Figured I'd post this in a separate thread as I'm trying to make a determination on a carb kit to buy. I've already changed some o-rings from thisoldtractor per Mr.72's terrific guide but there are a few other o-ring issues (specifically the o-ring on the needle/clip assembly under the diaphragms, and the tiny orings on the vacuum ports - I also plan to change out the float needle seat, float needles and maybe rejet. My question - is it better to buy all of these parts individually? or better to just order a kit? in which case - do I go for a cheaper kit on amazon or ebay? Curious and have seen threads about this but the majority are over three years old.

Cheers

I don't remember an o-ring on the needle clip assembly on mine, just a plastic doughnut.  If carbs are not overflowing I'd leave the float valve seats etc. I'd let MR72 respond about them though as he knows best.

PS while you are in there can you measure the length of your spring and the number of turns as per this post http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=72648.0

thanks

There's no O-ring on the needle assembly, and no need for one.  Just the clip, the nylon donut under it, and the nylon UFO on top for the spring to sit on.  There IS one under the slide guide where it meets the emulsion tube.  Is this the one you mean? 

Along with the O-ring kit, I got kits from ebay.  I don't know that they're any better or worse than others but it had what it needed and my bike runs.  2 DR350 kits were cheaper than one GS500 kit with the same bits so I went with that.  I've had mixed results ordering parts kits from Amazon.  Just my experience...