What a difference .030" makes!!

[mortation]

Just for reference. The plastic spacer measures .100". The flat washers came from RadioShack in a bag that contained 20 each of several different size washers. The next to the smallest size in the bag is the perfect size. The thickness of each washer is .023".

I used 3 washers (total thickness = .069") in lieu of the .100" spacer, for a total needle rise of .031" higher than what stock spacer gives you.

I'm going to use 2 washers (as Nessism suggests) for a total needle rise of .054" on the CV carbs I'm currently rebuilding for my new "82 GS850GL project bike.

So then I have an 83 850GL so I would use 2 washers and no plastic spacer and just put the washers where the plastic spacer would have been?

[Guest]

So then I have an 83 850GL so I would use 2 washers and no plastic spacer and just put the washers where the plastic spacer would have been?

Yup, that's correct. The end result is the jet needles are higher because the washers take up less space than the OEM plastic spacer.

Measure your original spacer thickness, then measure the thickness of your washers (together) - the difference between the two measurements is the amount you are raising the needles by.

[Houdini]

On my recently acquired GS450 (4,000 mi.) here is what I did to tune up the "little beast" with some off line help:

Symptom – Engine running lean / bogs at idle / mid throttle positions
?Pulled float bowls and cleaned pilot jets – found caked dirt in jets - helped 5%
?Installed air filter (none installed) – pre-oiled from factory – helped 5%
?Pulled slides and swapped needle washers – put white thick below clip & thin steel above – helped 20%
?Pulled idle mixture epoxy plugs & adjusted fuel screws – no highest idle, so turned in until lower RPM, then out ? turn – helped 10%; however, mid range feels slightly less – 5%?
?Checked carb synch – Found to be equal vacuum readings


I'm thinking I might add another steel washer on top of the clip to get the last 5% back...also getting an occasional popping through the carb during multiple downshifts coming to a stop (slightly rich?).

Still have not replaced the inlet o-rings, or checked the float height...too busy riding and

[Guest]

Radio Shack (now called The Source/Circuit City up here) no longer carries this part I was told today, when I went there armed with the part # (64-3022). Anyone have a washer handy to post the dimensions...just need I.D. and O.D......from the title, I gather the thickness is .030.
Thanks!
Tony.