Topic: 0 to 1/8 throttle, sputter at any speed, any gear (Air Filter Oil Idiocy?)

[RainyRider]

Hi all -

BIKE: 1976 CB550k, rebuilt carbs (me), synched (shop), checked petcock (shop), replaced in-line fuel filters (shop).

While waiting for the stock air filter element I ordered, I crudely cleaned the K&N filter that the PO bolted on and didn't oil it (didn't have any oil...). The carbs were synched in the shop while filter was unoiled/dry.

Bike ran great going home from the shop. Synched carbs are a good thing. Bike got 50% quieter at idle and TONS more power/headroom.

Then I got some filter oil, oiled the filter. I gave it two coats, there are few instructions. I may have used too much.

Today after the bike warmed up, it had severe hesitation at 0 to 1/8 throttle in any gear at any speed (especially taking off from a stop!  ). I think the pilot mix screw needs to twist out another half turn to correct for a restricted air flow at low throttle, am I on the right track?   

I'll clean the filter again tonight to see what happens. 

Thanks,
RR

[A Grove]

I'd say clean it, run it dry tomorrow, and see if that is indeed the problem.  Then go from there.

[RainyRider]

This morning there was a small puddle (2Tbsp) of pinkish oil (K&N Air Filter Oil) under the bike. I assume that means I used too much     I searched but didn't find a tutorial on air filter oiling, but now I guess I understand.

So, I also assume that there is now less oil on the filter, close to the correct amount . I still backed the idle mix out a quarter turn all around to give it more air. The hesitation was greatly reduced on my commute this morning, but it's still there.

I expect the stock air filter element to arrive at the shop today, then I'll try to install it. I think I need the clip-spring thing that holds it in, and a longer hose (the one that returns blow-by from the valves back to the filter). We'll see what that does.

[Really?]

How often do I need to clean my air filter?
http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm#4

How do I clean a K&N filter?
http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm#16

How mych oil should I use to re-oil my filter after it is cleaned?
http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm#17

Hope that helps at least a bit.

[Findlater]

I have K&N Filters on my car and when you clean and oil them you are supposed to leave them out to "dry" So when you clean it all out it will look grey or black depending on the colour of the filter. Let it dry in the sun, then put the oil on making the filter its nice red/pink colour. After you have oiled the filter let them drip dry for half the day. You were probably sucking filter oil through the engine.

[Tim in Ohio]

If it was me, I would probably assume that my carbs would require another cleaning after sucking this excessive filter oil thru them.  I am no expert, but I have found that squeeky clean carbs make these bikes run great... the slightest carb fouling can reek havoc.