Forum

[Reg]

Yes, I set the tick over some time ago as per the tech notes. Never got the bike to idle nicely though. Not sure how far out the pilot air screw is at the moment, probably two and a half turns I would say. I'm not convinced it's making much difference to engine speed. Thanks is for comments.

[Paulk]

Reg, if the air screw is not making much difference you may care to check a few other things like float height, air leak around the manifold, worn slide, blocked jet, enricher/choke etc etc that can mess up the mixture even check igition timing. However if it's working fine ..... I would fix it till it's broken again

[Reg]

Exactly Paul, I shall run it for a bit and if it starts second or third kick from warm, that'll do me.

[Reg]

Well, after a couple of rides over the weekend, I must admit the problem persists, so I had the carb off today and checked the pilot jet. All clear. There was a tear in the rubber carb/tea caddy connector though, which I have temporarily repaired with a couple of inches of old inner tube. (Our hosts being out of stock of the proper connector.) Still the pilot air screw makes very little difference to tickover speed, despite being removed and inspected whilst the carb was off. I'm reluctant to alter the ignition timing as the bike runs a treat, with no popping back or anything like that, and easy to start from cold. I'm sure it's carb related and my gut feeling is that air is getting in somewhere. I checked the carb/cylinder-head connector, which was replaced three years ago, and although it has a few crazes doesn't appear to be cracked right through. According to Pete Snidal this is best replaced with radiator hose...any comments? At this point I'm considering fitting a pancake or tea caddy air filter, more in desperation than expectation of a cure.(see other posting). All responses most graciously considered.

[Tim NZ]

The 'Tea caddy' airfilter boxes were designed for the 350 and restrict breathing in the 500 at higher rpm...


The Pilot jet may be clear, but have you checked that the Pilot Outlets in the floor of the carb are not blocked/obstructed?


What height is the float level???


Is the choke seating fully? Is the wee rubber gasket around the choke shaft OK and sealing correctly?


Try cleaning and resetting the plug gap to 0.020" that may improve hot starting?

[PeteF]

Do you have someone local who can do a ultrasonic clean on your carb?

[Paulk]

Hi again, just checking its been done before, you are using the choke the right way round BTW which carb have you got - I think we're all assuming it's the std Mikcarb.

[Reg]

Yes, it's a Mikarb. Starting is much better if I give it about three-quarters throttle when it's warm. Maybe that's all it needed?

[Reg]

Still not starting easily from warm. Excuse my ignorance, but could the float valve be sticking open, causing the bike to flood while standing? As I say, it runs perfectly except for tickover issues, and always starts first kick from cold. All comments appreciated.