My 2005 Fat Boy Anniversary 15th edition 1450cc had a 48 jet that came stock that was plugged. I took off the bowl as demonstrated and removed the low flow jet and cleaned out some blockage with the smallest tip cleaner from a torch tip cleaner kit and you could feel it was blocked. Then I soaked the jet in a capful of Sea Foam for 2 hours. After putting everything back together the bike purrs like a kitten and I didn't have to get out the wallet at the dealer THANKS MAN 🤙💥🎯
Great video as always Mike. On my 2003 Dyna with the K&N intake and Vance & Hines short shots pipes I wound up having to go up one size on the main jet, add two #4 washers under the needle to fatten the mid range, and a size 50 pilot jet. It is probably the most well behaved carb setup I have ever ridden. The other folks are right about those JIS screws, I hate those things. I went to the hardware store and got some stainless steel allen head screws with lock washers to replace them with. Anyhoo thanks again for donating your time to the rest of us.
For JIS screws it's a JIS screwdriver. As is my '99 has just similar setup with the quiet baffles. 45 main and 2 ⅓ turns out. You have to start with fresh fuel, clean air filter, new plugs. Idle at 1000, low idle will result in popping unless you don't shut the throttle completely against the stop when riding, if you like to get some pop idle at suggested lowest 950 or even 900 or less if you have a hiflo oil pump. Shouldn't start and run from cold with no choke, I just back the choke in slowly to 1100 after a few seconds and get the lumpy idle till it's moving down the road. Takes a few good runs to sort if it's been running badly from a previous owner who didn't understand carbs.
Always great to watch these vids once in a while to refresh my memory before doing any maintenance on the bike. Mike, thanks again for your wisdom and documenting this for us guys who need the refresher. Hope you are doing well?? 😎✌👍
Your videos are therapeutic to watch. Bought my 02 dyna and honoustly cant afford to take it to the dealer for maintenance and i love doing it mysrlf honoustly. But these videos help so much. Nice calm and informative. Ever so gratefull mike.
Curious about your 02 Dyna Erick. I bought a 02 Low Rider a few months ago and wow, have I had problems with it. Some minor but had to do a fork rebuild. Only 12,000 miles on it. Guess the previous owner didn’t do jack to it. How’s yours going?
Mike did you know that the screws that hold the bowl on are J.I.S screws and not really a Phillips head screws. If you look closely at the screw head there is a small dot on the head of it. JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard. The angle of the slot is slightly different from a Phillips head causing a Phillips to slip. Buy JIS screwdriver and never strip another JIS screw and you'll never need a impact driver to removed bowl screws again.
@@jeffbower6940 HI DOES NICK'S CUSTOM CYCLES HAVE A WEBSITE OR CONTACT NUMBER? COURIOUS . LOOKING FOR MECHANIC WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PARTS FOR HARLEY AMF'S
If you call Nick's sometimes they'll be very helpful. These guys are old school and really know their shit.Go there if possible there is a wealth of information between those guys. Also an antique bike showroom. 856 728 9607 hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 -6 Friday til 8pm.
I have the same issues. About 10 years ago a magnifying glass became a permanent addition to my top box. In a lot of ways I miss carbs but on my 05 Heritage I put a ThunderMax EFI. Great tuning capabilities. It's my first injected bike and the only bike I have owned newer than 1976. It's true, most of these kids don't have a clue how carburators work, how to troubleshoot, or repair a carburetor, and here I am learning the ins and outs of injection. It makes us kind of in the same boat just on opposite sides.Thank you for these videos and be safe.
I no longer own a motorcycle, not am I a mechanic. I ran across your channel, and subscribed. After reading all the comments, I concluded that you had the right fix. I would have liked a short clip at the end of the video (after the test ride) to show you with a winning grin on your face. On another note, I am running across younger mechanics who never worked with points in an automobile.
I bought a 2004 FXSTD last June with 5,000 miles, has screaming eagle exhaust. It had a lean spit. I opened up the adjustment and that helped. I also run non ethanol fuel. The spit is less frequent, but occasional. I cannot help but think if I made this mod on my bike it would get more go on the throttle. Thanks for the tutorial.
Mike I would always jet up a little bit at a time to stop the leanspitting then I would start checking my plugs and going from there I would jet around my plug color thanks for the video
Mike one of the first things i had done on my 99’ Dana was have the carburetor rejected the Best thing I ever done! I went all over the country on that bike never had a problem, from Florida, went up to 13,000 ft in the mountains, never skip a beat! Had it din-nerd the guy told me to never let any one touch it, it was Perfect! Thanks Brother, You are The Man!!
Tim Mix.. Nothing new. Automotive dealerships are the same way and that's how it's always been... New vehicle dealerships be it automotive or motorcycle only work on newer vehicles mostly with warranties.. You wouldn't expect a Ford dealership to be able to work on a 1928 Model A any more than you would expect a Harley dealership to work on a 1940 Knucklehead..That's what independent shops are for, that's why they are there.
@@timmix331 I didn't mean to disrespect you or your bike... I was mainly stating that new vehicle dealerships have to draw the line somewhere. That's why they go by the 10 year time line. Now depending how well you know the people at the dealership, they might work on an older bike but it's up to them.. I don't have to worry about it because I do all of my own work, except for machine work if needed..
I was looking at getting a 2004 Fatboy from a guy but was fearful because it had a carb. After seeing this video and reading a lot of the comments, I think I’m going to pull the trigger. Loved this video and the way you show /teach. Thank you
Hey buddy, i dunno if you will ever see this comment but its all good. I botched a job on my honda cruiser dual carbs by upping the mains and the slow jet. Your video is on a 2002dyna and thats what i ride now. I put a screamin eagle exhaust and intake on and went from 45 to 48 on slow jet at 679 feet above sea level. Purrs like a kitten now and not starving for fuel. You da man!! Thanks for the video
Just for fun, try a 50 slow jet and see if you pick up a little more get up and go off idle. Maybe yes, maybe no, but "probably" a bit "more." Thank You for watching.
Thank you for your information I still Owen a 1995 Electra glide classic with the c.v. Carbarator thank you for your great videos and information much appreciated.
I always replace those pesky screws with socket-head screws. Nice video, as usual. Any time I am sitting around and want to either learn or get a new perspective on anything Harley, I tune in to Mike’s Garage. I can be confident that, should I choose to show one of your videos in mixed company, that I won’t have to apologize for any content. This is the epitome of professionalism. Thanks for all that you do.
My 2002 FXST never starts cold without the enricher . You may have shown me why . Even have to open it s it slightly when it's in the 30's and 20's when I take off until it warms up .
I had a customer with a custom electra glide. I think it was a 99 he got from a friend. It ran horrible and he said no one really wanted to touch it. it was obviously carbed. Luckily it just needed a good cleaning and some little adjustments, no jetting. I'll work on carbed harleys all day long they are so easy to work on. I'm jetting my suzuki bandit 1200 now and it's such a hassle, 4 carbs, 8 jets, syncing, etc. etc. smh. Lovely video! Internet knowledge like this video are invaluable.
Hey Mike - please don't feel like you need to reply to this. Just wanna let you know that this info was a great help to me - I adjusted the jetting years ago on my twin cam and I see now how I did it wrong and it's never been great. Thanks so much, Frank.
I don't know about the rest of the world but when I say "guys" in reference to other people I don't think of it in the actual masculine sense but more in the sense of just general people (maybe I'm weird that way)
I think the way you use it is really quite normal now. I remember years ago, being on a date with a rather attractive woman. We went to a nice restaurant for dinner. When the waiter referred to us as "guys," I thought "Really? Is this guy blind?" I've always tried to use my manners and be respectful of others. But, common usage does take over, and I think you are perfectly in order.
Pacific Mike it is a colloquialism but yes even I who tries to choose words with care will refer to a mixed gender group as “you guys” I do remember my generation wanting full equality in every respect and that’s what I give them so everyone is a guy except when I and she are alone then I know what side my bread is buttered on🥪
You can go to the Mikuni website and read their info on adjusting their carburetor, should transfer to any carb as far as how to diagnose issues. I really enjoy these videos.
Thanks You! I like carburetor injection as simple way to get the right combuction.... Could you please give a badic of adjustments since CV 40 does not look so complicate? Thanks one more!
