I think your screws are cadmium plated steel, not brass. Most carbs have cad plated parts that look gold (brass) when new, your picture looks like cad plated screws, not brass.

Your mechanic just does not know how to properly install/remove Phillips head screws, they are difficult. Phillips heads are designed for max torque on installation, but are problematic on removal.

John

 

Yea I think you are right on what type of steel they are. I noticed they are silver under the coating. I'm suprised he didn't see the diaphragm problem since he works on carbs a lot. I didn't notice any screw heads messed up until I started working on it. I didn't think they would be so dang tight! Is there a secret to taking them out? I applied a lot of pressure but still stripped the head some how. I did have the right philips tip to so it wasn't too small or big.

 

I work on carbs all of the time. I use an impact driver with a phillips bit on the end, I tap it lightly to break the screws loose. As the cover screws may be a brass color, they are not brass but the heads do strip easily. My best guess is that you will only need an accelerator pump diaphram, but cleaning out the whole carb and replacing all of the rubber pieces won't hurt a bit.

If the head is already stripped, get a cutting wheel on a dremel and cut a slot in the head and use the impact with a straight blade screwdriver bit. Then replace the screw with a new one.

 

Thanks for all the help guys!

 

Got the screws out and it looks like I need a new accelerator pump diaphram. There is a nice size rip in it which makes sense as to why I have so much gas leaking. Hopefully the local harley dealer will have some replacement parts for me. This will get me by until I can do the rebuild kit. Thanks for all the help everyone! This forum is awesome!

 

If you don't get the parts covered by the local Harley dealer or discounted at least there is a website that strictly sells Harley parts and great prices as well. Here is the site:
http://www.jpcycles.com/harley-parts...FQlN4Aodc1QJEQ

 

Gpsjr10, where do you get replacement screws? I looked at Lowes and they didn't have much of a selection and I don't know the exact size. I need screws for the accelerator pump cover.

 

well, I have a box full of old Mikuni and Kei-Hin carbs, so I just steal parts from them. I am pretty sure they are metric screws. I can check when I get to the shop tomorrow. If you go to the dealer and get a new pump diaphram, they may have some laying around. If you can't find them, PM me and I will send some to you.

 

That would be awesome if you can help me out! Even if you knew the screw/thread size so I can order some would be great. I can't seem to figure out how to just the PM system?

 

I just rejetted my carb and had to replace a screw. Took it to Ace Hardware and they got me a new one for about a dime or so.