Carb Experts - Idle Drop Procedure

[mcgovern61]

I have not performed the idle drop procedure for my carbs ever. I think it is about time I seriously give it a shot just to be sure it is correct. I am having trouble determining my starting point since these are '81 carbs on an '83 engine. It seems there are different starting points for how many turns to begin the procedure between these different years. Also, there is only one cap left on one pilot screw. I am assuming the cap has to come off for the adjustments?

Last question, will it make any difference that they are '81 carbs and the '83 engine? :fishin: :read:

 

[zman]

I would use the procedure for the year carb not the year bike. The only thing I would wonder is if the needles match. You say one has a cap on it, are the others broken off or have they been replaced with aftermarket?
There seems to be a difference in needles between the aftermarket and stock which will affect your starting point. If one is stock and the rest KL they may have a different taper to the screw and would have different starting points.
Something to consider but I would still adjust as the manual said knowing that there may be a difference.
Adjust for the carbs year not the bike.
Oh and by the way I am no expert so maybe someone else can chime in.
One other thing..If you do have a stock with 3 aftermarkets or vise versa I would wait till you get a matching set of either stock or aftermaket but I never mix needles.

 

[dan filipi]

I wouldn't be concerned with what year needles are in it, just set it like the manual says.

 

[slabghost]

I don't do the idle drop. That in my opinion makes them too lean. I adjust each to the highest rpm I can get twice then leave it. Starting point is where you are now. It runs.