vtwin idle mixture adjustment

[CookMySock]

Alright, how the hell to you get at the idle mixture screws on vtwin carbs?

Is there a a 90 degree angle drive screwdriver or something?

The bike is idling really rich. The exhaust is quite sooty, engine is idling rough, and it stinks of CO.

Do I balance the idle mixture between cylinders with a temperature gauge on the exhaust headers?


Steve

[jim.cox]

Is there a a 90 degree angle drive screwdriver or something?

You can get a three pack of those angled screwdivers from Te Warewhare for just a couple of $$

[CookMySock]

Is it the bent shaft type, or is it ratcheting?

It occurs to me to try a screwdriver bit in a ratchet ring spanner - will try it.

Steve

[CookMySock]

Ok looks like sort of beat it. Lots of jiggling with the little screwdriver got it leaned up enough so i doesn't stink the garage out.

It's still not an ideal situation.. there must be a better way to get at those idle air screws.

Steve

[bungbung]

and it stinks of CO.

Partially burnt fuel more likely since carbon monoxide is odourless.

If the carbs are balanced ok then duplicating the adjustments from one carb to the other should be ok as long as they are in an equal condition.

[imdying]

Is there a a 90 degree angle drive screwdriver or something?

Yeah, little bevel head thingys, quality ones are lovely, worth buying just to have

[CookMySock]

Thanks fellas. Curiously, I discovered I have one of those bevel head adapter doo-dads. Of course, it was a shit one and it was no use at all. Perserverence with the little yellow-handled cheapie screwdriver did it, while my TA held the thermostat housing out of the way.

Fark it crackles and growls like a vtwin should now, much to its' owners' delight! Ever since we've had it, it has been a little subdued and I did wonder why, now itsa full-on noise machine like it was meant to be. We'll see how wide her grin is when she gets back from town.




Steve

[vifferman]

Good that you got it sorted.
I had the same problem with my VTR1000 - I can't remember whether I used a screwdriver bit and a 6mm socket, or a stubby screwdriver, but either way it was a pain. There are special carb tools that do it, but they're pow'rf'ly expensive.

[CookMySock]

There are special carb tools that do it, but they're pow'rf'ly expensive.

Yer I searched around for them but no cigar.

The bike now fully widens her grin, so mission accomplished.

Steve