The GS500 that I recently bought was stored for several years, so I decided to remove the carbs and clean the float bowl and jets. My 2001 model came with BSR34 carbs that have 4 phillips float bowl  screws on each. And like most other folks who have tried to remove those screws, I had a real b***h of a time. I tried various phillips screwdrivers, 2 different vice grips, Kroil penetrating oil, a propane torch (probably a dumb idea, looking back), and slip joint pliers without success. Plus, I completely buggered up the heads of most of these screws. I had almost given up and was ready to drill them out.

Then I tried my medium-sized diagonal cutting pliers. I held them tight and turned, and bingo, the 1st screw came out, then the next, followed by all the others, with not a lot of effort. I guess those type of pliers are able to firmly grip on the base of the screw heads, applying more torque than other tools, without slipping. I then disassembled the carbs and did a thorough cleaning. Fortunately, I didn't damage the internals with that heat (don't try it!).

As the screws were toast, I checked around and found Allen head screws (M4 x 0.7 x 10 mm) to replace them, and at a very cheap price. Here is the Ebay site that sells them:

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Black-Oxide-Alloy-Steel-Metric-M4-x-0-7-x-10mm-Socket-Head-Cap-Screw-10-Pack-/171312379606 

I got them in record time, and they fit perfectly. They should fit other GS500's with the BSR34 carbs.

Hope this helps others who struggle with removing and replacing these carb screws.

I used a 12V Hitachi Impact driver. Just until I saw the screws move.

The 'Phillips'  screw heads were buffered because they are JIS not Phillips. ..

If they were all crudded/frozen in then it might have happened even with JIS ....

Allen replacements are a good plan... those oxide alloy steel ones, that a fancy term for stainless?

Why is there all this fuss about always using socket cap heads as replacements?......... (no such thing as Allen head)

Pan head screws, same as the originals look far more pleasing to the eye and its always easier to find a screwdriver than a hex key.

Just buy a manual impact driver and hammer the bastards out. Once you get them out, replace with allen heads.

I used socket head bolts/screws so that if I need to perform maintenance or simple repairs on the roadside I don't need as many tools. Plus with a decent set of keys I think they'll be more robust than Phillips drive. But time will tell I guess aye Sledge?


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Just watch for rust on the fasteners you use.  It is hard to tell by just looking at a piece of hardware whether it will be susceptible to rusting.

Quote from: fakejimmymorgan on November 06, 2015, 06:06:10 AM
I used socket head bolts/screws so that if I need to perform maintenance or simple repairs on the roadside I don't need as many tools

I am sure you think there is some logic there jimmy but I don't.

You have now added M4 socket-caps to the bike but you haven't removed all the cross head screws from it, you now need to carry a 3mm key with you that you didn't need to before as well as a screwdriver.........so where does this idea you need less tools come from?......you need MORE tools now.

Quote from: sledge on November 06, 2015, 11:33:52 AM

Quote from: fakejimmymorgan on November 06, 2015, 06:06:10 AM
I used socket head bolts/screws so that if I need to perform maintenance or simple repairs on the roadside I don't need as many tools

I am sure you think there is some logic there jimmy but I don't.

You have now added M4 socket-caps to the bike but you haven't removed all the cross head screws from it, you now need to carry a 3mm key with you that you didn't need to before as well as a screwdriver.........so where does this idea you need less tools come from?......you need MORE tools now.

Actually putting allen head bolts for the floats let you remove the floats with the bike still assembled. That is why I can change jets for some of my locals in 10 mins. I take those off and swap. In fact on an 89-00 its even easier, there is only 2 per bowl.
Cool.
Buddha.

I guess if you are into changing jets on a regular basis its win win win ...........but who does?

Quote from: sledge on November 06, 2015, 12:15:10 PM
I guess if you are into changing jets on a regular basis its win win win ...........but who does?

Better to have it and not need it,than need it and not have it.