracked) air screw o-ring on a VM24SS have on the running of a bike? Could it affect cold starts, idling, etc.?

The reason I ask is that I was just cleaning my carbs and noticed that one of these o-rings was in bad shape. It just so happened to be the same cylinder that was giving me issues last year before putting the bike away. That cylinder wouldn't run when on the choke.

Also, where can you pick up o-rings? Are these specific to this carb, or can these be found at hardware stores or Canadian Tire? What size are these?

Thanks

Hi, if the o-ring is dried out or stiff, I would replace it. t's either there to keep the air out or the gas in. I replaced mine and got them at z1enterprises.com they have a wealth of parts for vintage bikes. You could also try your local dealer as well. They might even have them in stock. Good luck, Joe

In the parts manual for the '77 KZ650C1 it shows the o-ring as part #16038-022 (this is on the carbs with the air screw on top). Good news - still available from Kawasaki; bad news - more than $2.50 each! I would think if you took one to a large hardware store or plumbing supply house they could find something the right size for less $$. Ed

Hardware store O rings may not stand up to gasoline, I think they are Buna-N. Ask at Z1 enterprises, Jeff Saunders recently tested several types of O rings by putting them in gas and see if they swelled or broke down.

Thanks guys. I think I'll try the hardware store to get me going. I have to order a few things from Z1 in a month or so, I'll inquire then.

So, could this oring problem negatively affected the running to this extent though. Can't believe I never noticed them last year when having this problem.

I just ordered enough miniature o-rings from www.z1enterprises.com to do all my carbs...costly but worth it. Be aware that these are special order items through Jeff and take several weeks to deliver.

HarborFreight & other places sell nitrile o-ring kits for $10-$20. The o-ring size for the air screws is probably an 005 or 004, so if you find a kit make sure it has the needed size. Of course, to get an idea of what size to get, measure your o-rings, including the cross-sectional dimension. I got a kit from HF a few years ago - the smallest o-ring is an 006.

Or... Viton o-ring 004 ... Viton o-ring 005

I have no idea if these sizes will work.

JMKZHI wrote:

Or... Viton o-ring 004 ... Viton o-ring 005

I have no idea if these sizes will work.

Or, I could measure the two sizes of itty bitty o-rings that are used in the VM26 carbs...if anyone is interested?