Sunday, July 21 2019 [10,862 miles]
Oiled air filter
Found the missing clamp
The air filter was dry after sitting over night. I oiled it, wiped out the air box, and installed the cleaned and oiled filter. When wiping out the air box I found the clip that was supposed to keep the carb breather attached to the vent hose. The clip will go in the spare parts box. The cable tie I used is much more secure.
Disconnect carb
Which tube goes where
Carb removed
Carb removed
I disconnected the enrichment adjustment cable, throttle cables, and other connections from the carburetor. After loosening the clamps that hold it to the air box boot and the intake boot I managed to remove the carb from the bike. The carb is going to get a new jet needle and o-rings.
New jet needle
Old and new
I’ve been using the stock jet needle with a shim. I’m replacing it with an adjustable jet needle, clip in the 2nd slot from the top. If I don’t like the results I’ll put the original needle back. I can do that without removing the carb. The carb came off the bike this time to get at the float o-rings.
Soft fastener
Carb fuel filter
The two fasteners that hold the float bowl to the carb body are made of something quite soft. I was using a proper JIS screwdriver. Didn’t help. I broke out the impact driver. The screw heads gave way. Grumble. While figuring out which way I was going to fix this I removed the inline fuel filter for cleaning. It wasn’t dirty.
Prepare for surgery
Cut slots
There’s the float
Replacement hardware
Time for some Dremel action. I masked off every opening into the carb to keep crap out. A cutoff wheel on my Dremel made some slots on the screws with the buggered heads. The impact driver with an appropriate sized slotted head loosened the screws with a couple of taps. The screws are M5 x 0.80. How about that, I’ve some M5 x 80 socket head cap screws that are the appropriate length (14 mm). That’s what I’ll use to re-attach the fload bowl.
New O-rings installed
All back together
Back on the bike
I swapped out o-rings and put the carb back together. It’s nice knowing I’ll have an easier time next time I need to remove the float bowl. The carb went back on the bike with everything connected save the fuel line/fuel tank.
Clean chain
Lubricated chain
I put a scissor jack under the bike to raise the rear end so I can clean and lube the chain. It does not need any adjustment. The chain and sprockets look very good. I wonder what chain/sprocket life I’m going to get.
Not pictured: I checked brake rotors, brake pads, and the brake fluid. My tester says the fluid in both reservoirs had < 1% water. Good enough.I usually flush fluid when the tester reads <2%. The tester says to change at 3%.
Side stand is lubricated, clutch free play checked, lights checked, etc. Tomorrow I’ll put the tank back on the bike and give it a ride to get the engine up to temp before changing oil and oil filter. I still have a front tire to change, too.