How to richen the mixture on my 97 1500 PLEASE HELP

[thevalkdude]

I put a set of Two Brothers headers on now the bike runs too lean. 1997 1500.
At half choke - it runs fine sound wise otherwise it does not.

Can it be made to run richer with pulling the carbs?

How?

If the carbs do have to come off - what new jets are needed if any?
Thank you all.
cc

[Gavin_Sons]

There are little D screws on the bottom side of the carbs that take a special tool. Sounds like you need to be about 4 turns out maybe more. I'd suggest getting new jets to match the pipes. I run mine 1 3/4 turns out to give you a reference. There are not many threads on those mixture screws if one falls out be careful because there is a little spring and an o ring up in there also.

[sandy]

You don't have to pull carbs. Pull the needles out of the top and get another thin shim at ACE. There's one from Honda under the needle; just add the second one and it'll raise the needle. Your gas $$ will go up slightly.

[Leathel]

You don't have to pull carbs. Pull the needles out of the top and get another thin shim at ACE. There's one from Honda under the needle; just add the second one and it'll raise the needle. Your gas $$ will go up slightly.

This is all I have done in the past with other bikes, and these bikes are easy to get at the needles

Can also open the idle mix screws 1/2 turn if required

[turtle254]

There are little D screws on the bottom side of the carbs that take a special tool. Sounds like you need to be about 4 turns out maybe more. I'd suggest getting new jets to match the pipes. I run mine 1 3/4 turns out to give you a reference. There are not many threads on those mixture screws if one falls out be careful because there is a little spring and an o ring up in there also.

Is 4 turns a little to far out to work properly ?

[thevalkdude]

Thank you for this. ACE - Ace Hardware!! Please explain.

[thevalkdude]

Also, where can I get this special tool for the D screws?
Thanks again.

[turtle254]

Thank you for this. ACE - Ace Hardware!! Please explain.

Shims for your needles  ... try RadioShack part no.  64-3022

[98valk]

There are little D screws on the bottom side of the carbs that take a special tool. Sounds like you need to be about 4 turns out maybe more. I'd suggest getting new jets to match the pipes. I run mine 1 3/4 turns out to give you a reference. There are not many threads on those mixture screws if one falls out be careful because there is a little spring and an o ring up in there also.

Is 4 turns a little to far out to work properly ?

PJs are good to 4 1/2 turns out. how do u know it is lean? did u use a gas analyzer on a dyno? reading plugs really doens't work with unleaded gas.

[98valk]

Also, where can I get this special tool for the D screws?
Thanks again.

this is the best honda tool to get, it was org listed for the cbr900.

it has a flexible spring head. been using it for yrs.

07MMA-MT3010B WRENCH PILOT SCREW

[thevalkdude]

Still looking for help with this special tool for the D screws.
Thanks again on where to get one.
cc

[Wilder]

I believe Redeye sells the simple D tool variation.  It's nearly impossible to do when the engine is hot.  You can take out the 12 bolts holding the intakes down and lift the carbs up a bit if you need more room to get under there.  You can even remove the intakes completely if needed.  Be careful screwing them in, don't go tight, just snug enough to know you touched the bottom.  then carefully count your turns coming out.  I think you will need closer to 3 turns out, but count them going in so you know where you started.  If it was not close to 2 1/4 turns out to start with, it was off for factory pipes at sea level.  Altitude makes a difference.  My altitude is about 6 feet.

[98valk]

Still looking for help with this special tool for the D screws.
Thanks again on where to get one.
cc

that's what I posted for u, its for the D screws.

[thevalkdude]

Thank you all very much for the guidance.

I found a carb tool kit up the road in New Braunfels.

back at you later.
cc

[Willow]

I put a set of Two Brothers headers on now the bike runs too lean. 1997 1500.
...

Interestingly that's the first time I've heard anyone claiming to need to adjust the carbs after going to TBRs.

[thevalkdude]

OK gents,
I found the little bit that first he pilot screws.
Not exactly sure how I am going to attach something to it to make the adjustments!!

Any ideas?

My main need from the wise is - Where do I start regarding richening the mix.

Remember - I have just put two brothers six in to six on my 97 bone stock 1500.

My thought is start a half turn out - then start it up and see!!

Thanks again for the wisdom.cc

[Tundra]

thevalkdude,
I purchased a palm held stubby nut driver in Harbor freight for a couple bucks. I also purchased a flexible 90° nut driver. The "D" shaped bit will work in either, although the flexible shaft on the 90° tool makes the job easier and you will be happier. I tried to post pictures although something is not working with my photo bucket account, haven't used it in years. Feel free to email me or message me here and I can send pictures or ship the tools to you. The tool 98 Valk posted a link for is the best tool for the job and can cost you about $100 bucks, same tool here for just $25 bucks.
https://jet.com/product/Motion-Pro-Pilot-Screw-Adjuster-Tool-08-0119/46387a5f616e4ea2b779990c7076c785?jcmp=pla:bng:All%20Products%20Catch%20All:All%20Products:na:PLA_112586931_4372403789_pla-4579946966786142_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=112586931&is_retargeting=true&clickid=45339a52-5057-4012-8ebe-14b493a38699&kclid=45339a52-5057-4012-8ebe-14b493a38699&msclkid=e85dc820417613e3785993293b931ca3  


Please make sure the tip can be changed before purchasing. Mine will take a small adapter which the "D tip" fits into.

[thevalkdude]

Thank you.

I foound a finger drive tool and the tip from a flex - market on both sides and have made two half turn adjustments - OUT!

While is seems better than before I started its still sluggish at idle and it pops a low rpm.

The idle has dropped and now I cannot raise my idle up anyfurther. Hence I am doing this all in my shop. Have not ridden it since install.

If I rev steady to 4k - runs great.
If I 1/3 choke - runs great.

I hope I am on the right path!!!

[turtle254]

Thank you.

I foound a finger drive tool and the tip from a flex - market on both sides and have made two half turn adjustments - OUT!

While is seems better than before I started its still sluggish at idle and it pops a low rpm.

The idle has dropped and now I cannot raise my idle up anyfurther. Hence I am doing this all in my shop. Have not ridden it since install.

If I rev steady to 4k - runs great.
If I 1/3 choke - runs great.

I hope I am on the right path!!!

Running all the way home and count the turns ( for ref )
Turn out 2 3/4" turns for 35 slow jets for 6 into 6 Exh.
Your way to lean so you may need 3 to 3 1/2" turns out.
be careful , and always mark down where your at. Its easy to forget and all is lost.

[thevalkdude]

After one full turn from it was - which I did not measure since it was running perfect with the stock pipes - I am 90% happy.

It pops here and there.  Does not seem to rap down as fast as it did.

Idle at 900 seems normal - the new normal!!

I appreciat all your input.

I am thinking possibly a half turn out might smooth the low end out and restore the idle down transition!! 
Any thoughts.

all in all - I am dang happy to have a hot rod sounding bike for sure.
cc

[Willow]

...
If I rev steady to 4k - runs great.
If I 1/3 choke - runs great.

I hope I am on the right path!!!  

It sounds like you're not.  It sounds like clogged low speeds.  Cannot raise the idle is a dead giveaway.  Runs well over 3.5K is confirmation.  Has little or nothing to do with your exhaust.  You could get one of those symptoms being on the wrong setting of the ICM.  I run mine at 5.  That's as aggressive as they should be.

Vacuum leaks can result in the low end unsteadiness and popping.