Adjusting carbs

OK guys here is another one for ya. I had to rebuild my carbs to get the bike back up and running and now I am reading stuff on adjusting your jets some say 1/2 turn out others say 1 1/2 turn. My problem is I am uncertain as to what they are talking about. I was wondering if someone could break this process down for me, in laymen terms, so I can make sure all my carbs are set proper before I sync them?

1 1/2 turn out is a good start for a basic adjustment

FSM for 1977 KZ1000 says pilot screw spec is 1 ¼ ± ⅛ out (with 17.5 pilot jet).

Bench sync is supposed to equalize the throttle slide heights. The pilot screws can all be set at 1 ¼ turns out before performing the running sync where the slide heights may be further adjusted if necessary to achieve equal vacuums for each cylinder at idle rpm, and the pilot screws can be adjusted for fine tuning toward the smoothest possible idle (and strong pullaway). If there's popping through the exhaust on deceleration, sometimes slighter richer pilot screw settings will reduce or eliminate the popping.

When doing the bench sync, be sure to allow sufficient thread length on the throttle stop screw to permit further lowering of the throttle slides during the running sync, as it may otherwise be impossible to sufficiently lower the rpm to the desired idle.

Good Fortune!

Be sure there are no air leaks at the head. Otherwise you can be chasing your tail trying to get them right.
Steve

SWest wrote: Be sure there are no air leaks at the head. Otherwise you can be chasing your tail trying to get them right.
Steve

How do I check if there are air leaks?

The carb holders will get hard where they meet the head. Try carb spray or such and see if the idle changes. Sometimes the only way you can tell is by taking them off. If going to this much trouble I'd change them.
Steve
jetsrus.com/mounting_flanges/mounting_flanges.html

so if I am understanding this right the pilot jet that is inside the carb next to the main jet I screw in all the way lightly seating it? and the only thing I am adjusting 1 1/2 turns out is the pilot screw limiter which is the item with the spring and a needle like point on it on the motor side of the carb that you can adjust without taking the carb apart? Is this correct or am I misunderstanding?

All internal jets are just lightly tightened on their seat and have no adjustment apart from fitting various different sizes to suit certain engine modifications.
The fuel pilot screw with the spring and needle point under the carb is the one to adjust .
Start by setting them all the same on each carb to set a base line.
Go by the service manual if in any doubt.
If you don't understand the basics of this it may be wiser and cheaper in the long run to bring in an experienced mechanic.

I understand. Thank you.