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Carb Air/Fuel Mixture Query

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:37 pm
Author: Bongoball
Evenin' Chaps,

On my Z650 I've got Mikuni VM29's that have a screw on the side for altering the air mixture: -
Spark plug too black; mixture too rich - turn screw out to allow more air.
Spark plug pale; mixture too lean - turn screw in to reduce air.

Now on my Z1000A2's carbs, there is a little knurled screw below each carb body.
I read last night that this alters the fuel mixture, not the air mixture.
The question is, is the procedure to adjust the mixture the same as my smoothbores?
i.e. turn screw in to reduce airflow, out to allow more air.

Your thoughts please gentlemen.
Bongo.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 4:40 pm
Author: Pigford
Usually (but not Gospel) - if screw is before needle (at rear of carb nearer air filter) then its an AIR screw - out to weaken..........


........ if its forward of needle (nearer cylinder head) then its a FUEL screw - in to weaken :wink:

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 5:51 pm
Author: Bongoball
OK, here are a couple of pix just to save any confusion.

Side on (taken from same side)

Image

From underneath (taken from kerb side)

Image


As you can see, the screw is towards the engine.
Does this mean, as you've said, it's in to weaken?


Bongo.

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 5:53 pm
Author: Pigford
YEP.... thats a fuel screw - so in to weaken :wink:

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 6:05 pm
Author: Bongoball
So thats opposite to the VM29 smoothbores, which turning the scew in would reduce air flow making mixture richer?

Posted: Sun Aug 05, 2012 7:16 pm
Author: pertonpc
Hi Bongo

That's the same screw position as my standard 650 carbs.

Screwing them in makes it run leaner on mine.

Cheers from Mark

Posted: Mon Aug 06, 2012 7:26 am
Author: Bongoball
Thanks guys, that's a great help.

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 8:36 pm
Author: GPRD
When you get a knack of adjusting them without burning your hands, can you let me know please.

Posted: Tue Aug 07, 2012 9:43 pm
Author: pertonpc
Try this -

Starter motor cover removed for more clearance

Thick cotton gloves to heat proof your mitts

Use slot driver bit fitted to tubular adapter (not full screw driver) and mark the tube with lines at 1/4 turn intervals to help you measure.

Select the biggest slot bit that will fit the screw whilst it is all cold.

Voila - no singed donnies (well I didn't anyhow)

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 10:23 am
Author: GPRD
Cheers, I'll try that.

Posted: Wed Aug 08, 2012 10:55 am
Author: z1bman