Topic: Question on carbs and plugs

[Swede]

Well, this is my first post on here.  So far I have been able to get lots of help just reading past topics.  This is my first time dealing with a larger bike (I have a Honda 90 Trail Bike that I have been restoring).  The bike is a 76 CB550K I am running velocity stacks, stock main jets and stock idle jets.  I spent the winter cleaning and rebuilding the carbs.  I adjusted the mixture screws 2 turns out and it seemed to be running pretty good.  I put new plugs in so that I could see how the carbs were operating.  Well, now I am confused I pulled the plugs and #1 is carbon fouled and the other three seem to be running lean.  Would a carb sync cure this problem? I want to eliminate all possibilites before I spend the money on the carb sync.  Thanks.

[750goes]

Just a thought, the float level on #1 carb might be set a little high, or the needle clip position could also be lower than the other three???

Check the 2 turns out on each carb as well.

When you rebuilt the carbs, did you bench sync them as well???

[Swede]

After my last ride and pulling the plugs I double checked the two turns on the carbs and that checked out.  I was wondering about the float height though and whether or not that could be causing the problem.  After the rebuild I didn't do a bench sync on them, I guess that is one thing I should have checked when I had them out. 

[mbrock307]

if you are running stock jetting without the stock air box, it may be affecting your mixture...you may have to go with slightly larger jets or change the clip position on your needle

[KB02]

I would say go the next size up in the main jets, and go ahead and pend the $  on the synker. It's one of those tools that you'll be glad you have later.

[mbrock307]

if you are running stock jetting without the stock air box, it may be affecting your mixture...you may have to go with slightly larger jets or change the clip position on your needle

BTW...  I think two turns out on the screw is a tad too much....  I think the manual calls for like 1-1/2

[Swede]

Well, I have decided to pull the carbs on the bike.  I checked the float heights and made a few more adjustments, #1 was a little off.  I am also going to step up the jet size to a 105.  This time before I put them on I am going to try my hand at bench syncing them.  I checked the FAQ on the subject anyone else want to throw in their tow cents on the subject, any help would be appreciated.  I also noticed that the plug wire on the cylinder that was running rich will pull out of the cap easily.  Could this cause a rich condition? I was also going to check the needle clip position but I have no idea where to look or how to change it.  I checked the manual and of course it tells me nothing.  The Clymers suggested 1 1/2 - 2 turns out.  When I get the carbs back on I will have to check those again and see what works best.