That sounds real healthy to me. I just recovered my 1963 Schwinn bike today that was stolen a month ago. I saw this dude riding it and took it back. Thanks to the Man Upstairs. That job on the carb was surgical. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Mike! It’s very nice to watch your videos you have a cool way to show how to do things, and I have a 06 Sportster with a carburettor and I love it , have been re jetting the carb to get it right and it is as easy as you did show, just watch the float bowl screws they are made of butter 😂😂 please keep showing us how in the future too 👍🏻
I have a 2002 FLSTC with a CV carburetor didn't want to idle but it ran good at speed. I replaced the 45 low speed jets with a 48 and replaced the high speed jet from 185 to 190 and it idles fine now. I have an 01 Road king with fuel injection and I am not impressed with it once i got a change to look it over. I am sorry i bought these twin cams I would trade them for an Evo today. I am a Shovelhead panhead guy they are big lawn mower motors I can work on.
I get it. By the way, you probably didn't need the main jet change. It'rs running on the pilot jet most of the time and the main jet is usually adequate. I wonder what your altitude is. If you're running a less restrictive air filter and a set of free-flowing exhaust pipes, you might try a number 50 pilot jet. Just an experiment.
@@pacificmike9501 I live in south east Alabama it is 450 foot above sea level. I got this bike used and it had great care taken of it. The guy did change out the factory emulsion tube and has changed out the factory pipes. He had an idle issue with it too. When I rebuilt this CV carb I put back the factory emulsion tube a 48 slow jet and a 190. I am going to ride it today and see how it goes and look at my spark plugs. We moved here from the Tampa Florida area and my old 72 FLH ran great there but now I am having a too rich mixture issue.
I truly do love watching your vids you have such a mellow way about teaching and showing I could truly learn a lot from you and I appreciate all the time that you have spent on making RUclips videos. There's not many like you left, everybody is all about advertising and money and most of them don't even have any skill or knowledge worth teaching or sharing. I look forward to watching many more of your videos, I myself have an EVO 883 98 Sportster that I'm about to tear apart and try to make a 1200...
Thanks Mike I think I have this job ahead of me this spring. First want to eliminate bad fuel. Bought the bike this fall and it was not so happy when cold. Keep the videos coming I learn something each time I watch.
Hey Mike!, that #50 pilot worked like magic!, running a #200 main with the sporty needle, Vance & Hines Bigshots staggered, no lean spits or coughs whatsoever, idles perf!, these Carbs are easy to work on too!, runs flawlessly!...Thx again for the great video, Brudduh! CHEERS!
You of course can't recommend gas, but I can old friend ha! The ONLY pump gas we use on the Dyno and our street bikes in general is Chevron and yes I tried them all.
Funny I stumbled across this awhile ago. I just rejetted my carb yesterday. I had an 01 EG TC88 that was injected and I got rid of it. I for one don't like fuel injection at all I've always been a carburetor man myself. I could have put a carb on it I guess but I just wasn't Fond of that bike it was too new for me. Years ago when I was a teen early twenties wrenching at a local garage I rebuilt a couple carbs a week. It was a regular thing needed at the time along with choke pull offs being replaced. Then the newer carbs you had to remove the seals covering the adjustments and drill them out to get the tool in there to adjust them. Then it was what all vehicles had on them, no injected cars to fiddle with. Carburetors are so simple and easy to work on its odd today a lot of people don't know how to work on them. Same with points. Everyone puts electronic chips in and tosses the points. Not me I keep my points they work well and only need a periodic adjustment. I'm old school and prefer the old ways that's why I sold the 01 and got the 73 Shovelhead instead. That's my kind of machine there. Old school and real simple to work on. Plus the look and sound is what I wanted. These are what we're new when I was growing up. Shovels and Pans everywhere running up and down the road. It has the S&S super E on it and it seems to be running too rich. Mine doesn't spit or choke it just bogs down and has no umph so I'm jetting down. Plugs are black and fouled so it looks to be running too rich. Another lost art with guys are reading spark plugs too. Plugs tell you what's going on in that combustion chamber . Just waiting on some decent weather to get her out so I can see what she's doing after the jet change... You and I have a lot of the same traits of what we grew up with and have worked on. More cars for me as an auto mechanic but I've always ridden bikes since I was a kid. I enjoy your videos as well. Not trying to take away from your post I just always talk a lot, post conversation instead of just one liner replies... ✌
Because you need a technician not a mechanic. Trouble-heads are a whole different animal than the newer models. I resource Mike all the time. This channel is great.
10:20 "Philips screws out of here"... Nope. they're JIS metric screws not Philips (the JIS screw has a small dot on the top of the head as indicator it's a JIS metric screw), that's why many people end up badly stripping the heads on those metric screws when using an American Philips screwdriver on a Japanese screw, you can get lucky though using a Philips if those metric screws is not tight, but with any force the Philips will easily strip the head.
Thank You. I feel ignorant now. What I normally do, when they're too tight, is have someone hold the carb while I smack them with a hand impact driver. Crude, but effective with only one good tap. Thank you again. I've now been properly informed.
Wayne Simpson If I see the Philips or Japanese version start to or not able to turn I’ve often used a small pair of pliers to get them to start turning I did not know there was such a thing as a Japanese Phillips
Great job Mike, I think that's the same problem I'm having. I had the bike repaired after a wreck and different pipes installed, now I have to have it enrichened about 1/2" just to run the thing on a warm day. Today it was 38 degrees and it took a lot of cranking to start it, fully enriched.
Check the sparkplugs. If they are the same, all is good. Just sounds like you need a richer low speed jet. If the plugs don't pretty much match, you have a vacuum leak.
Thanks Mike , love watching your work,interesting about the lithium grease around the breather banjo bolts. Mine has a series of thin washers all sides of the breather and bolts which are pretty worn. Interesting and amusing video. Thanks.👍🏼
The CV carburetor float bowl screws are JIS, (Japanese Industrial Standard) and use a special screw driver to remove them. They're a blunt or modified "Philips Head". I bought a set of these screw drivers and don't have problems with the screw heads " caming out " and ruining the screw heads anymore. Great Videos, Thanks for your time.
My 03 roadking is carb. I was having a little trouble after changing exhaust and air cleaner. I was going to replace the CV w/ a S&S but after some advice from a friend I decided to order and install a CV Performance kit w/ new jets and haven't looked back. When the CV is working properly it is a good carb.
I have pretty much the same setup with SE pipes, K&N filter and Dynojet jets (170 /48) set by previous owner. The problem was the engine was "coughing" under cold conditions (under 5 degrees Celsius. The min temp I have ridden is -10 Celsius) at low speeds (less than 80km/h). I just replaced the jets with new 185/48 so the low jet size remained the same. After that: better throttle response, no running problems at any temperature and the fuel consumption is lower than before. Bike is 98' FXSTS and this setup change is made 15 years ago when I bought it and met these problems. I'm living pretty much at sea level in Finland. Maybe a bigger lower range jet would have helped too. In any case a great video. Thanks!!!
When I bought my 2002 Nightrain FXSTB the salesperson was like you want that with fuel injection right? I was like no give me the carb version. I later upgraded the card to a mikuni 42 MM flat side it runs amazing that bike is dialed in like a Swiss watch !!! Thunderheader pipes S.E lifters, push rods, S.E forged HC pistons. Woods 590 conversion cams with a modern hyd cam plate S.E high compression ignition. S.E clutch, with a hole shot kit in the primary
Hi Mike , Enjoy your videos. I've also run into those Phillips screws with the mangled heads. What I found years ago working with points ignition were these mini ignition pliers from Snap- On that have lots of torque and work like charm. No need for an impact driver or to remove the carb. Cheers
Harley has a habit of this. EG the timer cup screw. Brits too. the screw for the zener diode gets overtorqued and cracks the diode- system overcharges on long freeway runs and can destroy the whole system. Ya can't blame that on Mr Lucas.
My 02 Sportster was doing the same thing. Living in the Midwest I had a 45 jet in it, took your advice a put a 52 in it and the low speed pop was gone, the bike runs great. Thanks a lot.
@@pacificmike9501 ..Manners, courtesy, common sense, and respect...all going the way of the Dodo i'm afraid. A truly sad state of affairs, coming up for the next few generations i think. Great Vid's by the way. Where approximately are you situated ?
Thank You, Mike, a well presented video. But I must ask why we didn't access the idle mixture screw to affect enriching the idle. I have found that these factory stock CVs need to be fattened up and begin with the idle screw, then go to the slow jet.... ....RooDog....
