Pilot screw

[spartacus1215]

Hi guys, it's bob again. I'm a struggling newbie even tho I've had my '98 std since new. My bike was impacted by Hurricane Irma last year and I've finally got her almost back to herself. Problem is the carb setting and idle. I've read numerous posts but I'm confused. Is there a single pilot screw or are there 6? Is the pilot accessible while the bike is running so I can adjust or do I have to take the beast apart again? I know about the idle control screw, but is that the same as the pilot screw? Sorry for my ignorance, I'm not in a position to pay to have these adjustments made so I have to struggle thru it. Any and all guidance is greatly appreciated! Thank you!

[sandy]

The pilot screw is on each carb. They face down right behind the chrome intake runner. It takes a special tool to make adjustments. Go on Motion Pros website to get a cheap one. The Honda OEM tool is quite expensive. Set them with the engine off and cool. Close them (clockwise) lightly and open them 2 full turns to start. Lots of people open 2 1/4 to 2 1/2 turns but this usually makes them run a bit rich, but might yield more HP (less MPGs).

[spartacus1215]

Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[spartacus1215]

Is the tool you refer to called a 90' carb tool with bits? Around 70$?

[spartacus1215]

I just found a pilot screw adjusting tool on the motion pro site. I am guessing this is the tool you are referring to?

[pancho]

Don't know what you are looking at Bob, our carbs use a "D" shape bit.  If you don't have one already, it's unlikely you seated the pilot screws.

If you had the carburetors off, I wonder if you got all the boots back on correctly. Air leaks could be causing  idling problems and should be checked out first,, it is easy to get them on with the backside folded up out of place causing air leaks. A dental mirror and flashlight help to see if they are on incorrectly.

[WintrSol]

What is your approximate location? If you'll note, many of the high post count members have their general location in their signature, or under the avatar. You never know - another member may be close enough, and inclined, to drop by and help.

[Jess from VA]

Pilot screw

No.  But thanks for asking. 

[sandy]

Here's one on Amazon.

https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-PP2821-Motorcycle-Carburetor/dp/B005SUU24G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1547351653&sr=8-1&keywords=motorcycle+pilot+screw+bit

[jbrooks]

I got the tool from rich byrne at e-crater for about $8.00
https://redeye.ecrater.com/p/20824302/hella-stubby-pilot-screw-tool-on

[WintrSol]

I got the tool from rich byrne at e-crater for about $8.00
https://redeye.ecrater.com/p/20824302/hella-stubby-pilot-screw-tool-on

While that tool works, if you don't have small hands, it can result in burns.
I much prefer the Motion Pro version, over that stubby one, or the flexible type.

[pancho]

Is there clearance for the motion pro tool to access the pilot screws on all six carbs?

[98valk]

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

prices lately are from $70-100. so shop around.

[Jess from VA]

[WintrSol]

Is there clearance for the motion pro tool to access the pilot screws on all six carbs?

You have to hold your mouth right for some, but yes, it will reach all six.

[pancho]

Is there clearance for the motion pro tool to access the pilot screws on all six carbs?

You have to hold your mouth right for some, but yes, it will reach all six.

Thanks, so if you were only going to have one, which would it be, motion pro type or spring type?

[WintrSol]

Is there clearance for the motion pro tool to access the pilot screws on all six carbs?

You have to hold your mouth right for some, but yes, it will reach all six.

Thanks, so if you were only going to have one, which would it be, motion pro type or spring type?

Actually, I have all three. I started with the stubby one, then the spring type, and finally the motion pro. I use the stubby one to set the initial position, and the MP when it is warmed up. I found the spring type to hard to get set, but that may just be due to my stiff fingers.

[pancho]

Hmmm,, I've had stubby ones since I've had  machines that required it and was always able to do what I wanted, but I think it's time to make it easier and upgrade. If the motion pro type can access all six on our bikes, that is what I'll go with. After seeing the feedback on the knockoffs, it seems that it pays to go with the original Motion Pro tool.   

[WintrSol]

It helps to have a small mirror 'on a stick', like a dental mirror, to see where the flat of the D is, so you can preset the tool for the angle you will need. At least, you will know it it close, and won't have to go hunting for it.

