Idle jet

[jimcarrr100rs]

I finally got a set of carbs for my 56 R69. I have them completely apart except for the idle jet and they will not come out. They are plugged up and I am thinking of getting a jet drill to run through them and get them clean. Has anyone else tried this and or does anyone know what drill size to use.
Thanks, Jim

[schrader7032]

I think a drill is going to be too aggressive to the brass jets. Get some guitar strings and find the one that fits the best and just push through.

[therealkennyboy]

Take a spare flat blade screwdriver and grind/shape to provide best fit (especially the blade tip fit to the jet), and remove each jet (and replace with new ones).

IMO, trying to drill out (or use music wire) to clear the jet is asking for problems. The soft brass will definitely be scored by either method, I would think. The final venturi size will be altered. It is the tiniest of venturis, and any scoring will mess up its ability to work accurately. (It'll still work, but not at its intended level of performance).

Only use that screwdriver for this purpose--I carry this one in my tool kit. I shrink-wrapped the shaft to protect the carburetor cap threads in use. Don't over-tighten the jets, just snug them up.

I added a label so I wouldn't use it for anything else.

[schrader7032]

Before trying to remove it, be sure and soak for a long time with shots of a penetrant such as AeroKroil.

[wa1nca]

Ken: I like your screw driver also with the shrink wrap to protect the idle jet threads
The idle jet screw top does get damaged if the correct size screwdriver bit is not used

I received a complete good carburetor with my initial purchase on my R69s because someone damaged the idle jet trying to remove it with a undersized screwdriver on the idle jet so they replaced the carburetor

I used the smallest easy out bit I have and carefully opened the jet bore with a small drill bit
to remove the damaged idle jet and renewed the idle jet after cleaning
I now have a good R69s carburetor spare likely for sale

[jimcarrr100rs]

The carbs came to me full of corrosion and I had to soak them in my ultrasonic cleaner with a mix of solvent and atf to get the slides out and the rest of the removable parts. The idle jets already have a bit of damage from someone trying to remove them. I would love to get them out but not having a lot of hope for it. Maybe a easy out would do it.

[wa1nca]

As I recall the the drill bit was about 1/3 of the size of the outside diameter of the idle jet and the small easy out worked well

Heating should also help as the carb body should expand quicker than the brass idle jet but never had to try