Just got home from a 6 mile trip to the Post Office on my WLC. Got caught in a storm and the plug wires started shorting.... such fun! haha My morning got alot better once i got home, dried off and saw you had a new video uploaded. Thanks for taking the time to help others. Al
I have an 03 wide glide with a stage 2 twin cam 88 setup and it's been having a bit of deceleration backfire and not wanting to start up as smoothly as I'd like so this was very helpful.
GO TEAM CARBURETOR!! 95 Dyna LR.. and no cell phone mount. ( Shock and Gasps from readers (maybe..) who can't believe a 36yr old would rather enjoy a ride without calls from telemarketers, NASA sales reps, Actual Aliens, Flying Alligators or dear ol' mom while paying attention to all the other distracted motorists weaving between lanes or stopped at green lights). Thanks for this vid!!! Started out riding by having to fully rebuild a carburetor on a 74 CB550. This was a nice refresher.. and Very well done. Keep on up with it, kind sir. Cheers and stay well!
my 01 heritage classic always started hard and took a while to warm up. replaced intake manifold seals and put a 50 jet in it. starts every time and made exhaust come to life. now going to upgrade tensioners and a 510 cam.
Sounds great. Watch your sparkplugs. By that, I mean, your sparkplugs will tell you if you have a vacuum leak. If both plugs are the same color, chances are, no vacuum leak. If one plug is light and one plug is dark, very likely you have a vacuum leak. You may need to rejet after changing the cams. But, sounds like you're doing well and having fun. I'm all for it.
Good morning Mike, here's a helpful tip my friend. Part # 27094-88, still available but of course you have to order it, is the early 1200 Sportster needle jet. This really helps the entire mid range lean condition of the CV CARB for owners with just a free flowing intake and exhaust. Best $10 you'll ever spend. Good job recommending the pilot jet increase, and yes the main jet is more than adequate. When and if you take the carb off, pull the welch plug to get to the idle mixture screw, and do a final adjustment after warm up, but I know that you know that, especially on a CALIFORNIA model. Have a great day, SARGE.
This is an old comment, but for anyone reading this , CV Performance makes an improved needle that they call the Velocity Needle. The old Sportster needle works best when using shims, the number depending on the application, but the CV Performance Velocity Needle works great without any shims. Good power, great fuel economy, and crisp throttle response with the Velocity needle, a 46 or 48 pilot and a 185 main here near sea level, and 53 MPG out of my 74 inch motor on the highway. Can't beat it!
Stock was a 45 pilot jet. Used to drill them out to a 47 ish in stock trim. The factory had to set those bikes up sooo lean to pass emmisions. At 1000mile services plugs would be birch white. Scary lean
This helped me so much. Thanks for taking the time. Also love your other EVO rebuild videos. I diagnosed my lean spit by watching your video! Wish u had a podcast.
Having a 01 Deuce, a 52 cleared it up. With a SE big bore carb, Andrew's cams and VnHines 2 into 1 big radius exhaust at sea level. Throttle is crisp, and what a fun torque monster..
I have this bike, in an 03. Nice to see all the familiar parts to mine. I needed this video. Well done. You sir, know your shit. Wish you were in pennsylvania.
Mike, I have a 2005 Dyna with an 88TC, running a high flow air cleaner and slip-on exhaust. I recently swapped out the pilot jet to a 48, and my bike is still spitting out the carb at around 2000-2500 rpm. I'm at sea level and have the air/fuel screw turned out 3 turns. Would you recommend trying a 50 pilot jet? Also, the bike doesn't spit from the carb if I keep the enricher on while riding. Thanks for your help and I appreciate these videos.
Changing jets is always an experiment. You just described it perfectly. I had a shop at sea level. With a free flowing exhaust and air filter, I usually started with a 50. I think you're almost there. A 50 might not be enough, but probably, it will.
Most correct detailed video I've seen yet. But! I have a question? I've watched your video part 1 and 2 at least 5 times now. I pulled the carburetor off and drilled plug out removed everything and cleaned real good. after putting it together it ran great. But, after taking it on a 10 mile run to fully warm up engine , it started spitting and dying at a stop. I had to idle it up to around 1150-1200 rpm's to keep it running. when I got home, i tried adjusting the mixture screw and it made no difference even if I ran in all the way in to seat. I have had this thing off 5 times now trying fix but can find a thing I did wrong. I even replaced the intake rubber boot to the carburetor. It was real hard getting the carb. unseated from the intake too. 2006 FXSTB night train with 17,000 miles. I sprayed carb cleaner around intake and other areas of carb and nothing. You have any ideas that I might try? I'm a 70 yrs old Vet and was a auto mechanic for over 45 yrs. I've rebuilt a lot of carbs back in the 70's and 80's but I lost on this one. Can you help
Possibly, something is plugged. Passages are quite small on a Keihin carburetor. But, you mentioned you have to deal with that carb being a little stuck. I don't know which engine you're working on, I have a feeling you have bad manifold to cylinder head seals. If you have one spark plug lean and one rich, that says so.
Pacific Mike... I know what you mean. In 2005 I bought a new HD heritage softail and had my local Harley shop (to not void my warranty) rejet my carb and install rush slip-ons before I took the bike home. Well..Sometimes (not all the time) when it was idling and you give it gas to take off or if you wasn't even on the bike and just tried to rev it up it would pop and cut off. They had my bike in their shop nine different times, that's right 9 times and they could not figure out why it was doing that. So the last straw was when I was taking off from a red light. I was in the middle of the intersection and it popped and cut off and I was almost hit buy a pick up truck, I traded it in on a new Electra Glide.
@@pacificmike9501 I know right.... Oh they replaced the intake gaskets 4 times and installed 3 different new carbs. One of the times I left the dealership (next to express way) and got about an 1/8 of a mile and it started running rough and leaking gas. I had to ride with the choke on to the next exit get off and get back on the other way to go back to the dealership. I was there from noon to 8pm and they could not figure out why it was doing that. They had to take me home. Three days later they said it was ready so I go to get it and they said it was because the Harley Technician installed the gasket (I'm guessing the float bowl gasket) upside down or backwards. Needless to say it was still doing the popping and cut off thing.. I'm on my second bike since then. A 2008 HD Electra Glide and is great because I am the only one that works on it... I'm an ASE certified automotive technician and have been working on bikes as well since the mid 80's..
Another question, 2003 softail, same bike that was running rich. I had a smaller pilot jet (was 48, now 45) installed then proceeded to adjust the idle fuel mixture screw. While it was idling I closed it letting it seat gently. It kept running, although not very well. It is now at about 2.25 turns out and runs great. My question is, does it really matter that it didn't die when closed. If there was any damage to the seat, so what?, since it is at an appropriate setting now? That's the real question I have. All I ever heard is if the seat is damaged then you have to get a whole new carb, that does not seem to make any logical sense to me now that I think about it. Thank you in advance.
If it's running fine, it's running fine. That mixture screw actually does very little to affect anything. Yes, you can get a little idle smoothness out of it, which is nice. But, that's all. Overtightening the screw could damage the seat in the carburetor, which would be very difficult to correct. Honestly, I really wouldn't worry about it, nor would I spend time looking for a "nonexistent" problem.
@@drumwhacker Curious…what indicated the bike was running rich? I’m new to carb adjusting myself, and have mainly read most are running lean??? Just wanted to know what I should look for as a sign of running rich. Thanks in advance for the help 👍😎
Don't you try to adjust the mixture screw a bit after swapping the jet? I always do a coarse adjustment of the mixture screw, take a test ride just to get it warmed up, and then proceed to the fine adjustment of the mixture at idle...
When I cannot read the small print I take a picture with my phone and then I can enlarge it until the cows come home, never fails me. Thanks for your vids!
Just got a 98 Fatboy with factory CV 40 I am rebuilding the carburetor. It has a 45 jet and a 185 high speed jet. I live it southeast Alabama 600 ft above sea level. Does the jets sound right.
They sound like original "super lean" original jets. High speed jet fine. If the motorcycle is all original internally and has stock exhaust and air cleaner, it's probably fine. Free flowing air cleaner and exhaust (aftermarket), try about a 50 for the slow jet.
Hi Mike, this is West Ky Mike wishing you a great day. Today is rather shitty (ice storm) day here, but it is a great day to work on a couple of Harleys and I also have a Honda 300 Carburetor to clean out. Thank you for your video on replacing the slow speed jet on the TC88. It is always easier after I watch you do it.
Another great video. When I had children at home, I would take the jet to them and have them read it to me. Now I need to use a magnifier. I would love to see a video on checking and replacing cam chain tensioners for the early twin cams.
