Recent content by Rented Mule

Update, I took the bike on a 25 mile warmup ride yesterday. When I got home, I continued to idle the engine while I retrieved my tools, aerosols, and a box fan. After repeatedly revving the engine above 3000 RPM the engine fell smoothly, each time, back to 1200 RPM and continued to idle...

Great tip. I plan on putting it to work.

Excellent suggestion. It’s tips like this that you will never find in repair manuals. I think it would be a great idea to see a stand alone forum thread where homemade or improved tools can be displayed and discussed.

This is a real head scratcher. As far as I know, everything between the carb and cylinders has been replaced to include rubber boots, bolts, and clamps. My blind mans search will continue.

Great idea Jim. I think I have some contact cleaner on hand. As for the boots they’re new with fresh gaskets. However, they are in an area that heat expansion could be a problem.

Thanks, I’ll check. I just remembered, I used an aftermarket foam air filter square I cut to size, oiled, and installed in the air boxes. Could this possibly contribute to the problem? It shouldn’t but I’m out of ideas and options. I see you have capped off you vacuum port from the carb to the...

I just completed restoring a 1978 XS650SE. I learned a lot from the project, sometimes more than I wanted, but there is one area I’m having a very difficult time with, that is finding a carburetor vacuum leak. The carburetors were professional rebuilt, new carb boots installed, and fuel tank...

Congratulations on getting your carbs sync’d. Now I have to focus my attention on finding the engineer who designed the Hitachi HSC40 carburetors. I have a few choice words I would like to convey to that person.

I think generally we are saying the same thing - throttle position equals RPM. What I’m trying to say is by noting your throttle position this will give you a better idea of which fuel circuit is controlling and a place to start troubleshooting. This video does a lot better job explaining how...

nj1639, You know the specifics of the seat model post above how?

Hi Paul, I’m late to the conversation and way behind on your current situation. However, I do have a couple suggestions (my opinions are always free of charge) First, mark your throttle hand grip into quadrants, i.e. 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, and full. By doing so you can tell exactly which carburetor...

PM sent.

I have an extra seat leftover from a 1978 XS650SE build. It will require a thorough cleaning but nothing major.

Thanks, I learned a lot on this project and a new found love for pre-fuel injected bikes. On to the next build.

Thank you jetmechmarty. I really appreciate your help.