One Odd-Ball Carb - Quick Response PLEASE

[kboehringer]

XS11 Guys,
Preparing for XSSE and REALLY struggling with two of my three XS11's. UGLY DUCK hasn't run properly in quite some time and I'm hopeful I can take it as a "BACK-UP" machine. ANYWAY....

I've had a "DEAD SPOT" at/about 4-5k since the replacement of ALL INTERNAL parts with GENUINE MIKUNI! I've chased electrical problems and everything I can think of without luck.....

TODAY (one day before XSSE departure) I've pulled the carbs and discovered a serious flaw in my set-up last time. Although all float levels were equal, they were LEAN by 3+mm @ 26.4mm. The bike felt like it was STARVING at 4/5k so this is certainly the cause. It is completely re-set at 23mm and I will double-check that all are equal with fuel.

Big surprise I just discovered that the #4 carb is an earlier model with the passage tunnel to the pilot jet. I never noticed it before! Today, I'm a little more familiar with the various BS34s and it stands out like a big sore thumb. It does not have a rubber tunnel plug and I do not have an extra.

At one time this bike ran like a scolded dog (with this odd-ball carb and no plug). I suspect it will again once I get the floats at the proper height! I do NOT have the time to: assemble, install, sync, test, remove, disassemble, install a plug, assemble, install, sync, test drive, again again again......

Would YOU fabricate a plug for this pilot jet port or just leave it alone? The bike idles perfectly and it did run like a scolded on this carb before.

Your quick thoughts please.

KURT

[bikerphil]

My advise is to fool with it when you get back and take your good running bike that will not cause you problems and spoil the trip. I can't give you an answer pertaining to the carb, sorry.

[kboehringer]

Thanks Phil

My advise is to fool with it when you get back and take your good running bike that will not cause you problems and spoil the trip. I can't give you an answer pertaining to the carb, sorry.

Thanks for the response Phil. Unfortunately, I need two good runners! My son Karl will be driving DEAD DUCK, and I will be driving MAYBERRY. The DEAD DUCK idles a little goofy with a pip pop from the left pipe, but it seems to run well at all speeds. BUT, if DEAD DUCK acts up any (or Mayberry) my wife will be draggin UGLY DUCKLING along in a trailer behind her cage. If I can't get it to run good there isn't much reason to drag it along .......I don't want my son to miss out on the fun should the Café Dead Duck become a problem... This is a once a year event!

I just stuck it back together without a PLUG, float levels are good at the washer on the bowls, time for a test drive.

KURT

[dbeardslee]

Those bastardized carbs will run REALLY rich without a plug installed on the pilot tower. As far as the 4-5K stumble - I'd check to make sure your slide needles are properly assembled with the clips in the center notch. One notch lower (which makes the needles higher) will give you a nasty stumble in that rpm range. JAT