Ok, so I picked up some vm34's to replace the bs38's on my XS500 and they don't seem to fit very well. My question is can I replace the drain bolt with something shorter to accommodate the height? If I use the current bolt it is too long to use drain hoses (the bottoms hit the motor). The bolt I'm referring to is the one on the bottom side that screws over the main jet. Thanks in advance.
Are you talking about the big brass hex head bolt in the middle of the bowl? If so, yeah it can be shorter as long as it doesn't close off the main jet but AFAIK they aren't available in different lengths. You may have to run down a different float bowl.
Can you post a pic of what's hitting? I'm pretty familiar with Mikunis and may be able to help more if I can see exactly what you are having trouble with.
Ha ha! I saw your post and was reading it and thought, "Hey, this sounds like my buddy Ian".
Then I saw your screen name! Ha!
Old basterd.
Joey
That's right Jowl. I feel wiser now.
Wow i've not seen that bowl screw fitting in a long time.
Yes you should be able to replace that with the normal flat bottom hex. BUT you will need to see if you have the extended jet set up. The extended jet helps baffle the fuel slosh.
Don't try to use regular bult the proper one will be hollow.
I belive there is 3 sizes so you may want to check your OEM carb and see it there drain is proper one.