Vacuum Sync

I'm looking at these sync tools and thinking "damn son," about these prices. I know I need to get it done. The question is, do I need a 4 gauge setup, or can I get away with one or two at a time? I know it looks brilliant when you can see them all lined up and wiggling away in the same spot, but that doesn't seem necessary when noting the position before going to the next should work, even if it is more time consuming.

 

i do two at a time with Snapple bottles, but four bubbling bottles would sure be impressive

 

look at this tool
https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/single-vacuum-synchronizer-with-good-enough-results.122360/


and this thread

Old School Method of One Vacuum Gauge Carb Sync

using a single line fish tank valve smooths out the needle jump

 

The issue with this is when you are adjusting the pairs (carbs 1 and 2, carbs 3 and 4) you are decreasing one while increasing the other. For example if carb 1 reads 22 then you move to carb 2 and it is not 22, once you start adjusting the balance between the two carbs the reading on carb 1 will change. It can be done, it's just tedious. XJ550H link is good example of a nice single gauge setup. A two gauge setup works too, you sync 1 and 2, then 3 and 4, then sync the pairs (carb 2 to 3).

You don't need a four gauge or 4 stick tuner, it's nice to have if you have multiple bikes or make repairs for others, but for someone with just one bike they want to sync every now and then you'll be fine with some of the previously mentioned techniques.

 

why not just bite the bullet and buy a 4 tube mercury stick? It's less than what a shop would charge for a single sync.
I've had mine 30 years.

 

About $20 of parts to build a 4 tube manometer, just make sure you use long lines as if your synch is way off, it sucks fluid toward the carb very quickly:
https://www.xjbikes.com/forums/threads/2-bottle-sync-tool.19139/

 

I bought these guys for about $42... if you just keep looking some cheap ones come up.
They work pretty well for me.

 

I have the 4 gauge set up., but couldn't resist and bought the mercury morgan synch tool , I was close but now all 4 carbs are even . Well worth investment , 82$ off of eBay .