Topic: CV carbs - lubing the slides

[eigenvector]

On a fresh rebuild, do any of you lube the vacuum slides?

I recall when I rebuilt my DOHC CB750, that the slides needed to be lubed prior to them working properly.  After they began to work, then emissions from the engine and whatnot provided the lube they needed.

Result was an off-idle stumble, after freeing them up it improved markedly until finally they *appeared* to work as normal.

Brings up a question though - what to lube them with?  My experiments showed that WD-40 isn't what to use - dried too fast and left behind too little lubricant.  I'm debating what would be a better option - RIG grease?  I have plenty of that for my rifles, never tried using it on a carburetor.  Heard of a special rebuild grease, which I've never used.  Diesel?  Marvel Mystery Oil?

[Steve_K]

If you do lube the slides, be sure the lube does not harm the rubber on the slides. (86 GIXXER slides cost $100 each) I have never needed to lube any of the CV carbs on my bikes.  Did need to lube a twist grip or  the cables, though. I suppose some stuff could form on the slides over the years.  If needed I suggest a very light oil.
Good luck sorting it out.
Steve

[becken]

You might try putting a little 2-stroke oil on a rag, wringing it out and just wiping a very thin film on the slide.

Edit: use a lint free gun cleaning patch.

[eigenvector]

I went with ATF, only thing I had on hand that was reasonably lightweight.

#1 slide was definitely sticking, so there was some good from this.  Much better response off the throttle now - not perfect but much better.

[Steve_K]

One thing came to mind.  There are some holes in the slide that when tuning carbs, jet kit instructions sometimes suggest drilling or widening those holes.  They are found on the bottom of the slide.  Larger holes are supposed to help with tuning to improve throttle response.  To the point, are those holes clogged or modified?  PO do strange things.
Is the rubber thing still soft and flexible?
Steve