Showing posts with label flat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label flat. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

How to Sync Flat Slide Carbs

How to Sync Flat Slide Carbs

An erratically operating motorcycle engine signals problems with the combustion system. A sure-fire cause tends to be either poor performance or a misalignment of the carburetors when running a dual system. Flat slide and round slide carburetors cause the same bad engine operation; flat slide carburetors are just more sensitive and responsive. Syncing the carburetors correctly can solve some engine problems, smoothing out the fuel and air delivery to the engine.

Instructions

    1

    Use a screwdriver and crescent wrench to remove the motorcycle bodywork so you can access the flat slide carburetors easily. Pull or temporarily remove any hoses or electrical wiring in the way of your access as well.

    2

    Locate the idle-mixture fuel needle on both flat slide carburetors. Use a screwdriver to turn both needle screws in all the way -- turning to the right. Back the screws out with the screwdriver the correct number of turns on both carburetors consistent with the carburetor tuning providing in your motorcycle repair manual -- the number of turns varies by model. Confirm both flat slide carburetor needle screws are turned back out the same number of turns.

    3

    Check that the fuel supply is on and the fuel hoses are connected to both carburetors and turn on the motorcycle. Wait 5 minutes to allow the engine to get warm. Do not start pulling away on the throttle. Just let the engine idle. Attach the carburetor balancer tool to the carburetors.

    4

    Locate the throttle shaft shared by both carburetors. Twist the throttle shaft controls with a screwdriver so that the setting matches the readings displayed on the carburetor balancer tool. Pull the throttle a few times slightly while monitoring the readings on the balancer. Continue to adjust the shared throttle control while checking the balancer tool readings until each of the adjustments on the throttle control are matched.

    5

    Test the engine with some minor sustained throttle pulls on the throttle handle. Continue making adjustments until the engine cycles smooth out as it is running -- no burping, stalling or uncontrolled revving.

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Friday, November 1, 2013

Signs Symptoms of a Flat Battery

Signs & Symptoms of a Flat Battery

Regardless of how old, new, cheap or expensive your automobile is, without a properly functioning car battery it becomes pointless. Car batteries can die, or become flat, for a variety of reasons. While some of these reasons are hard to prevent, others can be prevented with proper maintenance and care.

Signs and Symptoms

    The most obvious sign of a flat battery is when you turn the ignition key and the car doesnt start. If the car battery is flat, you will not hear any sounds when the ignition key is turned. If the dashboard lights illuminate briefly and then go out, that is another sign of a flat car battery. Sometimes the battery is not entirely flat, but is about to die. If this is the case, the car engine will struggle to start. The dashboard lights will dim while the key is turning the ignition. These lights will not get brighter, nor will they go out completely.

Causes

    Leaving on any kind of light, such as an interior light or a headlight, can cause the battery to become flat. Automobiles that are parked for a long period of time -- several weeks -- can also suffer from a flat battery. Often, the battery has simply worn out due to excessive use and needs to be replaced. Always make sure all lights associated with your vehicle have been turned off before you walk away. A bad alternator or starter can also cause the battery to become flat.

Recharging

    Jumper cables can be used to bring new life into a flat battery. To start, place two cars next to each other so that the cables can reach each battery. Obviously, one of the two batteries should be fully functional. Make sure both cars are completely off to begin with. The jumper cables will have two leads on each end: one red and one black. The car battery will have both positive and negative terminals, which will be clearly marked. Starting with the dead battery, connect the red lead to both positive terminals. Then connect the black lead to the functioning batterys negative terminal and the other black lead to a bare metal part on the dead cars engine. Start the car with the good battery and let it run for a few minutes so that it can charge the dead one. Turn off the car and remove the cables. The dead battery should now be charged and ready to go.

Buying New Batteries

    Before purchasing a new car battery, make sure the old battery is actually dead. In some cases the battery might be fine but the terminals, or the knobs on the battery that connect wires to the alternator, may be corroded due to sulfate buildup. You can use a hammer to try and break this corrosion away or a mixture of baking soda and water. Rub this mixture on the corroded terminals with a toothbrush to see if the corrosion will scrub off. If that battery is still not connecting, and jumper cables did not help, simply go and buy a new battery. Remember to recycle the dead battery. You may do this at a recycling center, service garage or auto supply store.

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