Pacific Mike, I enjoyed this video very much. Your manner is very good for helping us to learn. You obviously have a ton of experience and thank you for sharing it. PS, you have a voice for radio.
I wish you lived close by. I have a 1980 Harley FLT Shovelhead that just doesn't run pretty sure it's a carburetor issue because I had my friends carburetor on it for a while and it ran pretty good but when I put the original one back on not so much. Actually it doesn't even start now so I'm working on it. Love your videos keep up the good work
The early Keihin carburetors had most of their circuitry routed in and around the floatbowl. These passages are very small and get plugged very easily if the motorcycle sits idle too long. Just soaking them in carb cleaner rarely gets them clean. They need to be cleaned with piano wire or the like. Or, spend some money and buy a carb that you like.
Hey Mike! How are you? It’s always nice to see you here and share some words! I saw you struggling with those tiny jet numbers! My advise if you let me, you won’t find better augmentation tool than your phone (a smartphone I mean lol). As I mentioned before, I’m 45 yo and my eyes are starting to get tired, however using my phone has been easier to read small labels or Jets in this case! Play with the flash and focus and you won’t have any trouble anymore!! With all my afect and respect from Mexico, Paco.
Hello Mike, this video hit home very well for me, i just got my 75 Superglide back with completely rebuilt motor, before the rebuild I had a Killer carb (cv) on it and it ran fine, now with about 150 brain miles at this point I'm getting the lean spit at low speeds, taking off from stop signs etc...it has a 48 pilot in it so I just ordered a #50 hoping that will help me out, interesting you noted sea level, here in Canada where Im at it is about 270 feet above sea level, so guess i will see how that works, Im learning lots about these carbs, thank you. Scott
was wondering if you help a fellow out, just put new 525 feuling reaper cams in my 88ci twin cam, has two brothers racing 2-1 exhaust, arlen ness big sucker intake, just wondering where i should start with my slow jet and the main? i live about 1,000 ft above sea level
i have found on CV carbs to change the slide needle and tube to a different taper which gives good low end acceleration no low speed lean spitting of course the jet also depends upon the exhaust stock or punched out.
Yes. But, punching out stock mufflers just makes more noise, not much help there. Step up and buy less restrictive units. You'll be glad you did. Then an air filter and rejet.
@@pacificmike9501 I have used the same carb kit on CV carbs which I have found to be what I believe to be outstanding in performance and that all depends on exhaust and of course the customer.
THANK YOU...for sharing. Watched and very much enjoyed. I travel a lot on my bike and at higher altitudes I really have problems, thinking about an adjustable main jet from outside of the carb. have you ever heard of one?
I was wondering if I could re-jet without taking my carb off my Sportster that has the crossover pipe. Maybe I can. I've been chasing down intake leaks and it's rideable but still has some popping and stumbling problems. Maybe re-jetting will do it. I think I solved one major problem with a quality automotive hose clamp which I put on where the carb mounts the manifold. I access it with a 5/16" long wrench from the other side to tighten it. I hope to find the right jetting and leave it alone. I just bought this used 1200 Sportster and it has all the get up and go I need. I don't need any more. It's like a Sportster should be, in my mind. I like to ride it like that once in a while and enjoy what it has. It's enough for me. It just seems like a Sportster should be. Any less performance and I wouldn't really be happy, but I don't need any more. I just want it to run right all the time.
1200 Sportster has plenty of get up and go. Is your carburetor mounted properly? Check your service manual. Does it have an air filter bolted to the heads? Get all this stuff properly mounted before you start rejetting. That rubber the carb slideds into doesn't need a clamp, it probably needs replacing with the carb and air filter tight to the heads.
I don't know. Normally, the main jet is fine and doesn't need changing for just an aircleaner and pipe change. The low speed jet is usually all that is required. Don't know what rthe altitude is like where you're at.
Nice work, I use to love working on carbs back in the day. But my 06 Road King is obviously injection, so it's all handled by a tune now. Kind of miss those days.
This was both informative and relaxing. Like the Bob Ross of the motorcycle world.
Wow, thanks!
after reading this comment it really sounded like I was watching bob ross.
Haha! I literally said the same thing. I wish I could be so calm!
Agreed
I'd rather hang with Pacific Mike, than Bob Ross .
My 2005 Fat Boy Anniversary 15th edition 1450cc had a 48 jet that came stock that was plugged. I took off the bowl as demonstrated and removed the low flow jet and cleaned out some blockage with the smallest tip cleaner from a torch tip cleaner kit and you could feel it was blocked. Then I soaked the jet in a capful of Sea Foam for 2 hours. After putting everything back together the bike purrs like a kitten and I didn't have to get out the wallet at the dealer THANKS MAN 🤙💥🎯
Cool. Just remember, if you install a free flowing exhaust and less restrictive air filter, she will need a slightly larger slow jet.
Gotta say it: your'e one of the most careful and thoughtful mechanics I have seen in action. Stay well, good man.
Thank You. You too.
That re-jetting is no joke, my bike starts better, runs better, and no more back firing! TY again Mike! Summer is coming & stay well my friend!
Thank You. And, You too.
Did you have to adjust your mixture screw
Great video as always Mike. On my 2003 Dyna with the K&N intake and Vance & Hines short shots pipes I wound up having to go up one size on the main jet, add two #4 washers under the needle to fatten the mid range, and a size 50 pilot jet. It is probably the most well behaved carb setup I have ever ridden. The other folks are right about those JIS screws, I hate those things. I went to the hardware store and got some stainless steel allen head screws with lock washers to replace them with. Anyhoo thanks again for donating your time to the rest of us.
Thank You. Good stuff.
Hoyt1911A1 how many turns out is your pilot screw at with the 50 slow jet in? Thanks
For JIS screws it's a JIS screwdriver. As is my '99 has just similar setup with the quiet baffles. 45 main and 2 ⅓ turns out. You have to start with fresh fuel, clean air filter, new plugs.
Idle at 1000, low idle will result in popping unless you don't shut the throttle completely against the stop when riding, if you like to get some pop idle at suggested lowest 950 or even 900 or less if you have a hiflo oil pump. Shouldn't start and run from cold with no choke, I just back the choke in slowly to 1100 after a few seconds and get the lumpy idle till it's moving down the road. Takes a few good runs to sort if it's been running badly from a previous owner who didn't understand carbs.
Always great to watch these vids once in a while to refresh my memory before doing any maintenance on the bike. Mike, thanks again for your wisdom and documenting this for us guys who need the refresher. Hope you are doing well?? 😎✌👍
I'm happy to help. Thank You.
Great video, can't go wrong with a CV carb. Sure as heck beats going to the dealer for a software upgrade or a reflash.
You bet. Thank You.
Your videos are therapeutic to watch. Bought my 02 dyna and honoustly cant afford to take it to the dealer for maintenance and i love doing it mysrlf honoustly. But these videos help so much. Nice calm and informative. Ever so gratefull mike.
Thank You.
Curious about your 02 Dyna Erick. I bought a 02 Low Rider a few months ago and wow, have I had problems with it. Some minor but had to do a fork rebuild. Only 12,000 miles on it. Guess the previous owner didn’t do jack to it.
How’s yours going?
Mike did you know that the screws that hold the bowl on are J.I.S screws and not really a Phillips head screws. If you look closely at the screw head there is a small dot on the head of it. JIS stands for Japanese Industrial Standard. The angle of the slot is slightly different from a Phillips head causing a Phillips to slip. Buy JIS screwdriver and never strip another JIS screw and you'll never need a impact driver to removed bowl screws again.
I think you are correct. I think I didn't know. That's two people who have set me straight on this one.
@@pacificmike9501 got that from a great mechanic (Bob)at Nick's Custom Cycles in Williamstown NJ east coast largest used HD parts yard.
@@jeffbower6940 HI DOES NICK'S CUSTOM CYCLES HAVE A WEBSITE OR CONTACT NUMBER? COURIOUS . LOOKING FOR MECHANIC WITH KNOWLEDGE AND PARTS FOR
HARLEY AMF'S
@@gildriver8717 www.nickscustomcycles.com
If you call Nick's sometimes they'll be very helpful. These guys are old school and really know their shit.Go there if possible there is a wealth of information between those guys. Also an antique bike showroom. 856 728 9607 hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 -6 Friday til 8pm.
I have the same issues. About 10 years ago a magnifying glass became a permanent addition to my top box. In a lot of ways I miss carbs but on my 05 Heritage I put a ThunderMax EFI. Great tuning capabilities. It's my first injected bike and the only bike I have owned newer than 1976. It's true, most of these kids don't have a clue how carburators work, how to troubleshoot, or repair a carburetor, and here I am learning the ins and outs of injection. It makes us kind of in the same boat just on opposite sides.Thank you for these videos and be safe.
