Finally got it running!

[xs1100newb]

Hello all,
Thanks in large part to people on this forum I finally started up my XS1100F tonight. I am using a stock airbox and stock exhaust.

All it took was:
1) Electrolysis on the gas tank
2) Rebuilding the petcocks
3) Rebuilding the carburetors

Now I have some questions.

The bike idles rough and high but sounds good at high rpm (above 6K).

I think I need to set the pilot screws, idle stop screw, and sync the carburetors.

I have been reading about 1.5 turns out for the pilot screws, however, I already managed to break a pilot screw by turning it in too much. How can you tell when the screw is seated. I really do not feel an pressure against the screw at any point. Does anyone know how many times I should screw it in from completely looose? I feel like that would be easier.

Once I set the pilot screws and idle stop screw I will check shims ( I was told they are okay), then I will perform a sync.

Thanks,
Adam

[natemoen]

I just use my thumb and index finger to turn the screwdriver when I am messing with the idle screws can't turn to hard then.

[DGXSER]

I would preset them before you mount them on the bike, if its not to late. Then you can look in the carb and see the screw tip come into the hole. Then back out 1-1/2 turns. Honestly, I have used 2 turns out for all of mine and it works fine. It is just a starting point anyway. As log as the bike starts and runs decently, the setting is good.

[xs1100newb]

I have one more question.

Is there any protip for turning the idle stop screw when the gas tank is already installed. On my XS400 the idle stop screw was on the side of the carburetor rack so it was easy to access. On the XS1100 it is in the center of the rack.

Adam

[XS1100 Newbie]

You should be able to reach right in there to set the idle. No tools involved there.

[SthrnSqrl]

As for getting to the idle adjustment, you will want the seat off when working on anything under there. grab a 12 inch 3/8 drive extension and put a 12 point 9/16 socket on it. From under the seat, over the top of the battery box, slip the socket through to reach the idle adjust screw, and you can turn it by hand.

I think it's a 9/16 I used at least...if it doesn't fit, check the next size.

[natemoen]

I have one more question.

Is there any protip for turning the idle stop screw when the gas tank is already installed. On my XS400 the idle stop screw was on the side of the carburetor rack so it was easy to access. On the XS1100 it is in the center of the rack.

Adam

I use a long flat blade screwdriver and just push on the notches in the knob.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Sthrn,

Your technique will work for the 78-79 series, but Yamaha moved things around, and put the knob on the BOTTOM of the carb rack that is easier to reach like Nate stated using a long straight blade screwdriver against the notches!

T.C.

[wingnut]

If you are still in the tuning mode remove the tank and fab up a test tank. We use a 1 gallon plastic gas can that you can get anywhere for a couple of $. Connect a hose to the vent of the gas can and a tee so you can feed both carbs. It will make the mixture screw and sync adjustments very easy to get to.

[SthrnSqrl]

Hey Sthrn,

Your technique will work for the 78-79 series, but Yamaha moved things around, and put the knob on the BOTTOM of the carb rack that is easier to reach like Nate stated using a long straight blade screwdriver against the notches!

T.C.

Ahhh, ok, sorry. I thought he was working on a 78 or 79.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey again Sthrn,

My bad, he was working on his "F", I just glanced at his sig in his later post and saw his 80LG!
T.C.