Help! Williamsburg, Virginia area

[RichV]

I can't get my carbs synced. I work at it and all I do is screw it all up.

Is there anyone in the area that knows how to do this that can come over and give me a hand? This is the last thing left to do before I can ride it.

Thanks in advance.

[natemoen]

What are you using to do it? Explain the process you are using to us.

Remeber that the #3 carb is not adjustable. The #3 carb is the carb that you tune everything to.

[RichV]

I followed the instructions here: http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75

I started by doing a bench sync to get the valves in a good starting position.
I used a vac gauge and a tube so the needle would be steady.
I synced #1 and #2 using the screw between them. That went fine and I got them within 1cm of each other.
I then went to sync between #3 and #4 and that's where things started to screw up. Basically, I messed them up. The vacuum was low on both so I didn't get movement when I adjusted it.

I will go back and try again. If I can get it started.

[RichV]

Well I went back and "messed" with it and I "think" it's in sync. I'll know after the test drive.

[RichV]

Well I rode the bike today for the first time and everything is working well except it sputters a bit while accelerating. It doesn't stop it from having a heck of a kick when you open it up.

Anyway, any suggestions on what could be the cause? The idle is a bit flaky as well. It moves within a range that settles down over time.

The fuel lines are all working and I have two filters. I combine them to a single line and split again to the two fuel intakes. I currently don't have the "prime" line connected but may do so in the near future. I don't use the Octy that came on the bike but plan to install a newer vacuum cutoff once I know it's going to run okay.

[jetmechmarty]

Remember, those pick-up coil wires are going to move when you run this thing. Be positive there are no opens or shorts to ground before you start futzing with the carburetors. You can get this kind of behavior from the PU wiring.

[RichV]

Thanks Marty,

I've been all over the carbs so I don't expect them to be the problem right now.

The pickup coil wiring is a good thing to check out and to make sure the advance is working. I haven't had it open while running. The vacuum line is original so it might have a crack I didn't see (it's connected to the correct spot on the #2 carb).

I'll also test the gas cap and see if the vent stopped working and check the wiring in the coils just to make sure. I did bench test all of the components prior to installation but something else could have happened.

Can't think of anything else to check. As a final check I'll clean the connectors again on all ignition components.



After today's run it looks like this is my only real problem right now.

[GLoweVA]

Hey Rich, I haven't been on the site in a while and I just stumbled across your post.
I have the homemade sync rig. (PVC tube and single gauge with a 4-way valve)
I'll chat with SWMBO and see if I can get some free time this weekend and zip up there and we can try the sync rig to see if that's the problem.

[RichV]

My wife is having a big garage sale this weekend and she has limited my access to the bike (as in blocking it with yard sale stuff). Sunday would work if you're available.

I ordered a sync tool that may help but I'm still uncertain that I can get it right.

[RichV]

Well I got a set of 4 vacuum meters and was finally able to sync the carbs.

Now I have to deal with the running rich problem.

[GLoweVA]

Well I got a set of 4 vacuum meters and was finally able to sync the carbs.

Now I have to deal with the running rich problem.

Your fuel levels may be too high in the bowls.
Or you've got incorrect jets. Just my quick two cents.

[RichV]

The fuel levels in the bowls are where they are supposed to be. I checked it with a clear fuel line connected to the bottom of the bowls.

The jets are standard as near as I know. I do have different mufflers than standard but it should affect it that much.

Gas mileage is very low and is sputters a but when I open the throttle up.

it runs, just poorly when accelerating.

[GLoweVA]

Is the vacuum advance working okay?
If i remember correctly, if it's stuck and not moving with the throttle position then that would make the bike run a little crappy.

[RichV]

It's advancing when you crank the throttle.

I have an extra ICU, somewhere. I could try swapping it out. The idle mixture screws are all set to 1.5 turns from closed. I could put them at the 1.25 as stated in the manual.

I'm really at a lose here.

[GLoweVA]

You say it's running rich, how are you determining that? Plugs black?
You may have weak spark. How's the coil resistances?