Plug chop

[mixongw]

How does one go about this? I understand that you want to stop the motor at the point at which you want to examine the plugs.

The part I don't get is how to adjust the mixture screws after reading the color. I have one that is white (too lean), one that is coal black (too rich), one that is tan (just right) and the other is somewhere between tan and brown. The tank has to be removed every time you adjust the carbs? Do you adjust 1/2 turn? Which direction?

It also seems to be running on one cyl stronger than the rest. I'm a newbie at this carb adjusting stuff.

[Jethro]

The mixture screws really only make any difference at or just above idle. If you look real close, it's controlling the little ports that bypass the throttle valve when it is closed. More likely your floats need adjustment or the carbs need to be cleaned. A synch would be a very good idea as well.

[mixongw]

The mixture screws really only make any difference at or just above idle. If you look real close, it's controlling the little ports that bypass the throttle valve when it is closed. More likely your floats need adjustment or the carbs need to be cleaned. A synch would be a very good idea as well.

How are the floats adjusted? I am mechanicaly inclined but not sure I have the equipment. What would be a fair price to have a dealer do the adjustments and a sync?

[Dink]

The equipment you need is a set of screwdrivers,a pair of pliers; preferably long nosed, a rule (small one 6" steel) & one two specialised tools.
One is the Suzuki carb synch tool; it is a screwdriver with a socket over it to adjust the carb balancing screws & the locknuts.
The other is a set of vacuum guages,or mercury sticks; Carbtune is very highly recommended by this forums members.

Having a workshop do this will be either very cheap or hugely expensive, it should be hugely expensive if they do it right. To do it right they will need to go over the entire motor, fully service it,probably replace plugs, adjust valve clearences, pull the carbs, strip them clean them adjust float settings, re-assemble & them synch them.
All of whichyou can do yourself, given some time patience & a little determination.

Dink

[mixongw]

Dink,

Thanks very much for the information. I believe the carbs are in good condition. They were taken apart by me last autumn and completely cleaned. I just installed a new set of plugs. I have NOT checked the ignition timing. I have a timing light but I'm not sure where the index marks are located.

A little history: Last season, I crashed and was lucky to have made it out with such minor injuries. The reason for the crash was that the fuel lines were too long and got entangled with the throttle linkage. As I was shifting from 3rd to 4th, the throttle stuck open about 3/4. Needless to say, I panicked. Instead of hitting the kill switch, I pulled in the clutch. This caused the motor to redline and still in my panic mode, I let out the clutch. It then completely lost front-end traction and down I went. Since that time I have shortened the fuel lines. But, the carbs seem out of sync.

Gary

[Dink]

Then now is the time to treat yourself to a set of carb synching tools!!!
I know I was really concerned the first time I synched my own carbs, but it really is very easy once you get into into it a little, and if you have the tools you will be amazed how quickly you can do it.

Dink