I agree.
Your mechanical aptitude astounds me. My toolbox only has a hammer.
And I'll bet you do something that's way past what I could do in your field.
@@pacificmike9501 That's it. I just adopted you as my brother.
I no longer own a motorcycle, not am I a mechanic. I ran across your channel, and subscribed. After reading all the comments, I concluded that you had the right fix. I would have liked a short clip at the end of the video (after the test ride) to show you with a winning grin on your face. On another note, I am running across younger mechanics who never worked with points in an automobile.
Thank you very much!
I bought a 2004 FXSTD last June with 5,000 miles, has screaming eagle exhaust. It had a lean spit. I opened up the adjustment and that helped. I also run non ethanol fuel. The spit is less frequent, but occasional. I cannot help but think if I made this mod on my bike it would get more go on the throttle.
Thanks for the tutorial.
Thank You. And, you're right.
People like Mike are the reason I want to ride a Harley Davidson.
Wow. Thank You.
You meet the nicest kind of people on a Kawasaki, but there are a few exceptions to the rule. Mike is one of the exceptions.
@@raybrensike42 Kawasaki is great too ! Quality machines.
Mike I would always jet up a little bit at a time to stop the leanspitting then I would start checking my plugs and going from there I would jet around my plug color thanks for the video
Thank You.
Mike one of the first things i had done on my 99’ Dana was have the carburetor rejected the Best thing I ever done! I went all over the country on that bike never had a problem, from Florida, went up to 13,000 ft in the mountains, never skip a beat! Had it din-nerd the guy told me to never let any one touch it, it was Perfect! Thanks Brother, You are The Man!!
That is awesome!
Another great video. I appreciate the language not being corrupted with a lot of curse as well. Your a good teacher.
Thank You.
Great job 👍. Most Harley dealers won't work on bikes over 10 years old. And they wonder why they're declining.
Thank You.
No wonder none of the local dealers know how to work on mine, Its 21. Oh well, I like learning how to do things myself.
Tim Mix.. Nothing new. Automotive dealerships are the same way and that's how it's always been... New vehicle dealerships be it automotive or motorcycle only work on newer vehicles mostly with warranties.. You wouldn't expect a Ford dealership to be able to work on a 1928 Model A any more than you would expect a Harley dealership to work on a 1940 Knucklehead..That's what independent shops are for, that's why they are there.
They worked on it till ownership change. Ain't like it's ancient. It's a 96. I think the carburetor scares them.😂Found a great shop anyway.👍🖖
@@timmix331 I didn't mean to disrespect you or your bike... I was mainly stating that new vehicle dealerships have to draw the line somewhere. That's why they go by the 10 year time line. Now depending how well you know the people at the dealership, they might work on an older bike but it's up to them.. I don't have to worry about it because I do all of my own work, except for machine work if needed..
I was looking at getting a 2004 Fatboy from a guy but was fearful because it had a carb. After seeing this video and reading a lot of the comments, I think I’m going to pull the trigger. Loved this video and the way you show /teach. Thank you
Glad I could help
Haha! And I thought I was last one left in the world that still have Jet Kits!
This is why I SUBSCRIBED to your channel.
As always, GREAT VIDEO MIKE.
Thank you.
Hey buddy, i dunno if you will ever see this comment but its all good. I botched a job on my honda cruiser dual carbs by upping the mains and the slow jet. Your video is on a 2002dyna and thats what i ride now. I put a screamin eagle exhaust and intake on and went from 45 to 48 on slow jet at 679 feet above sea level. Purrs like a kitten now and not starving for fuel. You da man!! Thanks for the video
Just for fun, try a 50 slow jet and see if you pick up a little more get up and go off idle. Maybe yes, maybe no, but "probably" a bit "more." Thank You for watching.
Thank you for your information I still Owen a 1995 Electra glide classic with the c.v. Carbarator thank you for your great videos and information much appreciated.
Thank You.
I always replace those pesky screws with socket-head screws. Nice video, as usual. Any time I am sitting around and want to either learn or get a new perspective on anything Harley, I tune in to Mike’s Garage. I can be confident that, should I choose to show one of your videos in mixed company, that I won’t have to apologize for any content. This is the epitome of professionalism. Thanks for all that you do.
Wow. Thank You. We do try. You disserve nothing less than the best we can do.
My 2002 FXST never starts cold without the enricher . You may have shown me why .
Even have to open it s it slightly when it's in the 30's and 20's when I take off until it warms up .
Not a big deal. Try a slightly larger Pilot Jet.
I had a customer with a custom electra glide. I think it was a 99 he got from a friend. It ran horrible and he said no one really wanted to touch it. it was obviously carbed. Luckily it just needed a good cleaning and some little adjustments, no jetting. I'll work on carbed harleys all day long they are so easy to work on. I'm jetting my suzuki bandit 1200 now and it's such a hassle, 4 carbs, 8 jets, syncing, etc. etc. smh. Lovely video! Internet knowledge like this video are invaluable.
Thank You.
Thanks Mike I can jet my own carb on my 02 softie now you are the 💣.
Cool. Thank you.
There's a but more to the whole equation but yes Mike did a great job.
Hey Mike - please don't feel like you need to reply to this. Just wanna let you know that this info was a great help to me - I adjusted the jetting years ago on my twin cam and I see now how I did it wrong and it's never been great.
Thanks so much, Frank.
Glad I could help!
I don't know about the rest of the world but when I say "guys" in reference to other people I don't think of it in the actual masculine sense but more in the sense of just general people (maybe I'm weird that way)
I think the way you use it is really quite normal now. I remember years ago, being on a date with a rather attractive woman. We went to a nice restaurant for dinner. When the waiter referred to us as "guys," I thought "Really? Is this guy blind?" I've always tried to use my manners and be respectful of others. But, common usage does take over, and I think you are perfectly in order.
Pacific Mike it is a colloquialism but yes even I who tries to choose words with care will refer to a mixed gender group as “you guys” I do remember my generation wanting full equality in every respect and that’s what I give them so everyone is a guy except when I and she are alone then I know what side my bread is buttered on🥪
I agree. But in this increasingly PC world, I've gone to just use 'folks' or 'y'all' to refer to unknown others.
Hey Mike you should be able to get some gigs as a narrator with that voice of yours.
You can go to the Mikuni website and read their info on adjusting their carburetor, should transfer to any carb as far as how to diagnose issues. I really enjoy these videos.
Good point. Thank you.
Thanks You! I like carburetor injection as simple way to get the right combuction.... Could you please give a badic of adjustments since CV 40 does not look so complicate?
Thanks one more!
Get a carburator manual on that CV40. Anyone who sells Mikuni Carburetors should be able to help you.
Mike is like watching a Dave Mann drawing come to life. Peace to you my brother
Wow. Thank You.
A little "Zen" goes a long way!
Thank You.
That sounds real healthy to me. I just recovered my 1963 Schwinn bike today that was stolen a month ago. I saw this dude riding it and took it back. Thanks to the Man Upstairs. That job on the carb was surgical. Thanks for sharing.
That's cool. Thank you.
Thanks Mike! It’s very nice to watch your videos you have a cool way to show how to do things, and I have a 06 Sportster with a carburettor and I love it , have been re jetting the carb to get it right and it is as easy as you did show, just watch the float bowl screws they are made of butter 😂😂 please keep showing us how in the future too 👍🏻
They are metric and use a special driver. Yes, they are a pain.
I took your advise and put in a 50 low speed jet in my 2002 FLSTC and that fixed to idle issues. Thanks.
Cool. Thank You.
I have a 2002 FLSTC with a CV carburetor didn't want to idle but it ran good at speed. I replaced the 45 low speed jets with a 48 and replaced the high speed jet from 185 to 190 and it idles fine now. I have an 01 Road king with fuel injection and I am not impressed with it once i got a change to look it over. I am sorry i bought these twin cams I would trade them for an Evo today. I am a Shovelhead panhead guy they are big lawn mower motors I can work on.
I get it. By the way, you probably didn't need the main jet change. It'rs running on the pilot jet most of the time and the main jet is usually adequate. I wonder what your altitude is. If you're running a less restrictive air filter and a set of free-flowing exhaust pipes, you might try a number 50 pilot jet. Just an experiment.
