So am I lean or rich? You decide! Guess correctly and win $1 million!

[tussey]

Here is my setup. KN Lunchbox, stock exhaust, 140 mains, 40 non bleeder pilots, brand new NGK 5129 sparks.

My left carb float is a little low, my right carb float heigh is spot on. I can't synch them yet because I can't get the bike to run smoothly. The bike has 24k mi on it and I've owned it for 8 months. I've never checked the valve clearance.

Here are the trials I ran. Each one had different results.

TRIAL #1
2 #4 washers, 3 turns out -- starts fine, steady idle, RPMs slow to drop when on the throttle, black spark plugs

TRIAL #2
1 #4 washer, 2.5 turns out -- starts fine, slow idle, feels like it's gonna die, dies on throttle, dies when the choke is on

TRIAL #3
1 #4 washer, 2 turns out -- starts fine, steady idle, throttles fine, RPMs slow to fall. Engine sounds off....doesn't sound healthy. I think I heard a minor knocking sound.


So any ideas from here? I just wanna get the bike rideable 

[Egaeus]

Yes!

I win!  Cool, how about you pay me the million and I'll come fix your bike. 

Edit:  Oops, forgot the serious part.

Check your valves.  After that, adjust your valves.  Then, check them again.  Seriously, it makes a difference.

[tussey]

Yes!

I win!  Cool, how about you pay me the million and I'll come fix your bike. 

you didn't guess! 

[CRXDrew]

valves.

I did everything but check mine for a month or 2. Both exhaust valves were tight and one was even neg clearance. I don't want the mil but lunch will suffice.

[Egaeus]

I did guess.  My guess was Yes!  I win either way!

Seriously, next time I head to O-town, I'll let you know.  I need to visit my dad, but I am low on time at the moment.  That's why I'm sitting on my ass in front of the computer right now! 

[The Buddha]

Lean. Stock exhaust - and you got a leak in it, and 140 mains. Yea the thing prolly needs 145+. RPM slow to drop with 2 #4 washers and 3 turns is a giveaway.
You may be leaner in the low float cylinder and less lean in the normal one.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Egaeus]

Threadjack: what's up with your IRC?

Join, quit, join, quit, join, quit, join, quit....

[tussey]

Threadjack: what's up with your IRC?

Join, quit, join, quit, join, quit, join, quit....

God, my apartment ISP hates IRC. I wrote them an email about it. I have yet to hear back. At the moment I can't connecto to any IRC server. It sucks! 

[pres589]

We have an IRC chat set up now?

[tussey]

We have an IRC chat set up now?

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=27188.0

Lean. Stock exhaust - and you got a leak in it, and 140 mains. Yea the thing prolly needs 145+. RPM slow to drop with 2 #4 washers and 3 turns is a giveaway.
You may be leaner in the low float cylinder and less lean in the normal one.
Cool.
Srinath.

So...all three sound lean Srinath?
What makes you think I have a leak? I was running 150 mains and it ran like crap too, although I can't remember how...

On another note, do the dealers know how to perform a valve clearance check? I mean do they know the specific clearances for a 92 GS500E. As much as I would like to do it myself I really don't have time to f@#! around with that. 

[Egaeus]

I think you're running lich, or maybe rean.  You have black plugs (indicating rich) and a hanging throttle (indicating lean).  I think you need to check your valves.  A dealer is going to screw you with a Great American Challenge if you take it.  Watch the video, and spend a couple of hours doing it yourself.

[werase643]

do a compression test!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
after the engine is at operating temp
pull the plugs comp tester crank engine with the throttle WFO
what compression are you getting?
should be in the 150-190# range and less than 10% diff between the two

AFTER THE VALVES HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED!!!!!!!
if you can get it running long enuff to go for a ride...
get it in 3rd gear 7000-9000 rpm and run it for a mile or two
pull in the clutch/kill the engine/chop the throttle
pull the plugs on the side of the road.....
what color.....that is your main jet decoder....

other stuff later...after we determine your engine is decent

[The Buddha]

Ken - he's missing a header bolt. he's only got 3 ... my vote goes to replacing that, else you'd prolly suck air in there after getting the motor hot and bend a valve. Surprise you've not bent it yet.
Cool.
Srinath.