I bought another VF500F

They certainly can get stuck as described. Usually from old fuel varnish.

Typically a rap on the bowl with a plastic screwdriver handle pops them loose. I rarely have had to pry them, but sometimes they are quite stuck.

 

OK you said float BOWL. Some are and I lightly tap them on their side and that usually helps free them up.

 

if needed, the key # can be found by removing the top triple clamp or on the rear of seat latch/ helmet lock.

 

Took a few light raps today to see if I could free them. No go yet.

Is there a solvent I could apply from the outside maybe to loosen things up? Would MMO work its way in? Quick Google search suggested it is generally safe for plastics and rubber.

I'm figuring I will definitely be needing a few sets of gaskets, since at least 2 of my bowls are stuck. The one bowl I was able to open, the gaskets are pretty much flat and hard.

Suggestions for kits that won't break the bank? I see kits going from $20 to 10 times that.