Carb Sync-Pilot Screws

[Rio Wil]

Has anyone done a carb sync and followed that with a pilot screw adjust.  I am curious how far they end up from the 2 1/4  (or so) turns that is often quoted as the setting for these screws?

[John Schmidt]

Adjust the pilots first....then sync the carbs. The sync should be the very last thing done. And...I've never had my pilots at more than 2 full turns out.

[Rio Wil]

But, the manual says before adjusting the pilot screws, be sure the carb sync is done??

[Ricky-D]

Yes, I agree with doing the synchronization first.

Reason being that if a carburetor is not contributing to the idling effort, any change to the pilot screw will be non-effective.

One changes the amount of fuel available and the other changes the volume of ambient air and neither adjustment has any direct influence on the other.

The most important factor with either adjustment is employing a good accurate rpm indicator (tachometer) that will reveal the smallest changes in rpm's.  The final arbiter!

***

[Patrick]

I've tried setting the pilots about every way imaginable and have the burnt fingers to prove it.. They are originally set at 1.75 turns, once in awhile one may be different.. Just setting them at 2.25 seems to be about the best setting with #35 jets.. It appears they are originally set a tad [ technical term] lean to try and keep the Feds happy, but, the engines seem happier a tad richer..

[Rio Wil]

But, back to my original question.....after adjusting the pilot screws by the manuals procedure, what was the final setting?

[Patrick]

But, back to your original question..  2.25 turns..

[Rio Wil]

The basic adjustment process is to continue to turn out the screws (from the initial setting of 1 3/4 to 2 3/8 depending on the model) until the idle speed ceases to increase, then turn in 1/2 turn then turn out by 1 full turn.  Seem like it could end up being way more than expected........ So thats why I am asking if anyone has actually followed the manuals procedure and what was the result.

[Patrick]

I guess I should have said specifically that I followed the Honda manual instructions, as well as others..

[Sodbuster]

I think you want to set all the screws the same initially to establish a baseline and then synchronize the carbs. If you do it the other way around you'll be chasing your tail. I had to go 2.25 turns to get rid of the popping noise from the exhaust upon decel (cut piggies & drilled baffles).

Also, sometimes it seems like you have to take what the manual says with a grain of salt