fuel flow

[Axel]

pods

A small filter could be mounted where the breather tube is . This is a source for some PCV exhaust (smoke) that bothers some people . Also I dont think pods are a simple mod . They sometimes require re-jetting the carbs which can be a long drawn out process. Also some brands require slight modifications to operate properly . This is why I will never go this way .
There is also a worry about rough running in the rain ,etc .
All this from reading posts that you can access by using the SEARCH drop-down menu at the top of this page .
Cheers

[bikerphil]

photos

You might be able to see some pictures of different pod setups by looking at the members photos at the top of this page.

[Axel]

666

Congrats Beastly

[bikerphil]

thank you

[screamin deal]

needles & seats

Got the carbs off and it looks like the needles were worn. I am going to replace. I think I would rather replace seats also rather than try to resurface as suggested. If I can find these parts at a reasonable price and know that they will fit my 1979 xs1100sf. It was my intention to just replace the needles,seats and the bowl gaskets. I am looking for reassurance that this is a good start to fixing my leak.

[prometheus578]

I am looking for reassurance that this is a good start to fixing my leak

Carbs leak when the needle doesn't seal in the seat.
Worn needles, like you saw, means that there's an uneven metal to metal contact area which is why the won't seal.
It's not worth anybody's time to try to polish the steel needles as you'll never get a perfect taper for that "needin' to be perfect fit".
The seats, on the other hand, can be polished easily, as they're brass and all you're doing really is smoothing out around the sealing hole.
Now, if you look down in there and see a gouge or something, then chances are that you'll need new seats, but thats a rarity.
Bowl gaskets can be reused many times over, but sometimes they're just too shot and need to be replaced.
Always... always... bench test the carbs before putting them back on the bike. (after setting your float height)
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=20424
And change your gas'y oil, too!

[screamin deal]

thanks

Thanks Pro. I will try that first and then bench test, I can always go back and replace seats. Gaskets are still good. I will order new needles and hopefully get them before new years. I'll have some uninterupted time to work then. I do have more time than money.

[egsols]

Once you get the new needles have a look at them under a magnifying glass. I got a full set for a very reasonable price but after installing, the bench test revealed a leak. Upon further inspection, it is my opinion that the needles were not a good quality, the milling marks were clear visible on the tips. I am hesitant to order "genuine" needles from the dealer as I don't know if they will ship me the same aftermarket ones at an inflated price. (14.95 per carb for needles, seats, gaskets, jets, etc. dealer wants 43.95 per carb just fo a needle and seat)

I ended up using viton tipped needles. They seem to seal well, I still get the odd float hanging,(a quick tap with my fist on the either side of the banks solves it) but I put that down to infrequent riding, this summer has been way too busy and as a result the old gal sat too much.

FWIW

[Ivan]

Coating the gaskets with non stick cooking spray makes them last much longer, they don't adhere to the sealing surfaces