Simple carb swap question

Collapse
X
 
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts
  • waterman
    • Feb 2026

    #1

    Simple carb swap question

    Hello everyone. First post, longtime reader.
    I have two 81 650g models; one that I tried to restore (long story-oil leak from head), one running bike purchased last fall to ride. My running bike is currently dripping gas out of #4 carb and thus will need cleaned, float adjusted, etc.
    My question is if I switch carb banks from old parts 650 to new running 650 will I have to adjust air screws (pilot) to new running 650 requirements. The old carbs still have the factory plugs over the pilot screws. What I want to know is are the carbs adjusted to each individual motor at the factory or to a set standard?
    The parts bikes carbs were cleaned and went over last year and the motor ran well (still leaking oil from head though) so I could save myself some ride time with a simple swap.
    I have had difficulties in adjusting pilot jet screw position by ear and would like to bypass that step if possible. Thankyou in advance. Keep up the good work.
  • Guest

    #2
    I have had swapped many carb sets out before, and i have never had any problems. You should be fine swapping them out.

    Comment

    • Guest

      #3
      Sync

      You will have to synchronize the carbs and adjust the pilot screws. Each bike is different so the carbs will not be tuned to that particular motor.

      Comment

      • waterman

        #4
        That is what I had figured. It probably would run without adjusting the pilot screws but for best performance, I will need to tune them. I was sure I would have to synch them. Thanks again.
        Later when I have time to write I will describe my many troubles with the oil leaking 650...

        Comment

        • rphillips
          Forum Guru
          Past Site Supporter
          Super Site Supporter
          • Jun 2005
          • 7613
          • Norene TN

          #5
          Carbs should work fine on either engine, as long as they have the same intake & exaust systems. If one engine has a 4 into 1 exaust, & pod filters, & the other has stock exaust & original air box & filter, the carbs will run, but won't run right.
          1983 GS1100E, 1983 CB1100F, 1991 GSX1100G, 1996 Kaw. ZL600 Eliminator, 1999 Bandit 1200S, 2005 Bandit 1200S, 2000 Kaw. ZRX 1100

          Comment

          • waterman

            #6
            That is not a problem, both 650s are bone stock. I just wanted to know since the nonrunning bikes carbs still have the plugs covering the pilot screws and I will have to drill them out. Not a big deal, just extra work.
            It is kind of interesting in that the valve cover bolt pattern is different between the two bikes. After checking the vin sticker, I discovered they were built in consecutive months. Must have been the end of the earlier 81 design and beginning of the newer designed valve covers. Again, I don't think it should affect the carbs.
            Tonight I went over the old carbs and checked float height, slides, and jets to make sure they were okay. Hopefully, tomorrow I can pull the new and replace the old. I will then rebuild the new with o rings and do it again--yeah...

            Comment

            Working...