Slow speed needle valve for 1971 25hp Johnson

[davidmbv]

The slow speed needle valve on my 71 25hp Johnson is worn and slightly bent although I straightened it the best I could. Im looking to replace it and noticed there are none available on eBay or any of the OMC parts online stores. The part number listed is 314691. I noticed there are slow speed needles available for 1972 25hp Johnson’s and the carb looks identical on the parts diagrams but they (online stores-Crowley etc) show the 72 25hp needle part as part number 0385234. Does anyone know if these parts are interchangeable? If so I see several on eBy for cheap and would like to try a replacement to see if it helps the rich idle issues I’ve learned to deal with on my 71. My 70 25hp Jonson idles perfect perfect and the needle is less worn etc. thanks

 

[440roadrunner]

I think I would try to "dress" the tip. If you have a lathe/ drill press chuck it up. To protect the threads, use your head. One way is to get a straw--even if too large--and gently slit the straw lengthwise for a short bit.

Use a small file, emery board, sandpaper backed by a small board or stir stick, etc. Go easy---it's brass

 

[Crosbyman]

try some heat shrink tubing over the threads ...remove after

 

[Crosbyman]

try tim's outboard used parts

also classified want ads on AOMCI site

 

[davidmbv]

Great info thanks. Just still curious if that needle for a 72 would work in a 71. If not I will look to “fix” the old one or try that outboard parts store mentioned.