Float needle

[sahaider]

I've been having trouble with the left spark plug on my 96' GS500E carbon fouling. The other side works just fine. It has happened twice in two weeks. A buddy and I took the carbs out and have checked to see if there was any difference. First issue was the pilot screw definitely being more than 3 turns in. Second issue, when we checked the float and looked at the needle it looked like there was a chunk taken out of it (as if it had corroded away). Would this contribute to the problem? I am replacing the float needle this week and we fixed the pilot screw.

I just bought the bike and according to him it has been sitting around awhile. I'm going to change the oil and filter. I suspect there is gas mixed in there. Any other suggestions or ideas?

[Paulcet]

You're on the right track.  Bad float needle will cause it to be very rich, foul the plug. 

Now, "pilot screw"?  You mean "Air screw"?  3 turns "in"?  You mean 3 turns "out"?  You should turn it all the way closed (in) but not tight.  Then turn it open (out) 3 turns.

[sahaider]

You're on the right track.  Bad float needle will cause it to be very rich, foul the plug. 

Now, "pilot screw"?  You mean "Air screw"?  3 turns "in"?  You mean 3 turns "out"?  You should turn it all the way closed (in) but not tight.  Then turn it open (out) 3 turns.

Right -- three turns out. In my Haynes manual, it refers to it as the pilot screw on the carburetor. Anyways, I'll check back once the float needle has been replaced and see how the bike is running.

Thanks, Paulcet.