Reddit reviews Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set (New 3rd. Gen) (Japan Import)

This Hozan set is only $17. It's not that much money to have the correct tools for the job.

I do like your idea about swapping them, though.

Exactly right but I think it’s too late for this screw. The left-handed drill bit idea is the best choice IMO.

Neiko 01925A Screw Extractor and Left Hand Drill Bit Set, 10 Piece | Alloy Extractors | Cobalt HSS Drill Bits | https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F9ANQW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_48c-BbVJE5B8K

Hozan JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set (NEW 3rd. Gen) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A7WAHTU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_09c-BbD50WFW8

This is well known in many forums and circles for older Jap bikes. There are many JIS driver sets are available on amazon, along with other impact driver JIS sets. While Philips bits are not reccomended on JIS screws, a Philips impact driver usually has no problem removing these screws.

You'll want some JIS screwdrivers. There's lot of "phillips" screws on those bikes, but if you try and use your trusty old phillips driver on them, you'll strip them out in a heartbeat.

https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU

I use this set

Your screws are not Philips screws they a Japanese industrial standard or JIS. They look the same but the angles are different and will strip if a Philips is used. Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU

Do you have recommendations on where to buy? Found these, but they have mixed reviews:

https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Also, while your replacements won't have the same heads likely, shimano "phillips" screws are actually JIS, in the event you weren't aware.

http://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU

Something like that will help prevent them from stripping.

You can do it yourself. The rebuild part itself is very easy, requiring the right parts, basic tools, ability to follow directions, and patience. The hardest part is going to be removing and reinstalling the carbs in the bike.

Here's what you need:

• Honda Factory Service Manual for 1979-1982 CB650 from Helm Inc.
  
• JIS screwdrivers. The screws on your carbs are not phillips head, and if you try to remove a stuck one with the wrong tool you'll strip it. This is especially important if you reinstall the same screws. Your other option is to replace with appropriate allen fasteners.
  
• Keihin VB44C rebuild kit. These kits will include various parts, depending on the supplier. Usually includes all O-rings, bowl gaskets, air screw assemblies. Sometimes they include all jets, and float needles. Often they do not require the O-ring for the accelerator pump on carb #2. They never include a new accelerator pump diaphragm, floats, or T-joints.
  
  After rebuilding, you may or may not need new carb insulator boots. Your old ones will likely either be hard as rocks or will have cracks that leak air.
  
  I own the same bike as you and have rebuilt the carbs without previous carb experience. If you have questions, PM me and I'll help how I can.

I highly highly highly suggest a JIS cross point no. 2. The philips head no 2 can easily damage the screws used from the factory.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00A7WAHTU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518651012&sr=8-1&refinements=p_85%3A2470955011&rps=1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=jis&dpPl=1&dpID=413vva2sI3L&ref=plSrch

The PA unit is under the filter board. No soldering needed to remove it. Just a lot of screws and multi pin connections. I suggest a camera to keep track.

I also suggest a high quality thermal paste like the following:
https://www.amazon.com/Arctic-Silver-Ceramique-Compound-CMQ2-2-7G/dp/B0087X73AM

Or

https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-ORACO-MX40001-BL-Compound-Performance-Interface/dp/B0045JCFLY

1. Get JIS screwdrivers if you don't have them already. The carbs are brass and it's easy to strip the screws.
   https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?crid=13IVJB32CWN3L&keywords=jus+screwdriver&qid=1555384541&s=gateway&sprefix=jis+&sr=8-2
   
   
2. YouTube Shane Conley. He's an automotive teacher and posts some incredibly informative videos
   https://www.youtube.com/user/conleybuilt
   
   
3. for the valves, finding the right feeler gauge was a pain. Here's what I landed on.
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0039LBDK8/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_old_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   Here's the shim kit
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000UKM6LG/ref=ppx_yo_mob_b_old_o0_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
   measure the shim before you put it in. You will be doing extra work if you replace a shim only to discover it's the wrong size after install when you're double checking everything.
   
   
4. I've got a post around here from me doing shims, I'll try to find it because there's other good stuff in there.
   Found the link, looks like I got most of it. There's other good stuff though.
   https://www.reddit.com/r/SVRiders/comments/an7gab/you_guys_rock/?utm_medium=android_app&utm_source=share
   
   
5. drop the radiator before doing shims, it's so much easier.
   
   
6. if you have manual tension adjusters, grab a set of socket extensions and flare nut crows feet
   https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0002SRJF4?psc=1&ref=ppx_pop_mob_b_pd_title
   
   
7. measure and record everything, draw your own pictures and diagrams
   
   
8. telescoping magnet and good lighting because you WILL drop something, somewhere
   
   
9. check float height since you're in there already but you may not need to clean much on the carbs if there's not a power issue. The bowl gaskets do leak sometimes, might as well replace those. Definitely check the float needle.
   
   
10. when cleaning, remember the needles are brass which is soft. Don't abuse them because they're easy to scratch.
    
    Edit
    
    
11. grab a torque wrench for putting it back together and be very careful not to cross thread, the aluminum in the head is easy to rip out if you over torque or cross thread. Especially the bolts for the valve covers.

These.

Just get a full set; your future self will thank you (can't find the exact one, but it was similar to this one on amazon)

Use left twist drill bits. If you're lucky they'll bite in and twist the screw out. Get JIS screwdrivers, strip less screws.

Oh man, I had no clue the screws were different. Good heads up!
More stuff to research :)
Quick Amazon search turned up this set:
JIS-4 JIS Screwdriver Set (New 3rd. Gen) (Japan Import)


And sounds like a bearing kit is easiest to put in now, will definitely add this upgrade to the list.

You'll want a small (#0 or #00) JIS crosspoint driver like these. If you're careful, you can use a small phillips, but do so at your own risk.

https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU

It's an old Jap bike. So you are going to actually need a JIS screwdriver to get it apart without doing damage to anything. Most hardware stores won't know what the f you are talking about. Might need to overnight one from amazon if you are serious about getting into it. This is the set you will need, you will also need a very small and high quality flathead.

https://www.amazon.com/Hozan-JIS-4-JIS-Screwdriver-3rd/dp/B00A7WAHTU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1472699179&sr=8-1&keywords=jis+screwdriver

Here's the carb.
http://imgur.com/mD1mTzT

Have you tried a JIS driver?