Carburetors main jet holder wont screw in

[shevik]

So I recently bought a gl1100 in pretty good shape with a bad single carb conversion on it. I decided to go to a salvage yard and buy an OEM set of carbs to replace it with. I opened up the float bowls to take a look when I got it home and everything appears to be in incredible shape, so much so it appears they were cleaned or the bike was very well maintained. The problem however is that I noticed that one of the primary jet holders wasnt actually screwed into its housing. I gave it a little twist and it doesnt seem to go anywhere or catch the threads. it just sits gently in place. Any thoughts my friends? I'm hesitant to hit it with a wrench because it's a very delicate instrument. Also, I am a total beginner on cleaning carbs

[DenverWinger]

Are the slider caps still on? (tops of the carburetors - can't tell in your pictures). If so, the metering rod on the slider with the suspicious jet may be askew and the jet holder may be sitting on the tip of the metering rod. You should check the sliders for smooth operation anyway, and check the rubber slider diapragms for any damage. Make sure metering rods are clean and straight. With the sliders out the jet holder may just screw right in. If not try swapping two of them.

You will probably need to remove the right side slider caps to put the carb rack in the bike anyway, on mine, putting the carbs in from the left side, there's not enough clearance on the frame above the engine and the rack won't fit thru with the caps on.

[shevik]

This is really awesome advice. Come to think of it, the part picker had to take the slider caps off in order to remove the part. Perhaps when he did so the contents shifted and that's why this jet wont seem to fit on an otherwise perfect looking carb set. I'll get back to you about how it goes soon!

[shevik]

Ok, so I made more progress. Please let me know what you think. It appears the needle jet wasn't seated properly. I took it out, but I can't seem to get it to seat either. Thoughts?

[OldguyGlen]

That jet has to be tapped in with a wood dowel or such. It is a press fit, but takes only modest force. Look at the other carbs to see which end goes up, and how far into the carb. Look for burrs or damage.

[shevik]

I have tried tapping it into place but that doesnt seem to do the trick either. I think my next step is to examine the needle jet on a different carb to make sure I'm not dealing with a dissimilar part.

Also, does anyone know where to buy parts for these old keihin carburetors?

[shevik]

Hey you were right, I just wasn't tapping it hard enough lol.