1. The engine will idle, but the number 2 carb (with the fixed, i.e., nonadjustable, arm) will not settle into the correct vacuum range of 16-24 mg/Hg. What causes this phenomenon?
Cause? The other three slides are not at the same height as number 2. Make #1 the same as # 2, then make#3 the same as 1&2, then make #4 like the others. They will then all read 16-24, most likely. But, whatever they read is fine as long as they are the same.
2. Adjustments to numbers 3 and 4 mess up number 1 and vice versa. Why do they effect each other?
Engine speed changes cause the cylinder to suck harder or less with RPM fluctuations.
3. Sometimes the engine revs uncontrollably while trying to synch em. The idle adjusting screw has no effect. Any ideas? Are the floats sticking? Have I caused a massive vaccuum?
If you adjust one slide down too far, it bottoms out and causes the others to raise. The other three cylinders then go faster.
4. Does anybody know the difference between the K1, K2, K3 and K4 versus the K. I have been told that the 1978 550K was a special animal made for the USA and is referred to as the "K" or the CB550K'78. Are there differences in the carbs for the different bike designations?
K is the model designator.
K0 1974
K1 1975
K2 1976
K3 1977
K4 1978
There are also F models for 1975-77. (F0-F2)
Yes, there are carb differences between models.
5. What is the proper, stock clip groove for the ring on the needle?
3rd groove from the top.
6. These floats are rectangular and not round. Where is the float height measured from?
Good question. On mine, I set them at 14.5 mm, 'cause that is where they are level with the carb body and the 77 model has that spec for the same style carbs, and they were set that way (more or less) when I took it apart.. The engine runs well. If I felt the need to set at 12.5mm, I think I would choose the float end farthest from the pivot pin as the measurement point.
Cheers,
