FZRSupport: the FZROnline Archive

I'm going to check my float levels tonight. Is it ok to support the bike with a swingarm stand when I check the levels or will it throw off the measurement too much. Is there a better way to support the bike when I do this?

And what is the recommended float level for a jetted bike? I know it's around here somewhere but I'm too lazy to go looking right now.

I always remove my carbs when I measure the float heights. It would probably be better if you throw it up the swingarm if I'm imagining the floats correctly in my head(grr I should know this as I've changed my float heights and jets over a dozen times the last few weeks).
My stage 3 Factory Pro jet kit recommends 24mm(stock 22mm).

how do you measure float heights with the carbs off the bike? I thought the bike had to be running to check.

it would be a great thing to know right now seeing as how my bike is doing its thing where it doesn't want to start. This is the third time it has happened to me. The first two times were in the morning when I was going to take the bike to work. In all three cases I've gone to start it with the throttle a bit open since my bike doesn't seem to like to start w/o a little throttle (when cold). I heard the engine start spinning so I let off the gas, too soon apparently because the bike sputters and dies, then I can't get it to turn over again until it has sat a while. Is it possible that I'm flooding it and it needs time for the fuel to evaporate?

Definatly not while the bike is running. Gas would spew everywhere as you have to take the tops off(not the black side, other side) to measure the height of the bowls. Its a bitch in my opinion. You gotta make sure the tangs touch the little spring on top of the float needles BUT not compress the spring. Then measure from the "gasket" surface on the carb to the top of the float bowl.

Do you use the choke when you start it?

I used to crank the choke wide open. Lately I haven't had to though, with all the monkeying around I've done lately it seems to be idling a bit better. The killing thing has happened regardless of whether the choke was open or not (pretty sure).

I'd like to get this one figured out soon as a buddy and I are planning to head to Indiana (from MN) in a couple weeks to visit a friend. I'd hate to have this happen out there.

Have you fiddled with the mixture screws at all?

We did when we did the carb sync in the spring. I haven't touched them since though because I don't have a sync tool.

Ok checking the float heights now per the factory pro document (which is actually very good, i think)

http://www.factorypro.com/tech_tuning_p ... edure.html

I don't know if I'm measuring correctly, i have a crappy old caliper that doesn't maneuver well with the carbs attached to each other, but I'm not pulling them apart today (scaredy cat). I measured about 22mm, which I believe is stock. So going from the doc, I need to bend the tangs in a hair to raise the float level a bit; which should lean things up a bit.

anyone confirm or deny?

tommyj27 wrote:I measured about 22mm, which I believe is stock. So going from the doc, I need to bend the tangs in a hair to raise the float level a bit; which should lean things up a bit.

anyone confirm or deny?

Correct.

Its not necessary to take apart the carbs. Not saying it wouldn't be easier but I don't think its worth the trouble.

i left the floats alone for now and just moved the needles out a step. I went for a ride this afternoon; the bike seems responsive, it pulls nice when I open it up, and it looks like I got about 48MPG.

Good thing you left them alone then...I absolutely hate changing my floats. I seem to always bend the tang a lil too much or not enough.

I bought a clear measuring rule at Office Depot to set my float heights.... haven't used it, but I did buy it. Looks to be the best choice and much cheaper than the stuff FP and others are selling for $50!

I used a metal one and screwed up my float heights. Wasn't close enough to make an accurate adjustment. Didn't stop me from screwing with them though...

ragedigital wrote:I bought a clear measuring rule at Office Depot to set my float heights.... haven't used it, but I did buy it. Looks to be the best choice and much cheaper than the stuff FP and others are selling for $50!

I used a metal one and screwed up my float heights. Wasn't close enough to make an accurate adjustment. Didn't stop me from screwing with them though...

Clear rule would definatly work better than a metal one for sure. Im using digital calipers. Im trying to figure out how I can put an extension onto the caliper so that I can set it on top of the floats, like FP's.

I have digital calipers too, but I didn't see how they would work any better.

Let me know what you come up with.

darrin

i'm thinking just buy a cheap caliper and attach (superglue?) an extension onto it, instant FP tool.

i left the floats alone for that exact reason, I figure if I can get better mileage just adjusting the needles that would be a lot less horsing around.