Jets on 79 GS 550 carbs

[layerdown]

Hi everyone!
I need help for 79 GS 550 carbs.
I am cleaning my carbs and took the fuel bowls off. I took out everything out of the float area. Upon reading my manual, there is a jet "that is set at the factory and should not be removed and can greatly affect carburetor performance."
The jet looks exactly like an air screw, w/spring and pointed, tapered tip.
My question is: Does anyone know if they should be screwed all the way in or backed out like an air screw, and how much?

I would gereatly appreciate anyone expertise!!

Thanks!!
Layerdown

[Steve]

When you put it back in with its new o-rings (hint, hint), screw it all the way in until it seats LIGHTLY, then back it out three full turns.

When the bike is warmed up, turn each of them slowly, listening for highest engine speed (at idle).
Most of the larger bikes will end up around 2.5 turns, but I think the 550 will be between 3 and 3.5 turns.

.

[Nessism]

When you put it back in with its new o-rings (hint, hint), screw it all the way in until it seats LIGHTLY, then back it out three full turns.

When the bike is warmed up, turn each of them slowly, listening for highest engine speed (at idle).
Most of the larger bikes will end up around 2.5 turns, but I think the 550 will be between 3 and 3.5 turns.

.

I think you are referring to CV carbs Steve. Care to have another go?

[tkent02]

That 'jet' is the pilot fuel screw. Don't just screw it in all the way. It can get stuck in it's tiny bore, and then the tip breaks off. Look in the front of the carb, when the screw is all the way in, you can see the tiny needle tip poke out into the bore. Screw it in until you see this, then go ever so lightly until the resistance ever so slightly increases, this is bottomed. Then open the screw about 3/4 turn. This is a good place to start, you will fine tune it from there. Open the air screw, the much bigger screw on the side of the carb, about 1 1/2 turns from seated. What this pilot circuit does is to control fuel and air at idle, and at the very tiniest of throttle openings. It can be very lean there and still work fine, when you go too lean it starts to get poor throttle response when you just barely open the throttle.

[BassCliff]

Greetinigs and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. layerdown,

Yours is a story that has been repeated in these hallowed annuls countless times. New owners of vintage motorcycle machinery all experience many, very similar, seemingly mystical conundrums trying to enjoy their newfound mechanical Pegasus. At first they will dance, they will chant, toss beads, smoke pipes, and curse. After these efforts have failed they will resign themselves to actual, proven, time-tested repair procedures that have been performed on these classic steeds for decades. I am here to point you down the path of enlightenment. Any shortcuts from the path of enlightenment will leave you stranded on the side of the road of life. When you can snatch the valve shim from my hand, you will then be free to soar through this existence on your Suzuki GS. Now, gather up thy tools, gird thy loins, and steel thyself for copious amounts of GS knowledge.

You'll find the proper procedure for your carbs HERE. There's also a copy on my website.

Anyway, let me dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...



Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[tkent02]

What exactly does "Gird thy loins" mean anyway? Cliff? Do you know what gird means? Gird? Really? Sometimes you really are scary.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

gird
–verb (used with object), gird·ed or girt, gird·ing. 1. to encircle or bind with a belt or band.

2. to surround; enclose; hem in.

3. to prepare (oneself) for action: He girded himself for the trial ahead.

4. to provide, equip, or invest, as with power or strength.

In the olden days you would strap on your armor before going into battle, to protect your delicate parts.

I suppose I shouldn't overuse that bit of prose.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff