Back to the 550 Seca

So, since the XS is squared away and the FJ is my main ride now and also in decent shape, I went back to the $200 basket case 550.

Earlier this year I fixed the oil leaks and clearanced valves. The carbs were cleaned last year. After the valve clearance it refused to start. There was gas in the bowls, and there was spark, but the plugs were dry.

I have not changed out the needles when I cleaned carbs, so I figured they might not be letting enough gas in. I ordered a new set of needles and seats.

In anticipation of their arrival I got the carbs off. The bowls had a little bit of brown powder in them. Just for giggle I decided to test the enrichment jets in the bowls. Three gave me a healthy stream of carb cleaner. One didn't. Guess I got more cleaning to do.

Speaking of cleaning, my starter was intermittent. I pulled it, took it apart and found it full of gunk. So, I cleaned the innards, shined up the collector, greased the shaft. No more problem, works great.

 

Good luck buddy. I look forward to hearing of your progress.

 

So, I got new needles and seats and went to check float height.

The gas in the first bowl is 6-7 mm below bowl edge. I think that might be lower than the jet, and that would explain why the bike did not want to run.

 

Oh, %^&*#!!!1111ELEVENTY!

Three carbs far too low, one far too high. Set float levels. Think I got it. Put carbs on bike, try to start it, get gas pouring out of #2.

I'll be over here banging my head on the table...

 

Word of advice on Mikuni floats:

Before even attempting to actually set the levels, fill/drain/fill the bowls a couple of times to "work" the floats and valves. THEN do your adjustment. Try to adjust off the first fill and it will be off every time. (I learned this the hard way.)

The other possibility is that the little wire clip is binding so the needle isn't moving freely. Flip it around to the other side. Gently work the float with the carbs upright and the bowl off by lifting on the bottom of the float with a fingertip. Observe the needle/tang/clip relationship.

Also, if your "downstops" are way off, the float can go over-center and bind rather than lifting.

Take a deep breath. Mikuni floats are NOT a 4-beer proposition; they're a Sunday morning and 3 cups of coffee kind of thing. These !@#$%^&*( reward precision.