[sandy]

I finally found the part I was searching for. Buy the flex handle too.

https://www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-D-Shape-Replacement-08-0229/dp/B003CMWC4U?pd_rd_wg=ubLLF&pd_rd_r=659e8f4b-a76e-4012-8854-fec795ca7f29&pd_rd_w=gLXUV&ref_=pd_gw_simh&pf_rd_r=AXAWCH4EV55FP0VJGHZ0&pf_rd_p=0b12aebc-d5b0-5c01-a940-e2aae645563d

[John Schmidt]

Last time I pulled the carbs, years ago, I used a Dremel tool to cut a slot in each pilot screw thereby doing away with the need for the special shaped "D" socket tool. I can now just slip a common straight blade tip into the tool and don't have to struggle to find the flat side....which always seemed to get rounded off anyway.

[spartacus1215]

Update. Disconnected the throttle cables to try to get a fresh start on sorting out my high idle issue. With no cables my base idle is 2200. Obviously way too high. What can cause this? Do I need to adjust the pilot screws? I already checked the floats and the jets. Once again all advice is welcome and will be followed. I bought the tool to adjust the pilots and it should arrive Tuesday. Thx everyone

[98valk]

Update. Disconnected the throttle cables to try to get a fresh start on sorting out my high idle issue. With no cables my base idle is 2200. Obviously way too high. What can cause this? Do I need to adjust the pilot screws? I already checked the floats and the jets. Once again all advice is welcome and will be followed. I bought the tool to adjust the pilots and it should arrive Tuesday. Thx everyone

idle adjustment or very bad vacuum leak.

[97BLKVALK]

Have seen some use carb spray, wd40 and I have used small propane tank with hose shoved on end to find leaks, then I would check idle adjustment if its determined that no vacuum leak exists.

Michael

[RonW]

Wasn't there a reference pilot screw which the other carbs are set to? spartacus1215, what gauges are you using?

[WintrSol]

Wasn't there a reference pilot screw which the other carbs are set to? spartacus1215, what gauges are you using?

I believe you are thinking of the reference throttle, to which the other five are sync'd.

[RonW]

Oh.

[spartacus1215]

I have not "synched" the carbs. I replaced the gaskets, jets, and cleaned everything else. I also did the fuel rail job. The engine sounds great but it's just idling too high.  With the throttle cables off its base idle is 2200. The actual throttle linkage seems to not want to go all the way back to its stop. I can manually push it back to its stop and get the idle to drop but not all the way to 900 or so.

[98valk]

I have not "synched" the carbs. I replaced the gaskets, jets, and cleaned everything else. I also did the fuel rail job. The engine sounds great but it's just idling too high.  With the throttle cables off its base idle is 2200. The actual throttle linkage seems to not want to go all the way back to its stop. I can manually push it back to its stop and get the idle to drop but not all the way to 900 or so.

the thru bolts that hold the carbs together might be too tight. back off on the nuts see if that helps.

[..]

Silly question.

Are you using the idle knob? Located right side sorta around the front two carbs and tucked away if memory serves me right.

[..]

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/carlidle.htm

[Jess from VA]

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/carlidle.htm

It is easy to turn with one finger.

Maybe 15 years ago it was easy to turn, and I have short fingers.

What's easy to do is burn one (or more fingers/knuckles).  Thin gloves give you a false sense of well being.  You still get burned, it just takes a few seconds longer.  

Ideally, you set idle when the bike is warmed up.... but it's more than warm.  When you know it needs turned up a bit, you can estimate it when cold, but then you have to remember to see how your cold estimate turned out once it's hot.

900 (per manual) is OK.... so is 1000.  (unless you spend your day idling at lights)

My bikes idle low for longer than just warm up (they need a minimum 15-20 minute ride to settle into a stable idle), and my Kuryakyn Volt meter shows red (not charging well or at all) on low idle when I knock the choke off soon after startup.  So I like a 1K idle.

[John Schmidt]

You want to adjust the idle knob while running, just stick a screwdriver in there and push against one of the ridges on the knob. It will turn in either direction depending on where and how you push with the screwdriver. Can't remember the last time I turned it with my fingers, I'm allergic to pain. 

[Forge]

Verify that your link lever is installed correctly or isn't in a bind. It's the lever that links both sides of your carbs.