Needle/clip- up or down?

[az350x]

Which way do I move the clip on the needle to LEAN the mixture slightly? A friend told me the other day, and now I can't remember.:doh:

I'm thinking he said lower the clip to raise the needle slightly for leaner mixture...

Anyone???

Also, here's a pic of my plug, which has been in for I-don't-know-how-long (before I acquired the bike). Any telltale problems you guys see looking at this??

I suppose it's not hard to see that it SMOKES pretty good all the time- I'm guessing it's top-end time...:(

[84200s/m]

looks like oil on the plug
to raise the needle you lower the clip

[az350x]

Originally posted by 84200s/m
looks like oil on the plug
to raise the needle you lower the clip

Yeah, but does raising or lowering the needle lean the mixture?

[timberwolf78]

if you move the clip to the top it lowers the needle which makes a lean mix if you move it to the bottom it raises the needle which allows more fuel in the bowl

[86waterpumper]

I agree with timberwolf's assesment. For more detailed info on setting up carbs, here is an excellant article...

http://justkdx.dirtrider.net/printcarbtuning.html

[Fuzzy]

The higher up the clip is on the needle the leaner it is . The lower the clip is on the needle the richer it is. Because it holds the needle up and allows more gas to get through.

Is that in a 2-stroke or four?. It looks way to oily.

[86waterpumper]

I hope he took that plug out of his tri-z :eek:

[az350x]

Originally posted by 86waterpumper
I hope he took that plug out of his tri-z :eek:

Yeah, that was out of the Tri-Z. I just bought some new ones though, so that one's going into retirement! I also raised the clip on notch. Might go ride it today- we'll see how it goes...

Thanks for the help guys!

[dads]

What mix are you running. 32:1

[86waterpumper]

I would pull the airbox lid, and ride it on a new plug that way, that will tell you whether it's jetted too much or not or just engine wear. You can always leave the lid off unless you're going through mud or something, or stick it back on and go down a jet size and lean out the clip...I've had my 2 stroke plugs look that fouled before, alot better than too lean hehe

[az350x]

Yes, I'm running 32:1. Here's an update.

I put in a new plug, I drained, flushed, and refilled the gas tank (I don't think the Gomer I bought it from was very scientific about mixing), I raised the clip one notch on the needle, and then I went riding yesterday. It runs WAYYY better now when riding it, smokes very little, but it still has to be started with 1/2 throttle, won't idle, and is very sluggish getting off the line (unless you're nailing it!). Midrange power is substantially improved (although there's still a flat spot, but much narrower than before), and runs great wide open. Sooo, if I can get my low-end characteristics to improve a little, I'll be ok. Climbing rough hills (where you can't stay on the pipe) are a little tricky- if it bogs down, you're in trouble. At the dunes, it shouldn't be a problem, but trail riding here locally could get dangerous!

If you guys have any more suggestions, please let me know! I'm going to pull the plug this evening and see how it looks after yesterday's ride... Maybe I'll post a pic of it for comments.

[Fuzzy]

Well it sounds like your needle is set right now. That will take care of your midrange and high end. I was going to mention before that you might also have to adjust your idle mixture.

I would leave the needle where it is now and play with your idel mixture until it will idle right. That will also take care of that flat spot you are talking about. That is usally because your low jet isnt adjusted properly. And there is a huge gap between when the low jet quits working and the high jet takes over. When they are adjusted right there should be no noticable change all the way throught acceleration.

When i adjust my low jets. I turn the idle speed way up to keep it from killing. Then adjust the jet and then turn the idle back down and see if it will stay running. You might have to do it a couple of times until you get it right. When they are right the throttle should be very responsive. And wind out with out any hesitation.

[az350x]

Originally posted by Fuzzy
When i adjust my low jets. I turn the idle speed way up to keep it from killing. Then adjust the jet and then turn the idle back down and see if it will stay running. You might have to do it a couple of times until you get it right. When they are right the throttle should be very responsive. And wind out with out any hesitation.


Here's the thing, Fuzzy. I know (I'm pretty sure) where the idle screw is on the side of the carb. Now when you start talking about adjusting jets, you lose me completely. I think I heard that the main jet is the one that screws into the bottom of the carb. If you're talking about adjusting any other ones, I'll need more descriptive instructions (which I'd appreciate if you've got the time). ;)

Thanks again...

[Fuzzy]

The main one is in the bottom of the carb. And cant be adjusted.

You should have two screws on the outside of the carb. One is the idle speed adjuster. All it does is hold the slide in the carb open more or less to adjust how much air gets in. And the other one is your idle mixture adjuster. That is the one that you want to adjust.

So to keep it from dying while i am trying to get the idle mixture right. I turn the idle speed screw in to keep it fast idleing. They i try turning the idle mixture screw 1/4 turn and let it run for a couple of seconds. If it is sputtering and sounds like it is flooding then turn the screw in 1/4 turn at a time until it leans out and starts to rev way up. Or if it is missing and not wanting to run at all. Try turning the screw one 1/4 turn at a time until it speeds up.

When you get it adjusted right. Then turn youre idle speed back down to normal. And let it idle for a minute or two. And after it warms up good. You can fine tune your setting again until it purrs like a kitten.