LCGB Forums

Hi. I have three K series needles, but I ordered another needle from a kart dealer, and it is about 4mm longer.

The previous ones had five grooves, and the new one has four.

I have got to say, it runs much better on the new (longer) needle, but why two different lengths within the same range of needles?

if you look at the chart m8, from K24 & below might expalin the longer needle?

Thanks Norrie, but I don’t think it is an explanation. Columns D and E are for multi-taper needles. The needle I have recently purchased is not multi-tapered: it is simply longer.

BTW, the needle chart now extends to 98 variants.

Didn’t realise 98 variants

Matt cooper at eurocarb prob be a good bloke to email & ask about longer needles m8 -> sales@dellorto.co.uk

What needle is it you now using that’s longer & in what engine ?
I Just ordered a new K3 needle for the 32mm VHSA I use on a TS230

I have three (short) needles are something like, K22, K23 and K28. The "longer" needle I have just purchased is a K59 (I think).

I don't know if I need a longer needle, I was more surprised that a longer needle existed (and with a different number of grooves).

There is a hint in the explanation of needle K33, which translates as "differs from K27 to have a length of 70.5", which might indicate that longer needles have a place in the range.

98 needles. You can find the needle chart here (Thanks Eurocarb). https://www.dellorto.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/K-U-Needle-charts.pdf

I printed it off, and the similar chart for X needles, and laminated them back-to-back.

thanks m8 that charts very handy, mind even more of a minefield

Lots of dealers used to cut K needles to U needle length for use in VHSA carbs, whereas others used them at the full K length.

Adam_Winstone wrote:Lots of dealers used to cut K needles to U needle length for use in VHSA carbs, whereas others used them at the full K length.

i bought a 32mm VHSA 2nd hand a few years ago & that had a shorter K5 needle fitted
what was the reason behind dealers shortening these m8?