Pilot Screw Setting

[Foozle]

Folks:  I just de-smogged my 1998 Standard, replaced the intake O-rings, and swapped out the stock slow jets with #38s.  I'm running a stock exhaust, stock air filter, and stock needles (no shims) - with I/S carb springs, I/S ICM, and 4 degree trigger wheel (I also installed new plugs).  As an initial baseline, what is a reasonable setting for the pilot screws?  In my search of the archives, I've seen everything from 1 1/2 - 2 1/2 turns outward from lightly seated - reflecting, I suppose, variations in exhaust, intake, and carburetion set-ups.  Also, I'm assuming counterwise adjustments (outward turns) richen the mixture, yes?  I realize this has been a frequently-addressed (and often debated) topic, so I truly appreciate any input.  Thanks much.  Terry

[Ricky-D]

I think the largest change you made to the idle circuit is the #38 jets.

The pilot screws only account for 25% of the total amount of fuel available through the larger idle jets.

General consensus is that the pilot screw should be lessening the amount when compared to stock settings and that would indicate less turns rather than more.

Increased richness now is dictated by the larger idle jets and any attempt will be to lessen the same.

***

[Patrick]

It seems the consensus is 1 1/2- 1 3/4 turns with the 38s..

[GOOSE]

foozle... what patrick said is exactly what i ran when i had your set-up ...1 1/2 turns out from lightly seated.

[PharmBoy]

With the exact same setup you have, I set them on 1 1/2, ran them a few hundred miles and pulled the plugs.  A couple of plugs showed to be running a bit lean, so I changed those two to 1 3/4 turns out...JTL

[John U.]

I had the same experience, 1 1/2 turns was too lean, 1 3/4 just right.
Not all bikes will react the same, elevation makes a difference as well,
at higher elevations, 1 1/2 might be good.