Have you lubed your carburetor linkage lately?

[nogrey]

In the process of installing an electronic cruise control on my '97, I had to place a wire control cable around the linkage that connects the left carb bank to the right (see photos). In the process, I found that the linkage has pressed in bearings on both ends. Mine had corroded bearing races and when I removed the linkage all the bearings fell out. No biggy, part is readily available, but it got me to thinking (I know, I had a hard time getting my brain started!   ). First off, I was impressed that Honda went to such great lengths to put precision bearings on the linkage. Quite a testament to me as to the quality of the product. I could see using a sleeve of plastic or brass etc, but these would not last and would lead to carb balance issues. 2) I also realized that lubricating these has been something I've missed over the years, thus the corrosion. A little machine oil would have gone a long way to eliminate this problem. Seems like I am so particular about final drive maintenance and oil and filters that it never occured to me. Oh, I've been in there and lubed the slides and control cables, but never this linkage that I can recall. 3) It also occurred to me that the failure of these bearings could easily be overlooked in the troubleshooting of carb issues. Not sure what the symptoms would be, but can well imagine that the machine wouldn't run right and would never maintain a carb sync.
Just food for thought guys. Love to hear your thoughts.

[Hook#3287]

In the process of installing an electronic cruise control on my '97, I had to place a wire control cable around the linkage that connects the left carb bank to the right (see photos). In the process, I found that the linkage has pressed in bearings on both ends. Mine had corroded bearing races and when I removed the linkage all the bearings fell out. No biggy, part is readily available, but it got me to thinking (I know, I had a hard time getting my brain started!   ). First off, I was impressed that Honda went to such great lengths to put precision bearings on the linkage. Quite a testament to me as to the quality of the product. I could see using a sleeve of plastic or brass etc, but these would not last and would lead to carb balance issues. 2) I also realized that lubricating these has been something I've missed over the years, thus the corrosion. A little machine oil would have gone a long way to eliminate this problem. Seems like I am so particular about final drive maintenance and oil and filters that it never occured to me. Oh, I've been in there and lubed the slides and control cables, but never this linkage that I can recall. 3) It also occurred to me that the failure of these bearings could easily be overlooked in the troubleshooting of carb issues. Not sure what the symptoms would be, but can well imagine that the machine wouldn't run right and would never maintain a carb sync.
Just food for thought guys. Love to hear your thoughts.
https://goo.gl/photos/tf8rHewQ2cT2aqHQ9

Good call, another item too check as our bikes turn 2 decades old.

[Ricky-D]

More forum members should read this thread. Especially the critics of Honda that continually lambaste Honda undeservingly with comments of "cheap" and "poorly engineered" and a multitude of other ignorant descriptors.

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[John Schmidt]

Sure have, and even though I have a better choke control on the left side as a departure from the OEM, I still have the crossover connection to think of. I use a few drops of liquid graphite on the left side of that tube, then with my air hose and a modified needled used for pumping up balls....I give it a few blasts of air until I see it dripping out the right side. The modification to the needle is simply cutting off the end so you have a straight shot of air coming out. Also use it on the throttle cables, been doing it for years and have never had a sticking cable. My choke control is a direct connection to the slider that activates the choke/enricher(for you purists  ) and replaces the OEM cable from the left handlebar control.