Update Weak spark (NOT)

I got off work after dark the other night so I thought it would be a good time to check my spark again. Checked the plugs one at a time and all of them nice bright blue spark. The next day I took my original carbs with me to work and took them all apart and cleaned them, blew them out with air, wire in all the jets they were in sad shape, no wonder it wouldn’t idle, but got them clean anyway. Presync using a small wire for a feeler gauge on the butterflies they were way off, set the air mix at two turns out for a starting point. One was one and three quarters two was four and a half, and I can’t remember the other two. The carbs on it were off the parts bike with 6000 miles and I had cleaned them also, but it just wouldn’t run. Well Tuesday night I finally had some time, it was dark misting rain and I am trying to change out these carbs in a 6x6.5 shed with a drop light. It wasn’t too bad about a half hour and three light bulbs and they were on. I thought for sure it would do the same thing but it fired right up. I guess I didn’t get the carbs off the parts bike as clean as I thought. I did pull the floats and needles but not the seat and didn’t blow them out with air. The jets were the same, didn’t check and sync or check air mix. Anyway I was happy, I got to go for a nice ride on Wednesday night after work and road it to work on Thursday took off at two o’clock and put about a hundred miles on in 70 degree weather. The more I work on it the more I learn but I still have a long way to go. Thanks for your help!!
Marty

 

The only remaining questions are, where do you work and are there any open positions?

 

Marty, I had to play with my carbs a bit too when I first started going thru them. Seems that they are a bit finiky, but once you get used to them they are not too complicated.

Good work being persistant!

Soon when it idles as smooth as silk, you'll be hooked on these XJ bikes like the rest of us!

 

Sorry no job openings. Yes these carbs are finicky. I found that out the hard way. It does run surprisingly smooth with plenty of power and quick response. I still need to do more work on it, adjust and sync properly but cold weather is back so I guess for the couple of warm days we will get before the snow flies I will deal with it. Some time during the winter I am going to change out the fuse box and rebuild the forks. It should make a nice ride for next summer. I might get beat up at some of the bars but I just can’t justify 15 grand for a Harley.

 

Hvnbnd makes a very good point. These carbs are not complicated to clean but they are finicky. You have to know how to finese the finicky.
Another reason carb clinics are held. Once someone shows you how to clean them and how to use the air pressure it is a piece of cake from then on. Without someone to show you, then like me you pull the carbs 5 to 7 times before getting it right.