carb idling question
 

my bike is running great, 1998 30K, just replaced timing chain tensioners, my question is about the carbs, she is up and down idling between, 1000 to 1500 rpms, up and down up and down, occasionally acts light she wants to die when idling, any suggestions, quick fixes or does the carbs need rebuilding? Thanks in advance.

Brad

just played with the carb sync screw, adjusted it out one turn, then adjusted the idle, same result, up and down idle, any thoughts. Thanks

Brad

Sounds like maybe there's a small air leak around the carb boots or one of the rubber vacuum hoses is old and cracked where it has to stretch around a fitting. This would allow a bit of air to lean the idle, revving that side. Check all areas for old rubber. Idle warmed up and spray starter fluid around carb bases and tubes...if it revs up...that's where your leak is.

If you rejetted with a Factory kit they include #50 pilot jets. Installing these will cause the bike to run very rich at idle and cause the symptom you describe. Stick with the stock #45 jet if this is the problem.

Hmmm...thanks Greg. Mine's idle is a bit erratic too. I just had the carbs off (wish I'd known about the D shaped pilot screw THEN!!!) to do the TPS adjust and valves etc. I synch'd and she runs great but idles not right yet. I set it down at about 900 and that helps. Guess I'll pull the carbs, remove and slot the pilots and check what jets are in there. PO said there was a Factory Kit in there.

Well, if there's a factory kit then that may be the culprit. Sometimes folks just install everything in the kit whether it's needed or not. That's not really the intention of the kit, especially since they give you a decent assortment of main jets.