Snailer

I finally got my XS400 '80/'81 with electronic ignition started - newly cleaned out carbs - and its running as if its heavily choked and won't pickup. It also spits back through the carbs - what does this indicate?!? too much fuel I suppose. Compression is good. It idles nicely when warm but won't get going. I moved house recently and can't find the manual. Can anyone give me some pointers - eg float height on these carbs - they're plastic floats with a shoulder (see pic). Do you measure to the top of the circular bit or the top of the shoulder. What should the height be? I think the only way to set the timing is with the bike running is this right? any tips to tune it without a strobe? except by ear?!? Thanks in advance Tony

Thanks for that. They did come out the top - I had to unscrew the jet about halfway and tap it down to help it out then I got a bolt with the same thread to screw in which I used to tap it out the rest of the way. I couldnt get the washer out so I just tapped it all the way out with a small screwdriver and left the washer in place. This one was stiff all the way out. The brass pins are to guide the jet holder (or needle jet) into the right place to line up the holes so that the petrol/gas can come through the main jet and also from there into the pilot jet in front which is corked with a rubber bung. You don't need to drill them out - they dont secure the jet holder, just guide it. It was well worth taking the needle jet/main jet holder out to clean it as it has 12 little holes to progressively allow more fuel in as the needle lifts. They are easy to clean with a (sewing) needle or a pin and a bit of air and toothbrush!!! BTW grusvag I would have thought that under the brass plug in your pics is a screw just like the other ones Good luck everyone. Thanks for your help. Tony

While we're on this subject - how do I get the main jet holder out of the carb body? I've drilled out the little brass pin, but it still won't budge - tried heating and (not very gently) tapping it out - should I tap it down or up? Alternatively how do you clean the little holes in the side of the jet holder??? BTW I agree with Billa if you want just drill out the plug but shouldnt be necessary. All input including caveats gratefully received Thnx