@@pacificmike9501 I live in south east Alabama it is 450 foot above sea level. I got this bike used and it had great care taken of it. The guy did change out the factory emulsion tube and has changed out the factory pipes. He had an idle issue with it too. When I rebuilt this CV carb I put back the factory emulsion tube a 48 slow jet and a 190. I am going to ride it today and see how it goes and look at my spark plugs. We moved here from the Tampa Florida area and my old 72 FLH ran great there but now I am having a too rich mixture issue.
I truly do love watching your vids you have such a mellow way about teaching and showing I could truly learn a lot from you and I appreciate all the time that you have spent on making RUclips videos. There's not many like you left, everybody is all about advertising and money and most of them don't even have any
skill or knowledge worth teaching or sharing. I look forward to watching many more of your videos, I myself have an EVO 883 98 Sportster that I'm about to tear apart and try to make a 1200...
Thank you. You'll love it even more as a 1200.
Thanks Mike I think I have this job ahead of me this spring. First want to eliminate bad fuel. Bought the bike this fall and it was not so happy when cold. Keep the videos coming I learn something each time I watch.
Thank you.
My eyes are in the same way Mike. I got a lighted magnifier and mounted it on my bench where I do my close work. Helps greatly.
I just need to put mine back on the bench. I have one too. Thanx for reminding me.
cell phone will do it
Hey Mike!, that #50 pilot worked like magic!, running a #200 main with the sporty needle, Vance & Hines Bigshots staggered, no lean spits or coughs whatsoever, idles perf!, these Carbs are easy to work on too!, runs flawlessly!...Thx again for the great video, Brudduh! CHEERS!
Very cool. Thank You.
You of course can't recommend gas, but I can old friend ha! The ONLY pump gas we use on the Dyno and our street bikes in general is Chevron and yes I tried them all.
Cool.
Shell premium no ethanol 93 octane
Funny I stumbled across this awhile ago. I just rejetted my carb yesterday. I had an 01 EG TC88 that was injected and I got rid of it. I for one don't like fuel injection at all I've always been a carburetor man myself. I could have put a carb on it I guess but I just wasn't Fond of that bike it was too new for me. Years ago when I was a teen early twenties wrenching at a local garage I rebuilt a couple carbs a week. It was a regular thing needed at the time along with choke pull offs being replaced. Then the newer carbs you had to remove the seals covering the adjustments and drill them out to get the tool in there to adjust them. Then it was what all vehicles had on them, no injected cars to fiddle with. Carburetors are so simple and easy to work on its odd today a lot of people don't know how to work on them. Same with points. Everyone puts electronic chips in and tosses the points. Not me I keep my points they work well and only need a periodic adjustment. I'm old school and prefer the old ways that's why I sold the 01 and got the 73 Shovelhead instead. That's my kind of machine there. Old school and real simple to work on. Plus the look and sound is what I wanted. These are what we're new when I was growing up. Shovels and Pans everywhere running up and down the road. It has the S&S super E on it and it seems to be running too rich. Mine doesn't spit or choke it just bogs down and has no umph so I'm jetting down. Plugs are black and fouled so it looks to be running too rich. Another lost art with guys are reading spark plugs too. Plugs tell you what's going on in that combustion chamber . Just waiting on some decent weather to get her out so I can see what she's doing after the jet change... You and I have a lot of the same traits of what we grew up with and have worked on. More cars for me as an auto mechanic but I've always ridden bikes since I was a kid. I enjoy your videos as well. Not trying to take away from your post I just always talk a lot, post conversation instead of just one liner replies... ✌
Thank You. Your comments are very appreciated. We're both wordy guys,but, I try to answer all of these comments. We'll talk again.
I wish carbs were still an option. I would definitely prefer it over FI
The government has their requirements, and we have to go along with their program. Or, I'll ride my old bikes.
My carburated 2002 fxst will smoke my 2001 injected roadking classic .
There's kits now to carb swap the M8.
This guy is a great teacher, I can listen to him all day
Thank You.
The worst mechanics I ever took my shovelhead to was a Harley dealer
Okay.
i hear that ,better to get learning from Mike here & do it your'e self ..
Because you need a technician not a mechanic. Trouble-heads are a whole different animal than the newer models. I resource Mike all the time. This channel is great.
Picked up a 98 Dyna going to throw a 52 in tomorrow and see how great it runs 👍 You're a great teacher thanks
Thank You. Have fun.
10:20 "Philips screws out of here"... Nope. they're JIS metric screws not Philips (the JIS screw has a small dot on the top of the head as indicator it's a JIS metric screw), that's why many people end up badly stripping the heads on those metric screws when using an American Philips screwdriver on a Japanese screw, you can get lucky though using a Philips if those metric screws is not tight, but with any force the Philips will easily strip the head.
Thank You. I feel ignorant now. What I normally do, when they're too tight, is have someone hold the carb while I smack them with a hand impact driver. Crude, but effective with only one good tap. Thank you again. I've now been properly informed.
Wayne Simpson If I see the Philips or Japanese version start to or not able to turn I’ve often used a small pair of pliers to get them to start turning I did not know there was such a thing as a Japanese Phillips
@@MoeLarrycurly1 those CV carb bowl screws are Harley part# 27579-88A JIS screws, they are metric size M4 x 0.7 x 14mm
Wayne Simpson 👍🏼🖖🏽 thank you
Great job Mike, I think that's the same problem I'm having. I had the bike repaired after a wreck and different pipes installed, now I have to have it enrichened about 1/2" just to run the thing on a warm day. Today it was 38 degrees and it took a lot of cranking to start it, fully enriched.
Check the sparkplugs. If they are the same, all is good. Just sounds like you need a richer low speed jet. If the plugs don't pretty much match, you have a vacuum leak.
Thanks Mike , love watching your work,interesting about the lithium grease around the breather banjo bolts. Mine has a series of thin washers all sides of the breather and bolts which are pretty worn. Interesting and amusing video. Thanks.👍🏼
Thank You. You know, that lithium grease may just help you out there.
U8
M
The CV carburetor float bowl screws are JIS, (Japanese Industrial Standard) and use a special screw driver to remove them. They're a blunt or modified "Philips Head". I bought a set of these screw drivers and don't have problems with the screw heads " caming out " and ruining the screw heads anymore.
Great Videos, Thanks for your time.
And, Thank You.
I’ve had to use the zoom on my phone camera to read tiny print, it’s quicker than searching for a magnifying glass.
Good Idea.
My 03 roadking is carb. I was having a little trouble after changing exhaust and air cleaner. I was going to replace the CV w/ a S&S but after some advice from a friend I decided to order and install a CV Performance kit w/ new jets and haven't looked back. When the CV is working properly it is a good carb.
It's an excellent carb. The only reason I ever changed them is to go larger. That's when the larger Mikunis come in to play.
Long live the carb, injection may have improved fuel consumption and saved the odd hedgehog BUT, nothing is more manageable and fixable than a carb.
Yep.
I kind of wish my 2005 Deuce was carbed.
I have pretty much the same setup with SE pipes, K&N filter and Dynojet jets (170 /48) set by previous owner. The problem was the engine was "coughing" under cold conditions (under 5 degrees Celsius. The min temp I have ridden is -10 Celsius) at low speeds (less than 80km/h). I just replaced the jets with new 185/48 so the low jet size remained the same. After that: better throttle response, no running problems at any temperature and the fuel consumption is lower than before. Bike is 98' FXSTS and this setup change is made 15 years ago when I bought it and met these problems. I'm living pretty much at sea level in Finland. Maybe a bigger lower range jet would have helped too. In any case a great video. Thanks!!!
Thank you. I think you are correct. Remember, the low speed jet is what you're running on until around 60 mph. I'd certainly try a 50 or even 52.
One of my choices when buying my bike i am old school ill stick to the carburetor
Me too. But, it's just "personal preference."
When I bought my 2002 Nightrain FXSTB the salesperson was like you want that with fuel injection right? I was like no give me the carb version. I later upgraded the card to a mikuni 42 MM flat side it runs amazing that bike is dialed in like a Swiss watch !!! Thunderheader pipes S.E lifters, push rods, S.E forged HC pistons. Woods 590 conversion cams with a modern hyd cam plate S.E high compression ignition. S.E clutch, with a hole shot kit in the primary
Hi Mike , Enjoy your videos. I've also run into those Phillips screws with the mangled heads. What I found years ago working with points ignition were these mini ignition pliers from Snap- On that have lots of torque and work like charm. No need for an impact driver or to remove the carb. Cheers
Cool. Cheers
You might as well say it, breather bolts are made of cheese!
