Topic: stock idle screw setting?

[000jeremy]

Can anyone tell me the stock idle screw (aka air screw?) setting for my 77 cb550f with stock keihin type 1 carbs?  As in how many turns out?

Thanks!
Jeremy

[Deltarider]

For the CB550F2 '77 the book says 1¹/₂.
_{Source: Honda Workshop Manual CB500-550 p.189}

[TwoTired]

Agreed. 1 1/2, +/- 1/2.
Only applies if you are using all stock components like air filter and exhaust, though.

[000jeremy]

Agreed. 1 1/2, +/- 1/2.
Only applies if you are using all stock components like air filter and exhaust, though.

hmmm, I am not.  re-jetting due to pod filters and about to put everything back together.  Would you reckon that this would require a -1/2? or do I have that backwards?

[TwoTired]

With pod filters (you glutton for punishment, you), you will most likely have to turn them in to make the mixture richer.  How much depends on your particular brand/style of pod filter, and how much back pressure the exhaust helps your idle mix.
The effect will be measured by how much sudden-open-throttle-twist your engine set up will effectively respond to.  At low RPM under load, up to 1/2 throttle twist should give smooth, reliable acceleration.  More than that and you can expect a wheeze/stumble until you back off throttle. 
If you turn the pilot screws in too far, then the spark plugs will collect soot at idle, leading to eventual misfires.