<VV> Carburetor odyssey - different kinds of idle mixture needles ?

[Mikeamauro at aol.com]

"... Two of these needles are the "stilletto" version, the longest  one, 
and one of each of the other shapes. So, I used the only two that matched,  
but don't know from wheich (sic) body each came ? Does each shape of needle  
require a different internal "shape" or different sized hole to fit correctly 
?  It seems that all that really matters is that they match, side to side ? 
Would  this change the number of turns to back out, since it seems that 
shorter,  stubbier needles will have difference internal clearances than the 
thinned,  longer needles ? ..."
 
No Biggie; they will all work in whatever carb. I've used  non-matching, 
side-to-side-with no negative outcome. As long as running them in  causes a 
stumble and then backing out allows the idle to smooth (indicating the  carb 
is functioning properly), all is well. The ones with the steeper angle will  
provide a finer approach on the adjustment, but they all work just fine. The 
 initial setting (number of turns backed out) should always be followed by  
adjustment while engine is running (using an educated ear and/or tach  
and/or AF meter... I prefer all three, but a good ear is usually just  fine). 
 
Mike Mauro