Carbs

[benxs1100]

Sorry for another carb thread but I am having some problems since I put the pod filters on. I moved the needle clip down 1 notch and my mid and top end seem great but where I am having the problem is with my low end. The only time I notice it is starting out in 1st gear it has a real bad stumble. Everything is stock and it seems to be the pilot circuit but I can't quite get it tuned in. Anyone else have stock except pods that could chime in?

[Bonz]

I've seen a number of threads from current and in the past that talk about issues with pods. The one thing that seems to be common is Emgo or similar pods (i.e. not K&N) are being used. The word is the inner lip sticks out and messes up airflow or restricts airflow to the carb.

My instinct says regardless of any negative airflow issues with whatever pods you have, you are getting a lot of air into that engine without any other mods that I can tell from your post (you said it's stock otherwise, so I'm assuming stock jetting), other than tweaking the clip. Running lean up top won't show up so much (other than a bit of surging at steady lighter throttle openings), but if it is lean down low, it could very well be causing the stumble. Or if the airflow from wonky pods is messed up, you could be not getting enough air at low speeds and the stumble is because it's rich until it gets going and moving more air.

Does the stumble feel or sound like the engine is loading up or the kind of stumble you'd get when needing to switch to reserve?

Sounds like you probably have adjusted with the pilot screws, and that they are functioning in terms of not being bent, broken, etc. You could try playing with the pilot screws more if you haven't already gone through the range of trial and error with them.

As well, if you had the carbs off (which you probably did to do the clip adjustment), you could be dealing with a carb sync issue and a simple sync could be your fix if you haven't checked them. Low rpm stumble can easily be from out of sync carbs, as the problem is magnified at lower rpm.

I run K&N pods on my '01 ZRX 1200 and it is a flawless bike from off idle to as high as I want to go in the rpm scale.

Hope that helps!

[benxs1100]

Thanks hbonser. I have the MikesXS pods without the lip to restrict the airflow. The stumble is like the bike is going to stall. I sync the carbs everytime I touch them basically so I can rule that one out.

[DGXSER]

I have not run pods, so I am strictly giving you my thoughts. Adding pods will offer less airflow restriction, leaning out the mixture a touch. Sounds like you have tried opening up your mixture screws a few turns and still the same stumble? Do you have a colortune plug? I think this is one of the best uses for those. It will quickly let you see if you can get your mix rich enough with the jetting you have in place.

[benxs1100]

I do have a colortune but I struggle to see the difference in the burn. Maybe just bad eye sight?

[Bonz]

With you saying it feels like it's going to stall out, and if that is meant to say it's not bogging down from being rich, but like it's not getting enough fuel, per se, from having the higher air flow, I would think some further adjustment of the pilot screws would be in order?

I can't tell from your posts whether you have tried different settings with them or not, other than you struggle seeing a burn difference with the colortune plug, so maybe that answers the question, and you have adjusted the pilot screws but couldn't tell any difference in the plug.

I don't have first hand experience with the XS, but my ZRX 1200 didn't need any change to the pilot jet size with the pods, just tuning the pilot screws gave me all the adjustment I needed, and they still have a couple turns to go in the area of going richer.

[DGXSER]

If you have a colortune and you can turn the mix screws all the way out with no change, it may well tell you you need to change jets.

What color does it look like in the plug? You may need to be in the garage and cover to make it dark enough to see it

[Bonz]

benxs1100,

I'm leaning towards what DGXSER just shared as well, that the pilot jets MIGHT need to be changed one size larger (not sure what size that is?) if you can turn the screws all the way out, let's say, 3.5-4 turns (don't want to go too far and have the buggers come out when on a test ride) and you get no change.

DGXSER has a good idea to check the colortune plug in a darker lit space. I've never done the colortune plug, but it makes good sense to give yourself the best chance at seeing what it's doing.

[benxs1100]

I will give the colortune another shot tommorrow and see what I can figure out. I'll report back afterwards. In the meantime if anyone has the same setup that got this hashed out what did you end up having to do?

[planedick]

Can't understand..

Why is it lots of people here want to go with pods and all the problems associated with it. Would someone please enlighten me?

[natemoen]

Why is it lots of people here want to go with pods and all the problems associated with it. Would someone please enlighten me?

always wondered that too.

[benxs1100]

I chose pods for looks, ease of access and SOUND. I wouldn't call them a problem as much as inexperience. I am no carb guru but all I need to get straightened out is my pilot circuit. Runs great once I get it cracked open and the sound is equally great. I'm pretty sure DGXSER and hbonser hit the nail on the head. I have to check tomorrow to be sure but I may have to bump up 1 jet size. Not much unlike what most have to do with aftermarket exhausts and such.

[DGXSER]

I have a 1984 Cutlass with a big block Chev engine and completely modified drive train. Alot of effort, money, andtuning went into the setup. Why do it? Cause it is soooo fun to drive!!

I like the stock setup others like pods, some folks wonder why own a 30 yr old bike, much easier to buy a fi bike.

[Aches n Pains]

Agree with going up one size on the low speed jet. Did that to my '79 Special when I went with pods.

I took LS jet from 42.5 to 45 and Main from 137.5 to 140.

Doug

[benxs1100]

Stuck the colortune in and turned out the lights for a better view. I do indeed need to bump up a jet size. What I am seeing online is around 6 bucks a piece. Probably best off just to order carb kits from george fix? Already tore the carbs off and disassembled them and they are suprisingly clean and not gunked up. I have never had them apart for a full cleaning. All I have done is pulled the needles to move the clip.