Carburator Diaphragms

[Dark Horse]

Howdy Group!

I've got the carbs off "The Dark Horse" and have them all clean and ready to put back together, and I notice a little something odd about the #1 diaphragm. Looks like the start of some rubber rot. So I take it outside in the bright sunlight and look at it holding in up toward the sun, and I can see light coming through several places. I checked the other three and they are okay.

Now I remember a few years ago there was some discussion about repairing these diaphragms on the old list. I went back to the XS11 group site and searched the archives.

Back then there was some discussion about using "Plastidip" and silicon, and RTV, etc.

Have any of the group here had any experience with repairing these diaphragms successfully?

I really want to avoid purchasing (if they're even available anymore) these parts.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Bob Udy

[JWSanders]

In the repair section of the forums theres a carb/fuel system section. This thread is from it. Should have all you need. Good Luck!

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...=&threadid=712

[andreashweiss]

I might have some 80/81 carb diaphrams in my parts pile. Will let you know later when I get off work. andreas

[Dark Horse]

Cool! That would be great to get something that wouldn't need repair. New diaphragms are about $112 ea. I did go and purchase some Plastidip spray today. I think I'll try it anyway. What have I got to lose? But if I could get one in good condition at a reasonable price, even used, that woud be better.

Let me know what you find in your pile. Thanks again!

[TopCatGr58]

Don't get choked on the diaphragm...........PRICE!

Hey Dark Horse,

You shopping at Tiffany's?? You can get them for the 80-81 series carbs from PNM for about $65.00!! SO...if Andreas can't help, and IF the plastidip doesn't work to your satisfaction!
T.C.

[andreashweiss]

You should not tell me what stuff is worth. Yes I have what you need . Send me a e-mail with your address andreashweiss@yahoo.com price includes shipping in continental USA $12.00

[Dark Horse]

Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions and finding parts for me. You guys are great!

I'm going to attempt the Plastidip spray of the old diaphragm (What do I have to lose?). I want to see how it works anyway.

I have another question:

Do you spray both sides or one side?

I assume that if you do one side that it would be the top as it does'nt have to fit into the groove on the carb body like the rim of the bottom side.

What do ya think?

[Shuriken]

Hi Bob, nice to see you back online.
Ben

[Brian_D]

Bob,

I "painted" both sides of the diaphram rubbers with Yamabond #5.

[Dark Horse]

Howdy Ben!

Actually I never left. Just been lurking for awhile. I'm making an effort to get The Dark Horse back on her feet. I think I'm going to sell her when she's running good.

How's life down in God's Country?


I sprayed the #1 diaphragm with Plastidip this morning. We'll have to see how it turns out. That stuff is interesting. Wish I had of known about it years ago.

Good to hear from you Ben.


Bob

[Dark Horse]

Brian,

Is Yamabond #5 a "spray on" or "brush on"?

I only did the top of the diaphragm this morning. I sprayed first and let it dry a bit and could still see light through it. So I sprayed it again a little heavier. Let it dry and check it again. No light.

However there were spots that looked cracked where the Plastidip didn't cover very well. So I sprayed a little in a paper cup and brushed the cracked spots. When I left home this morning for work it had dried a little, but was looking pretty good.

This will be an interesting experiment. If it looks good I may only do the top side.

Thanks for your response Brian.

[Shuriken]

Bob, why sell? Forced?

I lended my bike to my bro. in-law so he could go pass his driver test. When I got it back, it runs like crap. He didn't do anything to it, though.

If I sell this XS it will be because I'm tired of the erratic running. This bike is fun and I've yet to push its performance, but I can't stand planning for a big ride and the carbs or spark crap out again.

Ben

[Brian_D]

Bob,

Yamabond #5 is a gasket maker that comes in a tube.
Ran a bead around the inside of the diaphram, then used a child's water-color paint brush to spread evenly. Repeated process for the outside of the diaphram, then let dry overnight

[Dark Horse]

Originally posted by ae7f
Bob, why sell? Forced?

Ben

Well nobody is holding a gun to my head. I just don't need two bikes taking up space in my garage.

I admit that the XS11 has been one of the funnest bikes I have ever owned. It will be hard to part with the old gal.

I'm not a real agressive rider anyway and since I've had the Venture Royale I have grown acustom to the comforts. It handles really good in the twisties for a big bike, also. And when I can talk SWMBO in to riding with me she's more willing if it is on The Pack Horse.

Another thing I like about the Venture is that I sometimes have to ride home from work in the dark. The Pack Horse lights up like a Christmas tree. I know that I'm seen by the other drivers better.

I haven't made a firm decission to sell yet. But I am seriously considering it. Who knows? I might get her running again and take a ride and change my mind.

Ride safe!

Bob

[skippy344]

diaphram repair question

Since the slides rely on diaphram flexibility and we paint layers of stuff on the diaphram, does it make the diaphram less flexible and therefore reduce the vacuum performance?

I'm not a carb engineer, so I was just wondering'

greg