Setting the carb float fuel height

[GLoweVA]

There's a tech tip here: http://www.xs11.com/xs11-info/tech-t...balancing.html
This has nice pics for showing you how to check the ACTUAL fuel level in the bowls.
I very much like this idea because each float may have a little different bouancy characteristics.
Sure, you may set them all at the prescribed height according to the manual, but how do you know that each float is going to 'float' right?
Now, the tech tip shows the 81 carbs. (noticable by the drain port where you can hook up a hose to)
For those of us who don't have those bowls, I've read about a couple of things some have done to work around this. (drilled out zerk fittings, drilled out drain bolt with JB Weld nipple for the hose, ... etc)
I want to try this, but I need some guidance on how to and what would be the eaisest/cheapest. (maybe some pics too would help)

The way i see it, the first step to 'dial' in our bikes, is to set the fuel height right, then Sync, then colortune/read plugs for lean/rich, then if you can, adjust needle height for rich/lean conditions at mid to WOT.

If the fuel height isn't right then all the following steps may get you close, but it might not be as good as it can be.

[jetmechmarty]

I want to try this, but I need some guidance on how to and what would be the eaisest/cheapest. (maybe some pics too would help)

George,

Just cram the hose in the drain hole. Put some black electrical tape around it to correct the outside diameter. It will work fine and it's cheap. Hose and tape available from your local hardware store. I learned this from another XSive.

[JeffH]

George,

Just cram the hose in the drain hole. Put some black electrical tape around it to correct the outside diameter. It will work fine and it's cheap. Hose and tape available from your local hardware store. I learned this from another XSive.

This down and dirty setup gave me the information I needed without too much hassle. Kind of the Bozo method and not a sophisticated as other methods -but- it did identify where the petrol was in the bowl. Cost was Home Depot clear vinyl transparent tube 1/4" X .170" X 10' for $3 bucks plus 1 1/4 turn of electric tape. I marked the tape so I could see how far it was being screwed up into the drain hole. Worked OK. I'm an IE not ME or EE so I like bozo solutions that 'simplify'.



Here is the final outcome noting the upper black mark on the bowls:



NOTE: This is a Rescued Bike that had Not Run in quite a while. I'll post a Rescue UPdate on this 78' XS1100E. Anyway, here is how the plugs are looking after fixing the Carb issues and getting the bike running. Don't laugh, but I hope this cheap & quickie method might be helpful.



Jeff

[jetmechmarty]

So, now you know the identity of the other XSive I learned from.

I saw that and thought to myself, "Why didn't I think of that!"

[GLoweVA]

Thanks Jeff. I think that's exactly what I was looking for.
I've already got the tubing (from the homemade sync rig) and the tape, and I've even got a old tank from a lawn mower to use as a source.

So, all I've got to do now is take the carbs off and DO IT!

So, looking at the pics, it seems to me that those levels seem WAY to low.
(but those are the 78-79 carbs which may have a different float height than my 80)

I think Steve should add those pics to the tech tip that I referenced in my first post.

So, now you know the identity of the other XSive I learned from.

Yeah Marty, a fellow Georgian to boot!

[JeffH]

35.1 MPG Trial

So, looking at the pics, it seems to me that those levels seem WAY to low.
(but those are the 78-79 carbs which may have a different float height than my 80)

I think Steve should add those pics to the tech tip that I referenced in my first post.


Yeah Marty, a fellow Georgian to boot!

Additional Info on my level of expectation for phase I:
This was a non-running / not drivable Rescue Bike that I picked up in Louisville in February. I did some quickie R&R parts replacements in the Carbs, Valves & Gas Tank etc. then took it on some short test rides to see if this 11E would blowup, burn up or if it had any critical issues such as blown motor, trashed tranny or bent frame. I didn't want to spend a lot of $$$$ until I had some validation the bike was a keeper. I also wanted to try some logic validation on a couple things like float height & vacuum.

Proof is in the Pudding they say! Bike has been sitting for two weeks. This evening I Decided on a more serious "Trial Run". Had the Mrs. at home on standby in case of failure. Floats too low?? I'm not sure. Rolled the bike out of the garage, choke on, zoom. Warmed it up a bit on Full then Partial Choke. Rode 50 mile trial in speedy Atlanta Friday evening traffic. I-285 then GA400. Ran about 70mph. Cranked it up to 85 for a bit. Smooth Idle, Great power, No hesitation, No Backfiring at all, Super Roll-On power and I got 35.1 MPG. BTW, no headlight since the fairing is off so I taped on a couple of LED flashlights. Floats too Low?? Yes maybe, but I'm happy with good power, smooth running and 35 MPG ain't bad for the 1st time out on a Rescue Bike at 70 mph+ that the guy was advertising as a possible 'Parts Bike'. I have got a lot more work to do on Brake Pistons & Forks and finally getting the Fairing and Luggage back on to get ready for the Maiden Voyage to XS North. Will I mess with the Carbs more in Phase II?? yes, but really happy with outcome so far.

fyi: one issue with this method vs having a more sophisticated arrangement with a fuel tank is making sure the gas travels through the T to properly fill both bowls. You can see the first low mark on #3. There wasn't enough fuel in the bowl yet. Having a small fuel tank would provide better gravity feed to all carbs.

Jeff