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Adjusting the mixture screw

Discussion in 'CVP Stage 1 Tuners Kit' started by FATBOY_BO, Jan 10, 2011.

  1. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    Well boys, got the Deluxe Stage 1 kit in w/ the mixture thumbscrew, installed it w/ ease with the recommended jets as listed in the instructions. Turned the mixture screw untill it would not turn and backed out 1-3/4 turns. I cranked it and let it warm up, then I turned it in until the motor started to stumble. After that i turned it back out until idle was good. Now, here is my problem. I cannot tell when to stop turning it out. Heck, Harleys seem to always stumble at idle and after turning out 2-1/2 to 3 turns, the motor idle still sounded the same as it was at 1-3/4 turns. I think the best way is to adjust by the plug color. What is you guys advise.

    Also, do I need to clean the plugs prior to running it and how many miles would you need to run to check the plug color?

    Thanks
  2. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    very,VERY hard to read plugs with todays gas......i wouldnt bother. the way to tell if the air is set correctly is to warm the bike up to operating temps. this is not done in the driveway.....you need to ride the bike 10-12 miles to get it there. now while running crack the throttle, if it stumbles or pops, back the screw out a bit......dont over do it here, as your fuel mileage will suffer....
  3. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    Should I adjust to 1-3/4 turns out and start from there? If at 1-3/4 turns and it runs good w/o poping or sluggishness, will that be to lean? My goal is to increase max. MPG, but do not want to over heat by being to lean. Right now it is at approx. 2-1/2 to 2-3/4 turns out.

    Thanks
  4. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i would start with 2 turns out......then adjust a bit at a time. ride about a mile then try it again. good luck with it and let us know how it does...
  5. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    Well, made my first run this past weekend (HWY 4 Loop for those in North Texas) w/ the Stage I kit, I'm guessing I do not have the mixture screw right. Did not seem like it had any more get-up, and my milage was only 38 MPG (which is about what I was getting before install). I jetted according to the instructions, had the mixture screw turned around 2 revolutions out. I even turned it in a little to see if that would help, but all that did was slow my idle down to where it would barely stay running. I never ran over 65 mph but there was a few hills and turns. The guy I was riding with has a 09 Night Train, and he average right at 50 MPG. Any suggestions? I NEED BETTER MPG!!!!!
  6. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    Can you tell me what size jets you installed? Also do you notice any carbon fouling on the plugs? You may be able to drop a size on the main jet and pilot jet. The EZ-Just will adjust the air/fuel mixture in the transition between idle and where the needle takes over but would have little effect on mileage. If the bike is running strong and not showing signs of a rich condition (fouled plugs, strong fuel odor from exhaust) then I would look at other culprits, such as binding brake pads or other things that can impact rolling resistance.
  7. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    or things like

    Weight
    Wind resistance (windshield, lowers, tour pack big parachute deployed)

    Older tires, underinflated
    it's not all jetting...
  8. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    I'm running a #48 idle and a #195 main, just as the instruction says.
  9. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    I would try dropping down to the smaller 190 main jet.
  10. Hefitz

    Hefitz New Member

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    Agree....With just a stage one upgrade, no need to change main jet.
  11. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    I used the #195 due to what the instructions in the Stage I carb. kit said to use w/ pipes and air filter mod. Forgive my lack of knowledge, but I thought the main was only used when the throttle is wide open. If comes into play at cruising speed, then a smaller jet may help w/ my MPG.
  12. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    the main jet also comes into play with the needle jet or needle
    as the throttle is opened the needle comes up and at a
    specific point it starts to allow fuel to come from the main.

    At WOT the main is wide open as the needle is out
    well almost 100% out and you can get all the fuel.
  13. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    Yes the instructions are correct for our kit however it is possible that your engine/setup is not breathing to the level that would require the larger main jet suggested, thus your experiencing the lower MPG. Every bike is different and I've made every attempt to provide jetting on what I've found over the years to work well with my particular parts in the kit.

    While true that the main jet is primarily in full use at WOT it is already supplying fuel around 3/4 throttle as the needle rises and transitions midrange to the main jet circuit. The pilot jet on the other hand only delivers fuel at idle and the moment the throttle is cracked the needle takes over. Typically the only time a pilot jet would contribute to lower fuel mileage would be if the rider were idling for excessive amounts of time, such as in a parade or extremely heavy traffic.

    Based on the information provided I would install the 190 main.
  14. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Or picked up a "ahem" larger riding companion at a bar.....
  15. FATBOY_BO

    FATBOY_BO New Member

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    Well, I checked the main jet that I installed and it turns out that I accidently installed the #190, not the #195 (like the instruction says). The jet that I replaced was a #180. Does anyone think that if I install the #195 that it would help? I guess my next step is to order the V-Ductor and see if that will help. Any other suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
  16. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    No installing the larger main jet would only add more fuel... not the direction you are seeking.

    An 09 Nightrain will naturally get better mileage due to it being lighter, fuel injected, and 6-speed which keeps the RPMs down. However I would still check the plugs to make sure you are not running overly rich. Other fuel related culprits include the choke (enricener) not fully closing or an intake leak around the manifold causing the need for additional fuel to compensate.

    If your plugs are not fouled and the other things mentioned above are eliminated I would turn my attention toward binding brakes, wheel bearings, or a slipping clutch, all of which are common causes of low MPG.
  17. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    the v-ducter is a great addition to a bike that is tuned correctly. it wont help you if the bike is not preforming. adress the other problems to get the bike running right, then add the v-ducter. i would check the enrichner for closing all the way, and intake leaks.....use some wd 40 with the red tube to spray around intake, with the engine running, avoiding the inlet on the carb. if the rpms change, you have a leak. not getting the carb/intake o-ring just right happens a lot. make sure the lip is not folded. let us know!
  18. HarleysLR

    HarleysLR Active Member

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    Agree with v-ductor statement, Carb Cleaner works much better than wd-40, much more volatile and it will catch even the slightest air leak. JMO
    What ever the problem it sounds like you had it before you started changeing carb parts.

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