'83 ltd problems! pipes glow, idles high

hi all...i have an 83 ltd 1000j...just bought it..

ok it seems like an air leak to me and that its running lean. it starts with the choke, warms up and then after revving it will hover at 4 grand then come back down slowly. the pipes glow cherry red. is it normal to run that hot?
i have cleaned the carbs twice and installed carb kits. checked intake sockets for leaks, and reset timing (the exhaust cam was off by a tooth. it pops a lot as well. like i said it seems lean to me but i cant figure out what is causing it.

what could cause this??? any help would be great.

shaun

shaunzo wrote:

hi all...i have an 83 ltd 1000j...just bought it..

ok it seems like an air leak to me and that its running lean. it starts with the choke, warms up and then after revving it will hover at 4 grand then come back down slowly. the pipes glow cherry red. is it normal to run that hot?
i have cleaned the carbs twice and installed carb kits. checked intake sockets for leaks, and reset timing (the exhaust cam was off by a tooth. it pops a lot as well. like i said it seems lean to me but i cant figure out what is causing it.

what could cause this??? any help would be great.

shaun

idle is lean = rpm to high,slow to return
ther are some articals in the file base on jetting
is the bike stock or modified?



red pipes,check mechanical advance,valve lash
fuel is still burning in the pipes

Would also assure correct ignition timing.

And as noted by Nebr_Rex, assure correct functioning of the automatic advancer, which might be sticking or hanging. And may need lube or both clean and lube.

Watch advancer action under a timing light. Supposed to see it move quickly back and forth as rpm is varied by blipping the throttle.

And also assure correct NGKB8ES spark plugs are fitted.

Good Fortune!

If the mixture is too lean, it may be burning slow enough that it is still burning in the pipes (as Nebr_Rex said).

Check timing as mentioned, but it may just be too lean from air leaks.

thanks for the help.

i am sure there are no air leaks...i checked the sockets, synchro plugs on the carbs and the fuel petcock vaccum line. it is a canadian bike so no smog hoses.

the bike is completely stock aside from some aftermarket mufflers. the jetting is stock. idle mixture screws are set at 1 1/4 turns out (also new).

i checked the mechanical advance as well. it appears to be moving freely ( i will throw a light on it this weekend to see for sure).

i also have the correct plugs which are new ngks br8es.

more description of the condition: it pops a lot, mostly on decel., good throttle response, seems to run very hot, playing with the idle screw helps to bring down the rpms but then it runs to slow. pulling the choke when it is warm causes it to race as well.

i cannot figure this one out...

is there a diff between the exhaust and intake cams? what are the symptoms of bad cams? what are the symptoms of bad valves? only one valve seems to be ticking.

any other suggestions???

shaun.

Yet another possibility could be too low fuel levels in carb float bowls.

Could perform clear tube test to assure fuel levels are within specs.

Good Fortune!

patton, tried that too! float levels are good.

shaunzo wrote:

...will throw a light on it this weekend to see for sure)....

(Forgive this one :lol: ) --- when verifying ignition timing, be certain the F mark -- not the T mark -- aligns with the case mark at idle rpm.

Good Fortune!

[Click on image to enlarge view.]

Are the 0-rings on the pilot air screws correctly fitted and in good condition?

Good Fortune!

yup...they are new. for good measure i sprayed water in the hole while it was running...no change

What testing method was performed to assure no intake air leaks?

Usually done with engine idling by spraying about suspected leak areas with WD40, carb cleaner, etc. and noting any change in rpm or smoke from exhaust.

If not already done, may sometimes get broader coverage by spraying (unlit) propane gas instead.

(Forgive again) -- are carb holder clamps sufficiently tightened? And are carbs fully seated in the holders?

Good Fortune!

shaunzo wrote:

thanks for the help.

i am sure there are no air leaks...i checked the sockets, synchro plugs on the carbs and the fuel petcock vaccum line. it is a canadian bike so no smog hoses.

the bike is completely stock aside from some aftermarket mufflers. the jetting is stock. idle mixture screws are set at 1 1/4 turns out (also new).

i checked the mechanical advance as well. it appears to be moving freely ( i will throw a light on it this weekend to see for sure).

i also have the correct plugs which are new ngks br8es.

more description of the condition: it pops a lot, mostly on decel., good throttle response, seems to run very hot, playing with the idle screw helps to bring down the rpms but then it runs to slow. pulling the choke when it is warm causes it to race as well.

i cannot figure this one out...

is there a diff between the exhaust and intake cams? what are the symptoms of bad cams? what are the symptoms of bad valves? only one valve seems to be ticking.

any other suggestions???

shaun.

too lean...dead giveaways are:pops on decell and runs hot,pulling choke makes it pick up idle speed.....i would rule out a valve adjustment also by doing one...what kind of aftermarket pipes?......i would also rule out intake boots by putting new ones on and when you have the carbs off, checking floats and what jets are in it....