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What size slow jet needed for 2005 XL1200?

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by bg3075, May 16, 2011.

  1. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    I have a 2005 XL1200R Sportster, with Rush aftermarket exhaust, and a K&N air filter (in the stock filter housing). Once adding the K&N air filter, I could tell there is a bit of hesitation when starting to roll on the throttle, and strong gas smell on hot days, so I would like to re-jet the carb. I will be replacing the velocity needle, but also think I should go ahead and replace the slow jet as well. The problem is that I have no idea what size slow jet is in the stock carb (40mm CV carb), and therefore, what size I should also upgrade to. Can anyone recommend which slow jet size to use, please?
    Last edited: May 16, 2011
  2. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    The original pilot jet is probably a #42 but could also be a #45. A 45 or 46 would suffice for that engine and intake/exhaust setup. However adjusting the mixture screw setting is critical to getting it correctly tuned. The following instructions will help.
    Harley Davidson Carburetor Performance Tuning
  3. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    Oh yes, I definitely plan to adjust the mixture screw as well. I have already purchased the CVP EZ-Just screw. BTW, would the gas fumes suggest a lean setting (usually occurring on relatively hot days)? Thanks!
  4. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    You are smelling gas?? I would think that you have too much fuel....(Rich)
  5. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    That is what I was thinking as well, Johnny. But, all the information regarding the H-D CV carb's usually point out that they run lean from the factory, right (more especially if added aftermarket exhaust and free-flowing filter)? I changed the exhaust to Rush (with baffles), and added a K&N air filter (kept the stock filter housing on, though). I should be able to partially cover the air intake port (on the filter housing) to test it for leanness, right? It ran pretty good until I added the K&N filter. Just the Rush exhaust didn't seem to make a difference, alone. I wonder if the gas smell is due to the main jet, rather than the slow jet. If the case, that should require reducing the main jet size, right?

    BTW, I found out from my local H-D dealer that the stock slow jet is a #42 (and #180 main jet). He also stated that they usually replace them with a #45.

    What size jets come with the CVP Stage I Carb Tuning Kit for the 04-06 XL1200 set (below)?
    Last edited: May 17, 2011
  6. kenfuzed

    kenfuzed Administrator Staff Member

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    The fuel smell could be unrelated to your jetting, more likely a bad float plunger not seating or the check ball in the accelerator pump sticking. Both are common if the carb sat for any length of time with fuel in it. The rubber tip on the float plunger (aka float needle) eventual wears or gets a tiny groove in them that lets fuel keep flowing. If unchecked this can do some damage to your engine. Fuel washing down the cylinder walls prevents proper lubrication and wears the rings.

    Also make sure your choke (enrichener) is closing completely as this adds extra fuel to the idle circuit as well.
  7. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    Well, it only really smells of gas on pretty hot days, and only noticeable when mounted on it, and stopped / idling of course. I have not really ever let it set for extended periods of time; have even ridden it many times during the winters, and often even closed the petcock and let it run out the fuel in the carb when planning to leave it parked for a while. I'm not sure it is a major issue, as it doesn't smell of anything but the exhaust, of course, when moderate outdoor temperatures exist.

    Anyway, I just took it for a spin, after taping shut, about 3/4, of the air intake port...the throttle response is perfect like that (which would definitely mean it is set too lean, right?).
  8. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    sounds correct. as for the fuel smell, check the vent overflow hose in the tank.
  9. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    Hey Chuck, can you please elaborate on the vent overflow hose? Where may it be located, what should I check for, and how would I notice a problem with it? Sorry, I do not know much about mechanical details of the bike such as this...have only changed oil/plugs/wheels really. Thanks.

    I went ahead and ordered the Basic Stage 1 Tuners Kit. Based on several other recommendations, I will first try replacing the needle and adjusting the idle mixture screw, and see how that goes, possibly also adding the #45 slow jet.

    And, God Bless Texas.
    Last edited: May 17, 2011
  10. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    under the center strip in the tank you have a hose that is connected to the fill bung. it is the over flow to the ground incase you overfill the tank...
  11. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    Thanks again, Chuck.

    Oh, so were you referring to checking to see if it is overflowing when the tank is filled, or check to see if it may be clogged or something?
  12. chucktx

    chucktx Moderator Staff Member

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    i am leaning more to the "or something". could be loose, cracked, ect. just something to check. i asume that no fuel is comming out of the over flow out of the carb??? also the petco*k may be seeping also....have seen that alot. just run your finger around it while riding, and put it in both run and reserve positions......
  13. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    Will do...thanks a lot!
  14. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    I changed the pilot jet from 42 to 46. It is running much better now at low rpm's, but it does still smell of gas. There are no gas leaks that I can see. If I was to adjust the idle air mixture screw, would this possibly resolve the problem?
  15. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    Did you check your float level when you had the bowl off? It could be just slightly out of wack...
  16. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    I didn't even want to touch the float, based on everything I've read about possibly knocking them out of whack, but it appeared to be in good condition.
  17. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I am curious of what you mean by "good condition?" If the float level is off just a touch you can get the symptoms of gas smell because you are putting too much fuel in. Just a thought. :)
  18. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    On the Hot days as you say it's worst , I would double check vents like chuck said & not sure if you have a vented gas cap , if so that could be bad as well , heet will bring out the gas smell as it expands , that why you see the do not top off signs at the pumps
  19. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    I am going to get those pics to you Cowboy. I am going to post them here as well.
  20. bg3075

    bg3075 Active Member

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    I will try changing the gas cap with a new one, as I smell gas a lot around the cap when close to it. Thanks.

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