81 XS1100 rough float height

[wingnut]

I'm trying to set the float levels in my 81 after installing carb kits. I've built a rig so I can see what the level is using fuel as discribed in the book. Can any one give me a rough messurement to set them at using a set of calipers before I put the bowls on?

wingnut
81 SH Twisted

[randy]

carbs upside down, highest point of float ball 25mm above gasket mating surface.

[TopCatGr58]

There you go again!

The earlier models state to use the 25mm setting, but the 80 states to use 23mm, and the 81 to use the float bowl tubing fluid trick, so I would use the 23mm setting, IMHO!
T.C.

[randy]

Well, I had an 81 and used the 25 mm without problems.

[wingnut]

rough float height

Thanks TC, I had the day off and spent it with the carbs on my 81 kicking my butt trying to get the .120 in below thw bottom of the bowl flange right. I used the cheap kits and the floats that came with the carbs. ? what do you use to bend the tab on these floats. It seems that I'm having to bend the tab down alot to get the fuel level down were it belongs. I can see the advantage to adjusting the levels this way but I would not want to do this by taking the carb rail on an off of the engine as many times as I've had to remove the bowls and re set the tab. I've got 3 of the 4 about right and will attack the #4 tomorrow.

wingnut
81 SH project

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Randy,

No aspersions intended, but I'd bet your 81 had stock pipes and intake, and so the 25mm setting wasn't too lean!

WingNut, not too many of us bother with the tubing technique, we just set the floats even with each other and monitor the plugs and response, and then readjust accordingly. I used a straight blade screwsdriver to bend the tangs. I've got the same bike, sorta, and it's worked for me just fine, with 117.5 mains, Indy Filters and 4-1 pipes.

[wingnut]

81 XS1100 rough float height

You are right TC, as far as I can tell this thing is box stock. .110 on the mains with stock exhusts. Another question. The air jets, those located in the carb inlets, are damaged. The slots are smeared a little but the bores are OK. How senative are these. What kind of symptoms would I get (when I get ready to but some heat in this engine) if they are bad? Do I need to replace them? Can you suggest a source? Another thing I've been wondering about. The books and links say that the 81s have electronic .ing and that the advance is controlled by the box. This engine, serial number 206, has a vacume advance under the pickup place. I don't understand.

[John]

The vacuum advance was retained, but it was the mechanical advance that was programmed into the ignition module.

[wingnut]

Got it. thanks John

[motoman]

I'm using a 23mm setting on my 81H, and am at 4700ft. elev. Randy. Not having any problems being too lean or running lean on top-end. The carbs also are running 110mains. If I was to nit-pic it I would run 112.5 mains on #2and #3 as they naturally run a bit hotter(sea level is 120mains on #2 and#3 and 115mains on #1 and #4.)

[wingnut]

I set them at 23mm then used the wet method to fine tune the levels. Pre-sinked and mounted the carbs. First time they have been on the bike in 3 years. Waiting on an airfilter and then we will see how close the numbers are to what the engine really needs. Stay tuned!

[wingnut]

Carb advice was right on

Wanted to thank all of you for your help with this carb project. Started this engine for the first time yesterday. Scared the #$% out of me with the amount of smoke it made until I remembered the MM I had put in the cylinders weeks ago. Smoke stopped soon after she warmed up and I got the idle down where it belonged. The bread tie sink method makes this happen I guess. Anyway old girl runs good at idle and performs well thru the power band. Test ride showed trans is fine and the electrics seem good. Now its time to straighten out this crashed damaged front end. Bike handles badly but runs like I remember an 1100 should. Thanks again

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Wingnut,

That's awesome news, congrats! Yes, the BreadStickTieSynch does open the butterflies considerably, and just a tweek on the main idle thumbscrew was what you needed, and did!!

Continued success with your rebuild! Where abouts are you in NC? I'm just across the border so to speak in Tidewater, Va.!
T.C.

[wingnut]

Thanks TC I hope it continues to go this well. I'm in Havelock NC which is down by Morehead city. I get up your way about 4 times a year going to NAS Oceana. When the SH is street worthy may be I ride it up on a bussiness trip and you can look her over. I did want to ask you if you know where I can buy a choke lever. Mine's cracked and is going to fail.

[eroellig]

Choke Levers

[i] I did want to ask you if you know where I can buy a choke lever. Mine's cracked and is going to fail. [/B]

My ears perked up on this one. My choke lever is already broken off. Hadn't gotten around to looking for a replacement yet. I'd be interested in a good source.

On the same topic, it seems like it is rather hard to pull the choke open. Does that just mean that my carbs need service & lube, or is this common to all XS11's? Anyone cure it so they don't break their new levers off?

PO didn't have the Windjammer lowers on when I got it. Holding the left lower in place, I can see that it will be difficult to open the choke with the broken lever when I have the lowers in place.

Thanks

Eric