pod filters and carb jetting

[Lotsokids]

Ask your plugs what they think.

I asked them and they told me it was too hot or lean. Could this have been caused PRIOR to installing the new [bigger] pilot and main jets with only modified exhaust?

Doesn't seem to make sense that I would be running rich, pouring out black smoke at WOT, and the plugs covered with white deposits. Sorry, the picture is a little blurry.

[Dan Filetti]

That does look lean to me. Do they all look like that. How long after your high-speed run did you pull these? 

Dan

[Lotsokids]

That does look lean to me. Do they all look like that. How long after your high-speed run did you pull these?  

Dan

Yes, they all look like this one. The high-speed run was a little over a week ago, and it was only about 20 seconds long.

The black smoke at WOT still puzzles me. It doesn't seem that they should go together.

[Lotsokids]

Just took it for a ride. It's very sluggish and slow to respond under 2,000 RPM. Feels very clear and powerful above that.

To this point:

1. I adjusted the clip on the top of the needles up one (leaner - at the second groove from the top now).
2. All the mixture screws were originally about 3 turns out - I adjusted all to 2 turns out.
3. I still need to sync the carbs. I'm sure they are off.

[Lotsokids]

Today's update:

I'm second guessing my decision on the engine running rich after seeing those plugs. I talked to my friend today about the smoke he saw behind me, and he said now it may have been blue smoke. That was an important detail. I removed and inspected the #4 plug again since I cleaned it yesterday. It looked light in color again, almost pink. Anyway, here's the latest.

1. I'm now 3 1/2 turns out on the mixture screws. They seem to respond to revs well.
2. Syncronized the carbs - they are all completely even after some adjustments.
3. I adjusted the clips on the needles down one notch (richer) than when I started all this. I'm at the second notch from the bottom now.
4. I just noticed I have no crankcase breather filter. That explains the smoke coming up at my knees at idle when hot.
5. New valve cover gasket installed.

Now, if I rev it and hold it at about 3,500 RPM, it's still popping a little, but revs are clear with no hesitation. At 40,000 miles, I'm not ruling out some crud on my valves or seats.
After all this, the forecast calls for 4 days of rain. Great.

[andyb]

As you're now fully aware, there's multiple circuits within the carbs that control fueling at different airflow demand levels.  So it's possible to be pig rich at idle, lean through the midrange, and fat as hell on top.  Anything's possible!

Just work through things progressively.  If you want to catch smoke, you may even want to swap bikes and have someone ride yours while you trail them and watch.  Make sure it's smoke on WOT (carbs or rings) and not on trailing throttle (usually valve seals).

[Len Redmond]

If anyone is interested, I can provide a method to maintain factory specifications when installing pod filters without modifying anything other than the filter. Unless interested in the increase in the power band claimed by those who promote pod filters for this purpose rather than ease of carburetor maintenance, this method will allow an installation without any noticeable effect on starting and running throughout the power band. 

[SlowOldGuy]

Why not go ahead and post it up?

DavidR.

[Pat Conlon]

If anyone is interested, I can provide a method to maintain factory specifications when installing pod filters without modifying anything other than the filter.  

Let me guess...it's a flow restrictor installed in the pods, no thanks.

[HansRibbens]

Len Redmond:

I'd be interested. I put pods on both a '79 XS750 and an '87 Concours primarily for convenience sake. I've considered the same here for my '86 FJ1200. I'd like to know the simplest way to do it. Thanks.

Hans

[Tengu]

Yes do tell.. Ive just put pods in...
plan on working on mixture screws tomorrow