Carbs again...Pilot Screws

[Xtracho]

Told ya I was Valk carb stupid.   Taking the carbs apart this morning and all went well until I got to the Pilot screws (supposedly tamper proof). Per the instruction from the D-Rod video I took a hack saw and cut a groove into those screws, just enough to get a flat blade screwdriver in there. The first came out clean as a whistle. The second? Not so much. It was like it had been torqued down all the way into the bore. Finally got it out, but buggered up the head pretty good.   And....there are two more still sitting in the bores, sprayed with P-Blaster, hoping that I can unseat them without ruining them. Long story short (not really)...my experience with those on the Wing has been that they are set a certain number of full turns out from being lightly seated. And, some were...but the others...well...just like they were set in there and tightened down all the way. Hope letting them soak in P-Blaster will loosen them up. I don't want to bugger them up like I did the first one.

But then, if I can get them out...how do I know the number of full turns to back them out from being "lightly seated"? The ones that came out with no problem were 3 full turns. Pretty much as they are on my Wing. So my guess would be 3 full turns on all of them seeing as how the ones I was able to get out were set that way.

Anyhow, I have to order some new Pilot screws. Any advice, guidance, admonitions...."I told you so's"?

Don't be afraid to hurt my feelings....I'm married ya know.

[Dozer]

PILOT SCREW ADJUSTMENT
IDLE DROP PROCEDURE
MOTE
Make sure the carburetor synchronization is within specification
before pilot screw adjustment.
The pilot screws are factov pre-set and no adjustment 1s
necessary unless the pilot screws are replaced.
Use a tachometer with graduations of 50 rpm or smaller
that will accuratelv indicate a 50 rprn change
1 Turn the pilot screw clockwise until it seats lightly, then
back it out to the suecification .a. lven. This is an initial
setting prior to the final pilot screw adjustment.
CAUTION
Damage to [he pilot screw sear wifl occur if the pilot screw is
tightened against the seat.
TOOL:
Pifot screw wrench, D 07KMA-MN90101 or
07MMA-MV9010A
(U.S.A. only1
INITIAL OPENING:
'97 G LT 500CICT:
Except California type : T -314 turns out
California type: 2 turns out
GL1500CF. After '97 GL1 SOOCICT:
Except California type: 2-1 /4 turns out
California type: 2-318 turns out
2. Warm up the engine to operating temperature. Stop and
go driving for 10 minutes is sufficient.
3. Stop the engine ald connect a tachometer according to
the tachometer manufacturer's instructions.
4. Start the engine and adjust the idle speed with the throttle
stop screw.
IDLE SPEED: 900+'100 rpm
5.Turn each pilot screw 1 /2 turn out from the initial setting.
6. If the ens-i ne speed increases bv 50 rim or more, turn each
pilot screw out by successive 112 turn increments unt~l
englne speed does not increase.
7. Adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw.
8.Turn the No.1 carburetor p~last crew In until the engine
speed drops by 5C rprn
9.Turn the Mo.1 carburetor pilot screw out to the final
opening from the position obtained in step 8.
FINAL OPENING: 1 turn out -
70. Adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw.
11.PerForrn steps 8, 9 and 10 for the No.2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
carburetor pilot screws.

[John Schmidt]

Assuming you're talking about the pilot screws, three turns out is way too much, a max of two turns at the most. And if you've upgraded to #38 slow jets, usually only about 1.75 turns out is adequate.

[Xtracho]

Yeah...pilot screws...my nomenclature is not the best on that. Got the other screws out. Just going to order a new set I suppose because the O-rings on all six of them look pretty worn out and flattened. Don't know...never had this problem with the pilot screws on the Wing. As I said, it was like they were torqued in all the way.

[Patrick]

Don't worry about 'properly' adjusting the pilots. If using 35 jets just set them at 2.25 turns from very lightly seated. When installing them, add a dab [technical term] of never-seize to the threads.
I've tried every way imaginable to adjust the pilots 'properly' and have the burnt fingers to prove it. Originally most come set at 1.75 turns, but, 2.25 turns works 'more better'.
I would suggest cutting a screwdriver slot in the new ones even with the never-seize.

[John Schmidt]

I agree with cutting a slot in the Pilot screw heads, but don't use a hacksaw, use a Dremel tool with their tiny cutting wheel. I screw them in far enough so the carb actually holds them instead of burning my fingers...they get hot from the cutting. Be sure to protect the rest of the carb from debris while cutting. Remove the screw again and clean stuff real good, then assemble the screw with its spring, washer, o-ring and insert it.

[Ricky-D]

If you are reinstalling new screws, there is no need to cut a screwdriver slot in them.

Reason being that some antiseize should be used when installing them and,

a screwdriver is difficult to use on the screws when compared to the "D" socket.

Besides, do you expect to be adjusting them constantly? It's been over ten years for

the first adjustment, and once you have finished with them this time can you predict

when the next time may occur when you need to re-adjust them again?

***

[Xtracho]

Well the pilot screws (6) are on order and will be here next week. Also ordered the Shiny Desmog Kit and the stubby "D" tool for the screws. While waiting I'm going to just pull everything off that's required for the desmog, clean up that valley real good, and get the carbs ready to go so when the screws arrive that will be all I need to install.

I hate it when my bike is down and I can't ride....HATE IT!! It's my zen, my escape.

All good advice from everyone and I appreciate it. If there is anything else I can do while I have that all torn down please chime in.

Thanks all!

[Dozer]

After cleaning up the valley area, I painted it with silver brake caliper spray paint. Still looks like brand new...FWIW

[Pete]

I hate it when my bike is down and I can't ride....HATE IT!! It's my zen, my escape.

That is why some folks have more than 1 bike! We HATE it also.

[Xtracho]

I hate it when my bike is down and I can't ride....HATE IT!! It's my zen, my escape.

That is why some folks have more than 1 bike! We HATE it also.

Yeah...I've got the Wing. But she's torn apart in a full restore. And the 1947 Indian Chief hasn't made it to the stable yet. Got the bikes....just all of them with ongoing projects! 

[Pete]

I hate it when my bike is down and I can't ride....HATE IT!! It's my zen, my escape.

That is why some folks have more than 1 bike! We HATE it also.

Yeah...I've got the Wing. But she's torn apart in a full restore. And the 1947 Indian Chief hasn't made it to the stable yet. Got the bikes....just all of them with ongoing projects! 

That is why some folks have more than 1 RUNNING bike! We HATE it also.

[Xtracho]

I hate it when my bike is down and I can't ride....HATE IT!! It's my zen, my escape.

That is why some folks have more than 1 bike! We HATE it also.

Yeah...I've got the Wing. But she's torn apart in a full restore. And the 1947 Indian Chief hasn't made it to the stable yet. Got the bikes....just all of them with ongoing projects! 

That is why some folks have more than 1 RUNNING bike! We HATE it also.

Point well taken.