Carb Balance Question?

[da prez]

  I balanced the carbs using the info in the tech section. They said to use a four gauge system. I want to make a six gauge system so I do not have to switch gauges . Is there a reason to only use the four gauge system.

                              da prez

[JC]

All I can think of is that 4 is less expensive than 6. Having 6 gauges would certainly make it quicker and easier. I user a 4 gauge set myself.

[Joe Hummer]

Absolutely no reason a 6 gauge system won't work.  I have a 1 gauge system on a manifold.  I clamp off the cylinders don't want to read and read the one I want to.  Make all connections before the bike gets terribly hot. 



Joe

[Ricky-D]

Six is the easiest way to synchronize the carburetors

***

[signart]

I like one good gauge and six aquarium valves. Also below gauge I have a valve to eliminate needle bounce.

[Brian]

I like one good gauge and six aquarium valves. Also below gauge I have a valve to eliminate needle bounce.

+1 on only using one gauge. 6 gauges will all read different as each one is not built exactly the same. I know this from a previous life where I had to calibrate gauges used high pressure equipment. You are only comparing each carb to # 3 regardless of what the vacuum is. I too use a set up like signart is showing here. Works great. While you are at the fish tank store get the silicone air tubing. This stuff is really pliable.

[Ricky-D]

Brian writes:

6 gauges will all read different as each one is not built exactly the same.

You are correct there Brian. I realized there would be such a problem when I purchased

the gauges, so I bought ten gauges. They were very inexpensive, less than 5 bucks each

and it took all ten to get six that matched. I hooked the all up to a common manifold to

get six that were the same. I had priced those little aquarium valves and found them

very pricey!

And finally, the convenience of having the ability to see all six continuously makes

comparing very easy.

***

[Tx Bohemian]

+1 on only using one gauge. 6 gauges will all read different as each one is not built exactly the same. I know this from a previous life where I had to calibrate gauges used high pressure equipment. You are only comparing each carb to # 3 regardless of what the vacuum is. I too use a set up like signart is showing here. Works great. While you are at the fish tank store get the silicone air tubing. This stuff is really pliable.

I agree here, although you'll probably get flamed from the "multi-gauge" advocates here!

I too deal with "certified" gauges that have to be calibrated on a certain frequency.
So unless you're using calibrated gauges the carb balancing quite possibly will be off.

I use the "one gauge, "Y" connection, and a couple of hemostat clamps" method.

[salty1]

I like one good gauge and six aquarium valves. Also below gauge I have a valve to eliminate needle bounce.

+1 on only using one gauge. 6 gauges will all read different as each one is not built exactly the same. I know this from a previous life where I had to calibrate gauges used high pressure equipment. You are only comparing each carb to # 3 regardless of what the vacuum is. I too use a set up like signart is showing here. Works great. While you are at the fish tank store get the silicone air tubing. This stuff is really pliable.

I use one guage and don't need  to calibrate a multiple gauge system.

[signart]

I went ahead and invested in a very good gauge for my set up as I can disconnect it and use it in my truck hobby which I do often. Before I use it on my Valkyrie again, I will invest in some better hoses as these get very soft from the heat and could potentially collapse or come off during the procedure.
Now that I am more familiar with the procedure, I would be a lot quicker, but I suggest removing the alternator cover as a precaution. Also a fan in front of the radiator.

[Louis Durocher]

here is a link on Ebay for a 5 way manifold. I use 2 gauges. The first one is the reference and the secon is used through the manifold to read all 5 other intakes one after the othe without having to disconnect anything
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/290934854031?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

[whitestroke]

Here's my 6 gauges

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1imfVbe9V7w

[Chillerman]

No calibration of gauges necessary.

[Jess from VA]

Traveling Red Cross blood donor contraption?   

[Brian]

Here is my set-up. Using an old vacuum/pressure gauge that I had from working on older cars and trucks.