Fast Idle or Hard Starting

[Toolmaker Tim]

I'm sort of stuck between a rock and a hard place. If I lower the idle to a reasonable RPM I cannot get the bike started easily. If I run the idle at 1500, it starts easily with minimal choke. I'm at two turns out on the idle mix screws. More turns out doesn't make any obvious difference. Any suggestions? I have a K&N in a stock airbox,Jardine 4in1 exhaust, 145 mains,42.5 idle jets,floats are at 26mm, bike is a '79' xs1100 SF, carbs are synced, and the needles are at the middle notch. I've got a flat spot just off idle. When I start off of idle it's like it takes a second catch up and get enough fuel to get going. Once I get past about 2500 RPM's it really takes off. Plugs look good and mileage is about 35 to37 MPG. Now what, do I need to go to a 45 idle jet?

[bikerphil]

flat spot

Don't know about the jets, but flat spot or hesitation off idle usually means lean idle mixture.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Now that I think about it,I might have a set of 45's in my parts box. If not I'll just buy a set at my favorite independent bike shop. Oh GOODIE!!! I get to pull the carbs again.

[bikerphil]

mixture

You might be able to open those pilot screws a bit more, that usually helps with a hesitation problem.

[Toolmaker Tim]

That would probably the cheapest fix if correct, but it's a pain in the A$$ to get in to adjust them with my big hands. I think I saw a right angle screwdriver to make adjustment easier somewhere on this site, but can't remember where. Must be my rapidly developing CRS.

[bikerphil]

tool

I have one of those tools, they're great. There is a pic. of one in this thread.....

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...5&pagenumber=2

[Ken Talbot]

Re: Fast Idle or Hard Starting

Originally posted by Toolmaker Tim
If I lower the idle to a reasonable RPM I cannot get the bike started easily. If I run the idle at 1500, it starts easily with minimal choke

The orifices in the bottom of your float bowls are plugged. Look to the second page of this thread for some pictues and a bit of an explanation of what may be your problem.

[Toolmaker Tim]

Did not even know they exsisted Ken. I guess it was a good day, I learned something. Carb bowl spooge holes. Has a nice rhythm to it. I remember seeing the hole in the carb bowl gasket and wondering what they were for, but never followed up on it. Bikerphil, thanks for the heads up on the screwdriver thread!