a couple carb questions

[DeanR]

Well the heck with waiting for tomorrows' heat wave. Everything is loose (couldn't get much easier, just have to remember where the hoses go). Can't seem to get the carb bank free of all 8 boots at the same time though. Not necessary to remove the airbox, correct? Sure could use another inch of room but I think I just need to do some better wiggling?

[MarkD]

I always drop the airbox down, and it sorta stays in the general arrea, I don't remove it completely. Most of us have a trick or two on carb bank removal/ installation, since we've done it at least 6 times!

[DeanR]

Finally got em out. That's not an easy maneuver.

Heading indoors now, to that turkey-less kitchen table Phil!

[jetmechmarty]

If you think that's tough, try the XS650. I can never remember the trick to getting them out.

[donebysunday]

If you think that's tough, try the XS650. I can never remember the trick to getting them out.

Some years 650 are easier than others, it's something like getting the gear cluster back in to an 11 after the washer swap. Nothing to it once you wiggle the trick in to it, heck only took me about 2 weeks till it magically popped in.

[DeanR]

Seems my #2 carb boot was hanging on with only one screw. Perhaps that is the actual reason for its' misbehaving, not the pilot jet.

Interesting air box find. I stick some hunks of anti-mice Irish Spring soap in various spots on the bike in the fall. Guess I forgot about that when I had it out a couple times this year for very short rides. Airbox and K&N was a bit mucked up with soap substance on removal. Not bad though.

[jetmechmarty]

I believe you have your gremlin.

[mack]

Dean

At least they smell great and: "I LIKE IT TOO!"
Seriously though, you should put some carb cleaner and compressed air those puppies to get the soap scum out.

[motoman]

Well the heck with waiting for tomorrows' heat wave. Everything is loose (couldn't get much easier, just have to remember where the hoses go). Can't seem to get the carb bank free of all 8 boots at the same time though. Not necessary to remove the airbox, correct? Sure could use another inch of room but I think I just need to do some better wiggling?

Guess you missed post #6.

[DeanR]

Guess you missed post #6.

Nope, I saw all posts Brant. Airbox bottom off, but could not get that top mounting bracket moved forward enough to drop the airbox top. Now with the carbs out it is dropped. Will have to see how that works out when it comes time to reinstall.

[BA80]

Nope, I saw all posts Brant. Airbox bottom off, but could not get that top mounting bracket moved forward enough to drop the airbox top. Now with the carbs out it is dropped. Will have to see how that works out when it comes time to reinstall.

That bracket is stubborn but with a little convincing and a big screwdriver it'll move past that tab.

[motoman]

That bracket is stubborn but with a little convincing and a big screwdriver it'll move past that tab.

Knew not to remove, but bent down out of way....permanently solved that.

[BA80]

Not remove, the airbox and the bracket are flexible enough to pry it over the tab and then back into place on reinstall.

Done it a hunnert times.

[motoman]

Not remove, the airbox and the bracket are flexible enough to pry it over the tab and then back into place on reinstall.

Done it a hunnert times.

Yea....likely wouldn't of been my choice bending that bracket, but it had already been done when I got the bike back. Again, my bad for selling it in the first place back in 91' after owning for ten yrs. from new.

[DeanR]

Well,carbs are cleaning up nicely. Even hit the bowls with some Mothers Aluminum Polish I had. Nice and shiny now! Also am using the outboard chrome covers from both sets, so now all 4 are chrome.

I've been using a couple cans of carb cleaner and Simple Green and lots of Q tips. Walmart carb cleaner is so much cheaper than others. I have heard that it is much harsher? Any opinions about using it. Can't see spending any more than necessary just for cleaner.

I did take the carbs outside (minus jets and diaphragms) and emptied a can on them. Would that have reached anything that it shouldn't?
Regarding diaphragms, any cleaning or carefully wiping them down with something prior to installing recommended? Man they cost a fortune to buy!!