They are hollow and should not be stressed. I can't speak for the material they are made of.
Harley has a habit of this. EG the timer cup screw. Brits too. the screw for the zener diode gets overtorqued and cracks the diode- system overcharges on long freeway runs and can destroy the whole system. Ya can't blame that on Mr Lucas.
My 02 Sportster was doing the same thing. Living in the Midwest I had a 45 jet in it, took your advice a put a 52 in it and the low speed pop was gone, the bike runs great. Thanks a lot.
Thank You. That's very cool. But, you may be a little rich or lean. You can experiment around, now that you know how simple it was.
Stop worrying anout policatal correctness lol. Great video as always
My mama tried to teach me manners. Mama tried. I try.
@@pacificmike9501 ..Manners, courtesy, common sense, and respect...all going the way of the Dodo i'm afraid. A truly sad state of affairs, coming up for the next few generations i think. Great Vid's by the way. Where approximately are you situated ?
Thank You, Mike, a well presented video. But I must ask why we didn't access the idle mixture screw to affect enriching the idle. I have found that these factory stock CVs need to be fattened up and begin with the idle screw, then go to the slow jet....
....RooDog....
Okay. This one was already done. I should have shown it.
@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the quick response....RD
Just got home from a 6 mile trip to the Post Office on my WLC. Got caught in a storm and the plug wires started shorting.... such fun! haha My morning got alot better once i got home, dried off and saw you had a new video uploaded. Thanks for taking the time to help others. Al
Thank You. I am duly impressed.
I absolutely love these videos. Mike is the Bob Ross of old Harleys
Thank you.
I was waiting for him to "beat the devil out of it"!! hahaha
I have an 03 wide glide with a stage 2 twin cam 88 setup and it's been having a bit of deceleration backfire and not wanting to start up as smoothly as I'd like so this was very helpful.
Cool.
GO TEAM CARBURETOR!! 95 Dyna LR.. and no cell phone mount. ( Shock and Gasps from readers (maybe..) who can't believe a 36yr old would rather enjoy a ride without calls from telemarketers, NASA sales reps, Actual Aliens, Flying Alligators or dear ol' mom while paying attention to all the other distracted motorists weaving between lanes or stopped at green lights). Thanks for this vid!!! Started out riding by having to fully rebuild a carburetor on a 74 CB550. This was a nice refresher.. and Very well done. Keep on up with it, kind sir. Cheers and stay well!
Thank You. Yes Riding is truly about RIDING.
my 01 heritage classic always started hard and took a while to warm up. replaced intake manifold seals and put a 50 jet in it. starts every time and made exhaust come to life. now going to upgrade tensioners and a 510 cam.
Sounds great. Watch your sparkplugs. By that, I mean, your sparkplugs will tell you if you have a vacuum leak. If both plugs are the same color, chances are, no vacuum leak. If one plug is light and one plug is dark, very likely you have a vacuum leak. You may need to rejet after changing the cams. But, sounds like you're doing well and having fun. I'm all for it.
Good morning Mike, here's a helpful tip my friend. Part # 27094-88, still available but of course you have to order it, is the early 1200 Sportster needle jet. This really helps the entire mid range lean condition of the CV CARB for owners with just a free flowing intake and exhaust. Best $10 you'll ever spend. Good job recommending the pilot jet increase, and yes the main jet is more than adequate. When and if you take the carb off, pull the welch plug to get to the idle mixture screw, and do a final adjustment after warm up, but I know that you know that, especially on a CALIFORNIA model. Have a great day, SARGE.
Thank You again.
Thank you as well Mike.
This is an old comment, but for anyone reading this , CV Performance makes an improved needle that they call the Velocity Needle. The old Sportster needle works best when using shims, the number depending on the application, but the CV Performance Velocity Needle works great without any shims. Good power, great fuel economy, and crisp throttle response with the Velocity needle, a 46 or 48 pilot and a 185 main here near sea level, and 53 MPG out of my 74 inch motor on the highway. Can't beat it!
Stock was a 45 pilot jet. Used to drill them out to a 47 ish in stock trim. The factory had to set those bikes up sooo lean to pass emmisions. At 1000mile services plugs would be birch white. Scary lean
Yep.
This helped me so much. Thanks for taking the time. Also love your other EVO rebuild videos. I diagnosed my lean spit by watching your video! Wish u had a podcast.
Maybe eventually. Thank You.
@@pacificmike9501 yeah, i would listen often while driving.
Having a 01 Deuce, a 52 cleared it up. With a SE big bore carb, Andrew's cams and VnHines 2 into 1 big radius exhaust at sea level.
Throttle is crisp, and what a fun torque monster..
Yep. Nothing like a "well tuned" Harley.
WOW THATS COOL YOU TAKE ALL THE FEAR OUT I LEARN ALOT TODAY IM NEW TO YOUR CHANNEL GREAT JOB THANKS
Thanks and welcome
I have this bike, in an 03. Nice to see all the familiar parts to mine. I needed this video. Well done. You sir, know your shit. Wish you were in pennsylvania.
I am retired. If I can pass along a little information, I'm pleased. Thank You.
Thanks, Mike. My sporster was running like crap. Put in a 48 jet and it's running great.
Great to hear!
Mike, I have a 2005 Dyna with an 88TC, running a high flow air cleaner and slip-on exhaust.
I recently swapped out the pilot jet to a 48, and my bike is still spitting out the carb at around 2000-2500 rpm.
I'm at sea level and have the air/fuel screw turned out 3 turns. Would you recommend trying a 50 pilot jet?
Also, the bike doesn't spit from the carb if I keep the enricher on while riding.
Thanks for your help and I appreciate these videos.
Changing jets is always an experiment. You just described it perfectly. I had a shop at sea level. With a free flowing exhaust and air filter, I usually started with a 50. I think you're almost there. A 50 might not be enough, but probably, it will.
Most correct detailed video I've seen yet. But! I have a question? I've watched your video part 1 and 2 at least 5 times now. I pulled the carburetor off and drilled plug out removed everything and cleaned real good. after putting it together it ran great. But, after taking it on a 10 mile run to fully warm up engine , it started spitting and dying at a stop. I had to idle it up to around 1150-1200 rpm's to keep it running. when I got home, i tried adjusting the mixture screw and it made no difference even if I ran in all the way in to seat. I have had this thing off 5 times now trying fix but can find a thing I did wrong. I even replaced the intake rubber boot to the carburetor. It was real hard getting the carb. unseated from the intake too. 2006 FXSTB night train with 17,000 miles. I sprayed carb cleaner around intake and other areas of carb and nothing. You have any ideas that I might try? I'm a 70 yrs old Vet and was a auto mechanic for over 45 yrs. I've rebuilt a lot of carbs back in the 70's and 80's but I lost on this one. Can you help
Possibly, something is plugged. Passages are quite small on a Keihin carburetor. But, you mentioned you have to deal with that carb being a little stuck. I don't know which engine you're working on, I have a feeling you have bad manifold to cylinder head seals. If you have one spark plug lean and one rich, that says so.
@@pacificmike9501 88 cu in. screaming eagle air breather, Harley se211 cams thunderhead 2 into 1 exhaust.
Pacific Mike... I know what you mean. In 2005 I bought a new HD heritage softail and had my local Harley shop (to not void my warranty) rejet my carb and install rush slip-ons before I took the bike home. Well..Sometimes (not all the time) when it was idling and you give it gas to take off or if you wasn't even on the bike and just tried to rev it up it would pop and cut off. They had my bike in their shop nine different times, that's right 9 times and they could not figure out why it was doing that. So the last straw was when I was taking off from a red light. I was in the middle of the intersection and it popped and cut off and I was almost hit buy a pick up truck, I traded it in on a new Electra Glide.
Someone should have been able to figure that out. That's awful. But, I hope you're enjoying the new bike.
@@pacificmike9501 I know right.... Oh they replaced the intake gaskets 4 times and installed 3 different new carbs. One of the times I left the dealership (next to express way) and got about an 1/8 of a mile and it started running rough and leaking gas. I had to ride with the choke on to the next exit get off and get back on the other way to go back to the dealership. I was there from noon to 8pm and they could not figure out why it was doing that. They had to take me home. Three days later they said it was ready so I go to get it and they said it was because the Harley Technician installed the gasket (I'm guessing the float bowl gasket) upside down or backwards. Needless to say it was still doing the popping and cut off thing.. I'm on my second bike since then. A 2008 HD Electra Glide and is great because I am the only one that works on it... I'm an ASE certified automotive technician and have been working on bikes as well since the mid 80's..
