Carb wet set fuel level question

[XS1100 Newbie]

I thought i saw a wile back a thread that told what size fitting is needed to fit in the drain plug hole, to use a clear tube to wet check the fuel bowl level. I have searched, and had no success. Any ideas?

[bikerphil]

Check this thread....

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...grease+fitting

[XS1100 Newbie]

Thanks. That was what i was looking for.

[mro]

Just a little comment about ...

Fuel level

The 81 Yamaha manual shows this method, but you need to be sure the carbs are level across (I'd use a carpenters level to check em)

Also the book says the fuel level should be 3 mm (+ or - 1 mm) below the float bowl flange. From experience 1 mm fuel level one way or the other can/will make a difference on how well the engine runs as well as fuel comsumption and "pinging".

I just set mine with a caliper as taking the carbs off/on several times to get the level right might be a little bit of a hassel.

mro
BTW
I have thought about making a stand on the work bench for doing this, just one of those things that does not have a high enough priority

[mro]

Comment No 2

After your done, even if all seems well and the bike runs good you will want to check the plugs to see if your running lean, rich or just right

If lean or rich then you'll need to see if it's caused by fuel level, jetting or something totally different

mro

[XS1100 Newbie]

I am wet setting the carbs on the bench. The plugs looked just a tad rich.

[mro]

on the bench

My plan was/is to use two old intakes boots mounted to a piece of plywood. Drill one hole centered below the carbs and another off to the side elongated for adjustment. Mount it to an “L” bracket on the bench and use the off center hole to set it level. One of these days … maybe

Mostly would just like to know that setting the floats all the same result in the fuel level being all the same instead of just taking it on faith. So far just setting em with a caliper has been working pretty good as far as I can tell.

mro

[XS1100 Newbie]

Just got done checking the fuel level. Unbelievable! They were all the same. Can't believe that i set the float level, and they all agree. I had to take my airbox out, and repair a mistake from the factory on the intake boot. It was folded under the inside piece. It was not that bad to do. Re-installing the carbs though was a pita. Tomorrow i will sych them. It started right up, and didn't seem to be as cold blooded.

[3Phase]

Just got done checking the fuel level. Unbelievable! They were all the same.

Result!

You can't be too far off if it starts and runs!


Regards,

Scott

[XS1100 Newbie]

It ran good before Scott. Just hope this takes care of my5000 rpm cutout.

[3Phase]

It ran good before Scott. Just hope this takes care of my5000 rpm cutout.

Robert, I remember you were having some problems at the rally, was that it?

[OB dumb question] Are you sure it's fuel/carb related?

After all the work you've put into the bike it's difficult to imagine being able to consistently set all four carbs so far out of tune that the bike runs well at low speed but won't climb past 5K RPM.

I should be able to make the NW rally again this year so you'd better get it fixed!


Regards,

Scott

[XS1100 Newbie]

I'll have it fixed, you can bet on that. Even if it is still cutting out. The thing is, it doesn't show any signs of having a problem until it gets under a load. Either accelerating to fast, or up a hill. On the flat, i can get it above 5000, but it still is hesitant.

[Yahman]

I'll have it fixed, you can bet on that. Even if it is still cutting out. The thing is, it doesn't show any signs of having a problem until it gets under a load. Either accelerating to fast, or up a hill. On the flat, i can get it above 5000, but it still is hesitant.

That would make it most likely a carb problem, something in the high end circuit or maybe a slide sticking. It could still be ignition, like not getting enough spark from the coils under a load.

And now for the disclaimer, all of this is JMHO.

Larry

[XS1100 Newbie]

No disclaimer needed here. I just had a break in weather. Took it out for a 10 block run. Took it up to 7500 easily. Maybe i got it fixed. I'll try it better if the downpour ever stops. Hail the size of marbles right now.

[3Phase]

That would make it most likely a carb problem, something in the high end circuit or maybe a slide sticking. It could still be ignition, like not getting enough spark from the coils under a load.

And now for the disclaimer, all of this is JMHO.

Larry

If the valves clearances are right and cylinder compression/leakdown is good it could be slides or mains... I was thinking of the fuel consumption and power problem my bike had getting to the last rally that turned out to be a flaky TCI that I had swapped in before the trip. The bike idled and ran okay at low speed but it was only a half-fast TCI.

The bike drank gas at freeway speed. It didn't really feel like it had as much top end as it should have had but I thought it was the heat, wind and hills until I put the old TCI back in.

On a more somber note: before I split the engine case to replace the starter clutch, add the kick starter and replace the crank and rod bearings my bike was beginning to act sort of like Newbie's bike. It turned out it had been run into the ground, ignored, overheated and worked on by monkeys and it was just getting tired of it. I lapped the valves, honed the cylinders and put new rings on the pistons -- Holy Moly!


Regards,

Scott