GS1000 DynoJet III Needle E-Clip?

[srsupertrap]

Good morning Everyone,

I was looking over the DJ Specifications & Instructions (DI0007) and the following Note on Page 14 caught my eye: "On Suzuki Models the 1/2 step leaner position is obtained by placing an adjusting washer above the E-clip on each needle". At first glance this statement seemed to have no effect or to be counter intuitive to me.

So I went back opened the Red Factory Manual and reviewed the exploded Carburetor view and here is my question. Is the DJ statement true because under the stock E-Clip there is an additional spring and if you add the adjusting washer above the E-Clip it pushes the spring down and with it the position of Needle is lowered thus producing the leaner position? So actually the VM26 needle position is spring loaded? I ask because I shelved the stock VM26mm long ago and was thinking about resurrecting them.

I know the VM29 S/B much better and the Needle is not spring loaded.

[rapidray]

You put the washer UNDER to richen. Ray.

[KEITH KRAUSE]

Just for the record, on the VM carbs, putting the jetting spacer (washer) under the e-clip doesn't do anything at all. On some other carb designs, placing a spacer under the e-clip will effect the jetting.
supertrap, think of the whole jet needle assembly operation a different way...
Yes, it's spring loaded. But instead of thinking about the spring being pushed downward more if a jetting spacer sits on top the e-clip, think that the added spacer allows the spring to push the needle UP LESS.
The approx' .022" thick jetting spacer allows for "1/2" position changes. For our GS's, it always goes on top the e-clip. If you are lean at position 4 from the top and want to go to the next richer position, them you place the clip in position 5 from the top and add the spacer directly on top the e-clip and you get position 4 1/2. If you removed the spacer, the jet needle, under spring tension, would then be able to rise that extra .022" until the e-clip/spacer contacts a fixed brass plate above it. The brass plate has a center hole that allows the top of the needle to pass through, but not the attached e-clip.
The spring not only keeps tension on the needle and holds it's position, it also is used to keep the needle from being damaged by vibration. It does this by pushing the needle assembly upward until the e-clip or spacer on top contacts a thin brass plate resting under the throttle arm. There's a small dimple on this brass plate that forces the plate to sit cocked. Under spring pressure, the jet needle assembly contacts this uneven surface and becomes cocked/uneven itself, forcing the jet needle/spring assembly off to one side. This is easy to see and feel when everythings assembled and is the reason why you must center the jet needle before being able to fully lower the slide into the carb body. Though it may seem a poor design that the jet needle is forced to rub against the side of the needle jet as throttle position changes, it's better than the alternative. Without it being cocked as it is under pressure, the needle would rattle around and rapidly damage itself.
With enough usage, the jet needle and needle jet will wear and the jetting will richen anyway, but it generally takes a long time.

[Guest]

I have my DJ needle set at three and a half notches down from the top by LEANING the needle a half step by putting the washer over the clip. In order to do a half step to richen it has to come off the spacing on the top of the needle.

[srsupertrap]

I appreciate everyone's input and its now clear in my mind's eye why the Dyno jet statement is correct. Before, I posted I had searched this topic and read over Keith's countless detailed descriptions of the Dyno Jet Stage III Kit & tuning advice which I might add were well written.

One follow up question, I currently have the DJ Stage III kit installed in my VM29 S/B. I am resurrecting the stock VM26'ers with stock components, I plan is to install 127.5 mains, needle clip @ #4 or 5 since I am 5000 feet up on the Front Range of the Rockies. Who is currently the best supplier of VM carbs jets, components etc.

Thanks All

[KEITH KRAUSE]

I don't know who's the best, but www.Sudco.com in So.Cal carries lots of parts and so does www.Motorcyclecarbs.com
Position 5 on the jet needles is almost always too rich, especially at your elevation.