First off let me say that this site is awesome and has lead me to mod stuff I normally wouldn't have thought of or been scared to mess with. Now it is time for a rejet and I am scared of screwing up. What exactly do the washers under the needle do?
I noticed that you could do that without taking the carbs out in the poor man's guide. What would just adding washers do? Bike is 2006 and the drivetrain is all stock.
If I add a new air filter I know I will need to rejet and can use the matrix. Will a simple rejet get the carbs out of sync? Is it really that simple?
I would like to add a k&N but haven't decided between drop in, pod, or lunch box and I am real interested in Buddha's new exhaust ideas.
I know this has been answered thousands of times because I have read through those post. I just need someone to dumb it down for me. I'm just a Social Studies teacher. I play mechanic on the weekend. Thanks so much for the inspiration to tinker and help. :bowdown:
The washers under a needle lift the needle.
The needle is actually an obstruction in the flow of fluid out of the emulsion tube. The needle is the hole in a donut. You get a donut of gas with the needle sitting there lets say.
The needle has a tapered profile. So lifting it will make the hole in the donut smaller, thereby making for a bigger donut.
The stock needle taper is pretty gradual, so your bike wont suddenly have to deal with a bagel by tossing in a washer or 2 in there. If it is too rich, it will tell you, and not choke on it like you got a bagel with no hole in it virtually.
My exhaust can ... may have to actually ask for prepaids, let me get a prototype and go from there when I have a $$ ... I can operate on literally no margin only with prepaid ... I cant have 1000's tied up in stuff for months. But ... prototype first. Then we see.
Cool.
Buddha.
Thanks for the speedy response Buddha. Totally understand on the exhaust. You can't tie up your own money and then get stuck with product that doesn't get paid for.
Let's see if i got this right. Add washer, lift the needle, get more fuel. More fuel good = more power. Too much more fuel = bad, too rich, bike tell you and run like crap. This is all having to do with how much fuel is added when the throttle is twisted.
Changing jets adds more fuel to compensate for more airflow with adjusted air filter or exhaust.
thanks for posting this question. Now i seem to understand a little bit more as well.
the buddha, offers great services, even though ive never used his products, i have however, used his advice, ( and its worked 100% of teh time ) :bowdown: :bowdown:
Mate you might be able to get away without adding washers and crap tou your carbs, I did on my 2005.
I have a K&N and Jardine Exhaust and just added 20, 65, 145 jets and bolted it back together. No other mods, or adjustments and it runs fine.
Galahs - you didn't read his question. He's looking for the lazy way.
Washers can be added without taking off the carbs. Take just the tops off get the slides out and put washers. Washers are a good clean way to get the effect he's looking for.
You have swapped pilots, mains and mids. You have to get the carbs off the bike.
He is running a stock bike and wants it to behave a bit better. Washer under needle is easier.
For once I read the question, and I am picking on people who didn't ... whoo hooo.
Nascarkeith - You should run #2 washers or #3 - #4 I have heard is too big to fin in an 01+ carb. I almost forgot.
I should start running these in my carb, I better device the formula right, I think mids are not required to be changed, we just fit washers under the needles ... same and more graduated effect IMHO.
Cool.
Buddha.
OK cool, I think I got it.
#2 or #3 washers on needles for better throttle response or behave better. Not trying to be lazy just something quick for a weekend.
Rejet over winter with new air filter and exhaust to get more fuel in with the increased air for proper mixture and more power.
Washers = better throttle response
Rejet = more power by means of correct fuel air mixture
Right?
Not really dude.
Rejet also requires washers. The 89-00 method really needs the washers, the 01+ with mid mains, the washers may be not needed if you swap the mid mains.
I am still holding judgement on it though. You will use washers now, to rechen the 1/4 throttle, to 3/4 throttle area. If swapping the mids are indeed better - after I run my bike with the 04 carbs I have, you may swap all the jets and remove these washers, if the washers are equal to or better than larger mids ... just leave the washers be and just put mains and pilots as the 89-00.
You're doing the easy part of the jetting right now. Pending review, you may or may not change later. The right jetting method always results in better throttle response and correct air fuel mix. You cant have one and not the other. Whether washers or mids are the ticket to nirvana ... that is the question.
Cool.
Buddha.
AAHHHHH I see now. Two roads to one place. Washers are easy place to start but rejet is the "correct" all out way and may or may not need washers as well.
Would messing with the washers right now even be worth fooling with?
Buddha thanks for being so patient and helpful with this man! I know you got better things to do but I totally appreciate the kindness and help.
Washers are really really easy. About the same work as doing air filter, I'd do it, and if mids are considered not as good, just skip them next time.
You have to get into the bottom - meaning taking the carbs off the bike when you do pilots and mains. Mids wont be any more work then if you even need to.
Who knows, you may be the driving force behind the washer mod. Now giddy-yup ... horse power is horse power.
Cool.
Buddha.