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Author Topic: Pilot Adjustment  (Read 1976 times)

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Offline Zeke

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Pilot Adjustment
« on: May 19, 2005, 12:27:30 PM »
I've read all the FAQs on this....

I'm doing the pilot adjustment on my bike now that it's running.  I don't see a reason that I'll need to do anything with jets as the bike is completely stock.

My manual calls for this annoying procedure called the "idle drop" which is supposed to help a dealer mechanic set them without riding the bike.  So far, it hasn't worked well for me because it requires alot of turning of pilot screws and without the "right-angle screw driver" I keep burning myself, thus forgetting how many turns out/in I am -- then you have to start over.

Basically you are supposed to put them all thru the procedure -- I suppose it's possible that the adjustment could end up slightly different between all the carbs.

Do you experts think this is necessary?

I'm thinking that maybe just turning all the screws the same amount might yield similar results -- and then I can use the "plug chop" method to dial in the pilot mixture....
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: Pilot Adjustment
« Reply #1 on: May 19, 2005, 01:42:12 PM »
I guess you must have a 77 or 78 model bike.

These carbs were Hondas first production offerings geared toward satifying EPA's upcoming emmission standards.  The pilot jet adjust was to get the idle mixtures as lean as possible so the EPA's hydrocarbon sniffer wouldn't go into the red during the idle/low speed tests. 

If you have them set too lean, the bike's off-idle response will be hesitant (with the 550 anyway, I don't know for sure if it's a 750, cause they have accelerator pumps.)  If you have them set too rich then the plugs will get sooty build up comensurate with just how rich the setting is and how prolonged the idle speed persists.

Then there are the risks you are taking with that roving- EPA-exhaust sniffer-nazi-type-guy...
(If you are jovially impaired, note this last part is a joke. okay?)

Cheers,
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

eldar

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Re: Pilot Adjustment
« Reply #2 on: May 19, 2005, 03:49:41 PM »
unless you live in california or some epa state like that, you wont have to worry about regulations! they dont check.
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Offline Zeke

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Re: Pilot Adjustment
« Reply #3 on: May 19, 2005, 08:28:36 PM »
Quote from: eldar on May 19, 2005, 03:49:41 PM
unless you live in california or some epa state like that, you wont have to worry about regulations! they dont check.

Hey Y'all,

I do live in CA but they don't test bikes -- at least not these oldies....

I've grinded the tabs off the screws so I can adjust them as I please.  I did a bit better tonight -- I think it was a bit rich yesterday but 1/2 turn in gives me a good idle and good pickup.

BTW, it's an 80 CB650.

Anyone care to comment on my "set all pilots the same" strategy?

Thanks,

ZEkE
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