Love this guy. He knows his shit! He makes you feel like you're family.
Thank You.
Another question, 2003 softail, same bike that was running rich. I had a smaller pilot jet (was 48, now 45) installed then proceeded to adjust the idle fuel mixture screw. While it was idling I closed it letting it seat gently. It kept running, although not very well. It is now at about 2.25 turns out and runs great. My question is, does it really matter that it didn't die when closed. If there was any damage to the seat, so what?, since it is at an appropriate setting now? That's the real question I have. All I ever heard is if the seat is damaged then you have to get a whole new carb, that does not seem to make any logical sense to me now that I think about it. Thank you in advance.
If it's running fine, it's running fine. That mixture screw actually does very little to affect anything. Yes, you can get a little idle smoothness out of it, which is nice. But, that's all. Overtightening the screw could damage the seat in the carburetor, which would be very difficult to correct. Honestly, I really wouldn't worry about it, nor would I spend time looking for a "nonexistent" problem.
@@pacificmike9501 that's what I thought, thanks for the confirmation. Have a great weekend.
@@drumwhacker Curious…what indicated the bike was running rich? I’m new to carb adjusting myself, and have mainly read most are running lean??? Just wanted to know what I should look for as a sign of running rich. Thanks in advance for the help 👍😎
Don't you try to adjust the mixture screw a bit after swapping the jet? I always do a coarse adjustment of the mixture screw, take a test ride just to get it warmed up, and then proceed to the fine adjustment of the mixture at idle...
Sure. I run them on the lift until warm and then adjust it. It's not really much of an adjustment though.
When I cannot read the small print I take a picture with my phone and then I can enlarge it until the cows come home, never fails me. Thanks for your vids!
Thank You. Modern Technology is really a big help.
Thanks! I rejetted my Evo and now it runs like a champ. I bought it in Wisconsin then rode it down to sea level in Rio Grande Valley, Texas.
Glad it helped!
Great instruction on doing this, I have a 2006 XL 1200 sportster that spits at me occasionally, I'm guessing I'll have a similar carb?
Thank You. And, yes.
Just got a 98 Fatboy with factory CV 40 I am rebuilding the carburetor. It has a 45 jet and a 185 high speed jet. I live it southeast Alabama 600 ft above sea level. Does the jets sound right.
They sound like original "super lean" original jets. High speed jet fine. If the motorcycle is all original internally and has stock exhaust and air cleaner, it's probably fine. Free flowing air cleaner and exhaust (aftermarket), try about a 50 for the slow jet.
As you said, you made it seem easy! Great information. Thanks for the video!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video. Mike a small magnifying glass works wonders for us older guys to work on carbs. Peace and grease my friend.
Nah. You take a picture with your cell phone, then blow it up big. Listen to the kids. Thank You.
Mike it sucks gitn old..my eyes are like yours...love your wisdom brotherman
Thank You. Old age is not for wimps, is it.
Man this video was just what I needed to get my bike running perfect!! My wide glide had a 45 and put a 48 in . Huge thank you 👍🏼
Glad it helped!
Hi Mike, this is West Ky Mike wishing you a great day. Today is rather shitty (ice storm) day here, but it is a great day to work on a couple of Harleys and I also have a Honda 300 Carburetor to clean out. Thank you for your video on replacing the slow speed jet on the TC88. It is always easier after I watch you do it.
Thank You. Glad it helped.
Another great video. When I had children at home, I would take the jet to them and have them read it to me. Now I need to use a magnifier. I would love to see a video on checking and replacing cam chain tensioners for the early twin cams.
I haven't done one in quite a while. If I have to, I might. But I don't see one at the moment.
Pacific Mike, I enjoyed this video very much. Your manner is very good for helping us to learn. You obviously have a ton of experience and thank you for sharing it.
PS, you have a voice for radio.
Glad you like it. Thank You.
I wish you lived close by. I have a 1980 Harley FLT Shovelhead that just doesn't run pretty sure it's a carburetor issue because I had my friends carburetor on it for a while and it ran pretty good but when I put the original one back on not so much. Actually it doesn't even start now so I'm working on it. Love your videos keep up the good work
The early Keihin carburetors had most of their circuitry routed in and around the floatbowl. These passages are very small and get plugged very easily if the motorcycle sits idle too long. Just soaking them in carb cleaner rarely gets them clean. They need to be cleaned with piano wire or the like. Or, spend some money and buy a carb that you like.
Hey Mike! How are you? It’s always nice to see you here and share some words! I saw you struggling with those tiny jet numbers! My advise if you let me, you won’t find better augmentation tool than your phone (a smartphone I mean lol). As I mentioned before, I’m 45 yo and my eyes are starting to get tired, however using my phone has been easier to read small labels or Jets in this case! Play with the flash and focus and you won’t have any trouble anymore!! With all my afect and respect from Mexico, Paco.
Thank You. I've had that explained to me. It really does work well. Hope all is well with you. Take care.
Hello Mike, this video hit home very well for me, i just got my 75 Superglide back with completely rebuilt motor, before the rebuild I had a Killer carb (cv) on it and it ran fine, now with about 150 brain miles at this point I'm getting the lean spit at low speeds, taking off from stop signs etc...it has a 48 pilot in it so I just ordered a #50 hoping that will help me out, interesting you noted sea level, here in Canada where Im at it is about 270 feet above sea level, so guess i will see how that works, Im learning lots about these carbs, thank you. Scott
Cool. Be sure your accelerator pump is working.
@@pacificmike9501 yes pump. Is working well I checked also, thx
You bet. A #50 will probably please you.
If not yet, try a #52.
was wondering if you help a fellow out, just put new 525 feuling reaper cams in my 88ci twin cam, has two brothers racing 2-1 exhaust, arlen ness big sucker intake, just wondering where i should start with my slow jet and the main? i live about 1,000 ft above sea level
I'd probably try a 50 slow jet and end up with a 52. Just an educated "guess."
i have found on CV carbs to change the slide needle and tube to a different taper which gives good low end acceleration no low speed lean spitting of course the jet also depends upon the exhaust stock or punched out.
Yes. But, punching out stock mufflers just makes more noise, not much help there. Step up and buy less restrictive units. You'll be glad you did. Then an air filter and rejet.
@@pacificmike9501 I have used the same carb kit on CV carbs which I have found to be what I believe to be outstanding in performance and that all depends on exhaust and of course the customer.
thanks for this video, I am changing the jet out in my 2000 Harley Electra Glide, your instructions are great
Glad it helped
THANK YOU...for sharing. Watched and very much enjoyed. I travel a lot on my bike and at higher altitudes I really have problems, thinking about an adjustable main jet from outside of the carb. have you ever heard of one?
Sure. What is the carburetor you're using?
I was wondering if I could re-jet without taking my carb off my Sportster that has the crossover pipe. Maybe I can. I've been chasing down intake leaks and it's rideable but still has some popping and stumbling problems. Maybe re-jetting will do it.
I think I solved one major problem with a quality automotive hose clamp which I put on where the carb mounts the manifold. I access it with a 5/16" long wrench from the other side to tighten it. I hope to find the right jetting and leave it alone.
I just bought this used 1200 Sportster and it has all the get up and go I need. I don't need any more. It's like a Sportster should be, in my mind. I like to ride it like that once in a while and enjoy what it has. It's enough for me. It just seems like a Sportster should be. Any less performance and I wouldn't really be happy, but I don't need any more. I just want it to run right all the time.
1200 Sportster has plenty of get up and go. Is your carburetor mounted properly? Check your service manual. Does it have an air filter bolted to the heads? Get all this stuff properly mounted before you start rejetting. That rubber the carb slideds into doesn't need a clamp, it probably needs replacing with the carb and air filter tight to the heads.
Hi Mike. Could you do a video on this standard carb. How it work and how to adjust, mixture, pump etc/rebuild. Thanks mike
Next time I do one, I'll show it.
Hello Mike, I loved the video very informative. I was wondering what the stock main jet size is on a 2002 dyna. Is it 185? Thanks
I don't know. Normally, the main jet is fine and doesn't need changing for just an aircleaner and pipe change. The low speed jet is usually all that is required. Don't know what rthe altitude is like where you're at.
Nice work, I use to love working on carbs back in the day. But my 06 Road King is obviously injection, so it's all handled by a tune now. Kind of miss those days.
Yes, they now make you feel "out of control." But, once you learn them, you're in control again.