'82 XJ650J Maxim color tune - blank off YICS ports?

I got my carbs rebuilt, cleaned, bench synced, installed and initially synchronized on the bike.
Air mixture screws are out approximately 2.5 to 3 turns.

Thanks to all that helped with my idle adjustment screw length question.
http://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/idle-mixture-screw-length.114700

Bike is idling better than ever!

I am now ready to color tune.

Since the YICS system uses the vacuum and swirling of exhaust from other cylinders combustion should I blank off the ports using the shut-off tool like I did when synchronizing?

I can see why I would (so each carb is adjusted independently) but also why I might not want to (since the a chamber use exhaust from the other chambers ... Which can affect the overall air mixture to another chamber).

Also, can I do this with the synch meter still attached to the vacuum ports on the intake boots or do I need to cap those off?
It would be great to be able to go from color tune to synchronization/butterfly adjustment and back without resetting everything up.

I couldn't find anyone describing a good how-to in the forums in reference to color tuning. I will consider putting a how-to together once confident in my steps.

 

I did not, although I did for the running sync. When you colortune turn the pilot screws down until you see the white flame (lean). Then open just until the white disappears and you see blue. Do that for all four cylinders. Install new plugs and ride for about 20 miles. Remove the plugs and look at them. You are looking for a light tan color. If the plugs are still white open the pilot screws about the width of a dime--no more--and take another ride and look at the plugs again. Repeat the process until you have the light tan color on the plugs. Every bike is a little different--my pilot screws are between 1 3/4 and 2 open.

 

You do not.
The YICS system adds fuel mixure to the cylinder. If you blank the system off and tune based on only the fuel mixture coming from one carb; once the YICS system is unplugged you'll be a tad too rich.

 

Perfect! Thanks. Now I have to tuck my tail and tell my dad he was correct.

 

I have not used the tool and synched carbs with no problem , my 750 runs great. My vote is don't bother...and my local yamaha dealer said the same thing ...he sold bikes when they were new so tend to believe him.

 

I have the YICS block off tool but I don't use it.....and I seem to be able sync and color tune without no problem

 

"The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get."