Topic: Throttle issues on a 76 cb550k

[Badger 5]

Spent the day in the garage yesterday and got everything done that I set out to do!  I don't know about the rest of you but that very rarely happens with me.  After I got new tires on and my front caliper rebuilt I took the bike out and the longer I rode the bike I noticed the idle kept creeping higher.  After further inspection I found that it wasn't the idle but my throttle that was the issue.  If i twist the throttle the opposite way it brings it back down.  I'm not sure if the problem is the throttle cables or on the top of the carbs.  Question:  where is the best place to start.  I checked the FAQ but couldn't find a throttle thread.  Thanks in advance for the advice.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Divide and conquer.

Disconnect the cables from the carbs, do the cables move freely?
Does the throttle grip move smoothly? 
Does the throttle bar on top of the carbs also move freely?
Does the return spring do it's job?

[Badger 5]

I know how to adjust and lube or even change the throttle cables but, if it's the throttle bar or the return spring what is the solution?

[Bodi]

About all you can do with the throttle assembly is oil the "bearings" the rod turns in. Lube both cables - just dribbling oil in the top end and working them a bit should do it, you can get pressure lubricating thingies but I've never tried one. Then make sure there's plenty of slack in the cables, you can tighten them up too much and the whole cable and handgrip system gets very hard to move. The slack changes from left steering lock to right, so make sure it's OK both ways. If the cable routing is wrong you get too much friction too.

[Badger 5]

About all you can do with the throttle assembly is oil the "bearings" the rod turns in

What should I use for this?

[dusterdude]

make sure your throttle sleeve on the handlebars is nice and lubed too.

[Badger 5]

Divide and conquer.

Disconnect the cables from the carbs, do the cables move freely?
Does the throttle grip move smoothly? 
Does the throttle bar on top of the carbs also move freely?
Does the return spring do it's job?

Did all this and I still have the same issue.  I'm not sure how to explain this but carbs one and two are solid but three and four are kind of mushy when I push down on the hex nuts.  the idle goes up to almost 3000 and the idle adjust screw is all the way out.  When I push down on the hex nuts the idle goes down to where I want it but I'm not sure how to get it adjusted down to where I want it.

[TwoTired]

have you vacuum synchronized the carbs?

[Badger 5]

I am going to do it tomorrow.  It's the last thing i can do before I pull my hair out.