Hello all, I have questions :D

[JWSanders]

I cussed a lot....

Well, got the impact driver and went to work on the screws. They were all coming out just beautifully until I got to the very last one. Gave the driver a whack with the (rubber) mallet and to my horror the corner of the #4 carb broke off just under the diaphram lip. Either I gave it a bit too much oomph, or it possibly had a crack in it....either way, the body's been mortally wounded. It just had to be the last damn one...

After I got done cussing I was a lot better. It took a while. Many expletives flowd forth, poisoning the air around me, making me have to go outside and scream. Then I was ok. Even my dogs started howling with me, they're so supportive of my screaming

I have started looking for a new carb assembly or a new body for the one. It figures that half a dozen or better Ebay auctions for XS11 carbs have ended in the last week. Ive considered JB-Welding the corner back on, but I'd really like to have an unbroken piece. Since I was going to have to rebuild them anyway, it would be nice to just find a working set that I can just bolt in. Anyone here have any extras lying around or know where they can be bought (online or not) without costing an arm and a leg? I've found one at an online shop in Canada, but the 150 they are asking seems pricey. Especially considering what shipping will run.

I've searched the forums possibly looking for other model carbs that might fit or use the same bodies, dosent seem there is without a lot of modifications. If I'm wrong, someone please tell me.


XSDaddy: If you're in White House you probably heard me scream, I am too. Outside the city limits though, where I can still shoot my guns when I want to, and not pay the crazy WH property taxes. I usually say I'm near Nashville since saying White House usually gets a huh? where? for my trouble.

Bah, I was really hoping to have the engine running by this weekend.....

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there JW,

If it's just the corner, perhaps just a little of where the rubber diaphragm lip fits into, but doesn't include the slide chamber, or any other critical channels and such, like you said, best just to J-B Weld it back together. That corner is just to keep the slide diaphragm in place and provide the vacuum chamber and air flow needed to accuate it, if it's done right, it should still seal and work just as before. And being UNDER The cap, it shouldn't have any cosmetic affect to the bike! Besides, who can see that blemish when it's moving so fast anyways!!!

Would be a sure sight cheaper than trying to find another bank, or even just a single replacement body!? Good Luck, and hope you get to ride this weekend!
T.C.

[JWSanders]

Thanks for the reply.

Unfortunately, the break does extend into the bowl below the diaphragm lip. I bet JB would still hold it, but I will only go that route if I can't find another set. Looks like I'm gonna need the spare parts anyway. They don't appear to be getting any more common.

I'm holding out (unless I find a good deal) to see what pipes I end up with, to decide jetting and what year carb would be best. Can't seem to find an air filter, either....so I may need bigger jets anyway to work with the individual filter set.

It seems to me that the MAC 4-2 and a '79 set of carbs would pair out pretty well with the individual air filters. The '79 carbs seem to be the most common, as far as I can tell.

I did pick me up a NOS chrome rear fender today. 17 bucks!
The chrome on my original one is gone. Going to get a new front master cylinder from that XS650 place, too. Can't seem to find a better deal on one.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey JW,

You can run any set of carbs on any bike, just have to know how to vent the earlier models, as well as understanding the jet requirements due to the different internal designs.

Even though the break is into the bowl, if it's not actually into the vacuum slide portion, then again, you should have no problem putting it back together and sealing it with J-B Weld. At least you'd be able to get back on the road until you can find either a replacement body, or another bank!

Have you checked Bike Bandit. I think I remember either them or JCW having the Unifilter insert for the OEM air box! However I personally like the Indy filters, both for ease of pulling the carbs off later, as well as the looks, and the slight perforance boost, as well as the sound!!

Speaking of Mac 4-2, there are 4 sets on Ebay for $285.00 a set, with turn out style endpipes!

Remember to get the larger 16mm bore MC for dual disc systems!!
Keep at it!!
T.C.

[TopCatGr58]

Found an OEM style Air filter element on Parts N More's site!! Just an FYI!
T.C.