Carb issues ??

[Dogster]

Gents, sorry if this is a bit long-winded! I've read all I can find on needle jets, cant seem to match up my configuration... Let me give some background. Had a '99 IS beauty sice 2003,  40k glorious miles until totalled her 2 days after christmas...idiot NJ driver . Too much damage for me to tackle. Buddy in South Jersey had a '97 Std purple/white sitting outside uncovered for 3-4yrs. So this is my new project. He had local dealer install cobras and "re-jet" the carbs about 10 years ago. Horible gas mileage thereafter... 80-100 miles to the tankful according to him! ???  No other problem for awhile. then running very rich, and bogging above idle he tried to adjust and basically gave up so it sat. Upon opening carbs I found lots of gunk. Also stock jets (35's & 100's). replaced 1 of each due to corrosion. One vacuum piston crimped over due to careless re-install of cover--replaced. Also replaced all 6 float valves, all gaskets,o-rings and 1 pilot screw set. Found stepped type needle jets (thinking Dynojet?). The clips are set on 3rd notch down from top, which from what I read I should move up to 2nd?? At least one has 2 washers on top of clip. Most have 1 over and 1 under...is that correct?? And I think about 2 1/4 turns out on the mixture screws is recommended? I would appreciate your expert opinions...I am no mechanic, but not afraid to tackle some of these things with the proper guidance. Thanks in advance!

[98valk]

your purple/white is one of the rarer color combos.

cobra's reduce HP and mpg
u have the stock main jet and pilot jet.
the needles are probably the cobra jet needle set, which is the dyna needles, neither are needle jets, correct term is just needles. the kits never changed the jets, just needles and springs, as far as I know?.
lowering the clip from the top, raises the needles = bad mpg.
try 3 or 4th position from the top.
one washer above and below the clip. I like to use one extra washer under the clip for only the front two carbs, which tend to run a little leaner due to how they receive their fuel from the center carbs. it makes a difference in my testing. Also Factorypro.com recommends slightly richer front needles in the kit instructions.
2 or 2 1/2 turns out mixture screw is good position. during cruise, part throttle, which is only 1/8 throttle, the engine is running on the pilot jet.
run a can of B12 in a tank. and then only maintenance dosage, I have noticed a difference in my bike with the B12
to pick up some mpg, Trigger wheel should be 4 degree advance. u can easily modify the OEM one. I have to check my notes but u have to file about 1/16" off the center alinement tab then reinstall.
run 40-42 psi in tires, better mpg.
don't use a K&N air filter, stay with oem.
check the in-tank fuel filter for gunk.
PM if u need to, I'm south of u.

[Dogster]

CA, thanks for the quick reply. I know the color is rare, but I have disliked it since my buddy bought it in 2001 (2,500 mi)... can't see myself riding it. BTW, this was a Toms River, NJ bike...close to you? Anyway, 8000 original miles, so I plan to keep her for the long term. Ok so I should keep the clips in 3rd notch, and I will try adding the extra washers under clips on carbs #1 & 2. I will need more input on the trigger wheel. Bought a new petcock with filter as the original was disintegrated. will be flushing the tank to remove any potential rust, etc...Thanks again, Don

[98valk]

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,50309.0.html

south of toms river, blackwood area, east of philadelphia