Topic: 73 750k carb needle height

[Bailgang]

I recently got my kids k3 on the road again and in the process of fine tuning it. As it stands right now everything is stock except for the Kerker 4 into 1 exhaust. Because of this I installed #120 main jets and it runs pretty strong however it seems to be a bit too rich at part throttle and I'd like to drop the jet needles 1 notch.

Now I know this may be a dumb question but bare with me, this is our first 750 but so far it seems I have to literally remove the carbs, pull them off their rack and then remove the sync screw jam nuts just so I can get access to the jet needles. Is that really what I have to do or is there something I'm missing that would make it a whole lot easier? Right now it seems like a whole lot of work just to make 1 minor adjustment.

[Johnie]

You are correct. You have to remove the carbs to adjust those needle positions. Once you do it a few times it goes pretty fast.

[Bailgang]

Thanks for the info John, I was afraid of that but figured I better ask first.

[Johnie]

The harderst part is getting the carbs off the rubbers. Then the next hardest part is getting them back on the rubbers. Some guys use a hair dryer to soften them up which will help. When I put them back on I use some light grease just on the edge to help them slide back into place. Be sure not to pry on the aluminum head fins or carb housing as you can break them easy. Good luck with it...

[Bailgang]

I soaked the carb boots in a wintergreen oil mix when I first had the engine apart so they're reasonably flexible plus I have a heat gun so getting the carbs off isn't worrying me. It's just all the effort needed just to adjust the needle height that's bugging me but I'll deal with it. 

[Johnie]

You will have to derack them to get the needles out too.I just finished my K3. Any idea what the needle position is now?

[Bailgang]

I "think" they're in the middle position but my short term memory sucks so I can't say for sure. It actually runs pretty good as it is other than being a bit temperamental at low speed but I'm just trying to get it just right.

[Johnie]

So if you already did the points, condensors, valve adjustment, timing, plug caps and carb sync...needles might be next. Middle position is correct for OEM exhaust. Maybe different for your exhaust. This site might help you out:
http://www.hondachopper.com/garage/carb_specs/carb_specs.html

[lucky]

I recently got my kids k3 on the road again and in the process of fine tuning it. As it stands right now everything is stock except for the Kerker 4 into 1 exhaust. Because of this I installed #120 main jets and it runs pretty strong however it seems to be a bit too rich at part throttle and I'd like to drop the jet needles 1 notch.

Now I know this may be a dumb question but bare with me, this is our first 750 but so far it seems I have to literally remove the carbs, pull them off their rack and then remove the sync screw jam nuts just so I can get access to the jet needles. Is that really what I have to do or is there something I'm missing that would make it a whole lot easier? Right now it seems like a whole lot of work just to make 1 minor adjustment.

If it was a 1969 KO model you could just unscrew the tops of the carbs , pull the slide out, make you adjustment and put the slide back in ,in 3 minutes.
Too bad Honda ruined the design.

[grumpy]

I use a come-along / ratcheting tie strap to pull the carbs back on.

Wrap the strap around the front of the motor & around the back of the carbs. Slowly & carefully ratchet the strap tight...

This is in conjunction with the heat gun & light lube.