yamahopper

Has anyone replaced carbs on this bike with either mikunis or the xs500 cv's? Mine are in bad shape and having trouble locating another set of this model Keihins. Thanx

First and foremost get a factory or some type of service manual. I try to stay away from Clymers manuals, I just personally feel they cover too many models in one bokk sometimes, not always. Sounds like you could start with the clutch issue by adjusting (should be explained in service manual). Tank should be flushed and petcock screens cleaned/replaced and then palce fresh gas into tank and let drain without petcocks attached into some kind of pan for observation- looking for rust and solid particles ect. If after repeated attempts it is still dirty, inside tank will have to be cleaned and coated. There are products for this; I forget right now, but parts people at yamaha shop or auto parts coukld tell you. If it is not a real severe case some people have put BB,s in tank and shake it or attach to some revolving device in order to losen debris. But do get a service manual and it will prove invaluable.

It will be interesting to see how this works out-hopefully in your favor. I have the same bike and may have to go down the same road you are. Mine has not run for 15 years. Keep the valuable info coming.