removing carb float screw that is stripped

[tchfall15]

Anyone have any ideas on removing a float bowl screw that has a stripped fitting? Its the second carb in, i want to try and stay away from removing the carbs. I tried using vise grips with a long nose. Any other ideas? Thanks

[Southernstyle]

Just to be clear, I'm assuming that you mean the float bowl screw has damage to the head of the screw, making it impossible to engage with a srewdriver. Or are the threads in the carb body srtipped?
Later,
SS

[furchin]

I don't want to type all of my response again since I left an answer on KERA for you. In short a long narrow chisel and hammer, tap on edge of screw until loose. Replace screws with hex head bolts to help in the future. Furchin

[SnakeDoctor]

Here is what Furchin contributed on this topic on another forum:


What do you mean by stripped fitting? I'm going to guess that you mean you have rounded out the philips screwdriver slots. If that is the case you can try what I have done in the past and that is to use a long thin chisel with a very honed down edge. I tap the chisel on the round edge of the screw and slowly move it around until it comes out. What I suggest is to replace all philips head screws with hex head bolts. I have also done this to ease in future removal. Hope this helps. Furchin

[tchfall15]

They are already hex head. Its the drain screw. I dont know how it got rounded out, maybe i wasnt paying attention. I find it hard to use a chisel and hammer. But i will give it a try. What about if i remove 4 screws that hold the float bowl on the carb? Might give that a try. Any other ideas? Thanks

[Southernstyle]

Removing the float bowl may indeed be your best bet. That way, you can put the bowl in a soft jawed vise and have easier acces to the screw to get it out. Good Luck!
Later,
SS

[rammy1500]

I agree, your best bet is to remove the bowl, in fact you might be able to get to the back of the screw inside the float bowl.

[Southernstyle]

Good point Rammy, but the only problem with that being make sure you dont damage any exposed threads on the inner side of the bowl, or the steel screw with damaged threads will likely destroy the threads in the aluminum housing.

The other option would be the cut the head off of the screw with a grinder and then thread the screw into the bowl to remove it, but I would try this only as a last resort. Good Luck!
Later,
SS

[Techy]

After bowl is off, put it in boiling water. Try tapping screw with impact screwdriver while everything is still hot. This might help loosen screw if it's not crossthreaded. What bike? I've got a few parts for 600.