Carb Question

[hcgonzalez]

I have been working on a 78 GL1000 and getting ready to work on the carbs. The top of each carb has a round teflon cap in the center (about 3/4 inch dia), that is broken and set with silicon seal. I can't find replacement caps. Is there a source?
Thanks/Moco

[D2D]

I don't think I have ever come across replacements for them in my parts searches; however I have heard that there is someone on another forum I belong to that makes replacements. I'll try and find out his contact info for you. You can also use small brass or steel freeze plugs to cover those caps. If you go that route instead of looking for replacements, I'd pull them and solder them on to ensure a proper seal. Be careful not to get whatever you seal them on with inside or you'll have issues with the slides.

[dingdong]

Any replacement will have to be glued on. The originals are formed into the caps. Just make your own and epoxy them on. Keeping in mind that there are air passages under the caps that must remain open. I have seen guys use a coin as the replacement.

[D2D]

This is the size of the freeze plug you would need to repair those broken tops. Some auto parts stores carry them in bronze; shined up and clear coated they'd look real nice.

[dingdong]

I don't think I have ever come across replacements for them in my parts searches; however I have heard that there is someone on another forum I belong to that makes replacements. I'll try and find out his contact info for you. You can also use small brass or steel freeze plugs to cover those caps. If you go that route instead of looking for replacements, I'd pull them and solder them on to ensure a proper seal. Be careful not to get whatever you seal them on with inside or you'll have issues with the slides.

Working with aluminum here. Have to use an epoxy of some sort.

[D2D]

You can actually use a Durafix rod to weld/solder them on. Much better than an epoxy that may leak inside or dry out over time.

http://durafix.com/

or you could use any one of these products too;
alphafry AM53718 .40 oz .062 Diameter Specialty Solder 100% Aluminum
FindingKing Aluminum Solder-It
Solder It ALP-21 Aluminum Solder Paste

[dingdong]

You can actually use a Durafix rod to weld/solder them on. Much better than an epoxy that may leak inside or dry out over time.

http://durafix.com/

or you could use any one of these products too;
alphafry AM53718 .40 oz .062 Diameter Specialty Solder 100% Aluminum
FindingKing Aluminum Solder-It
Solder It ALP-21 Aluminum Solder Paste

That is good to know. I didn't know there was a way to "solder" aluminum. I wonder how strong the joints are. As in, would that work on carb bodies or float bowls?

[hcgonzalez]

Thank y’all very much. These were all great suggestions that will help me move on with the rebuilds. Hoping to be on the road in a couple of months./Moco

[Old Fogey]

I wouldn't be using that much heat in the tops for fear of distortion; Then you would be in even bigger trouble.

There is an excellent write-up here on fixing this problem.
http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=40216