Running rich? questions..

kooga13 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Apr 2010 Karma :

Hi, I've been riding my '95 GSX600F for 5 days now and from reading posts on here and other things on the 'net I think it's running rich. It starts easily without choke, if I use choke it floods. It also starts without any throttle twist. I've only got 95 miles from £14 of petrol (£1.20 litre, about 11.5 litres) and I ride quite steadily. I thought it would do more than this. If I blip the throttle when idling, the revs dip about 500 rpm and then pick up again, (it idles at about 1500rpm). Last thing, it struggles to pull away smoothly - it moves off then splutters, meaning clutch in and more revs which is difficult as ive only just started riding and the high revs from the lights make me look like a bit of a clown. I am plannign on checking the plugs, but they are only 95 miles old.
So: would the plugs be black after only 95 miles of running rich? Also, if carbs need cleaning / balancing, what sort of price would I be looking at (already spent loads on the brakes and cant afford much more!)
Thanks

el_oso · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 May 2008 Karma :

black is rich.
if if it black by 90odd miles quite badly rich.

if you have basic tools and a haynes manual (can be downloaded from the sticky on this board) you can adjust the carb balance yourself in about 10mins. fairly easy job.
balancing can be quite done by yourself with a plank of wood and some clear plastic tubing.
a cheap garage would charge around £40 an hour for labour.

https://www.mudinmyblood.net/forum/images/reading_spark_plugs.jpg
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kooga13 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Apr 2010 Karma :

Thanks for the info, will check the plugs this weekend. Anyone got an idea of what it will cost me to get the carbs cleaned and balanced?

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

probably youll need to replace the float valves.
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GSF Jamie 600 · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Oct 2008 Karma :

You've described the exact same sysptoms as my bike there Embarassed

I'm just hoping its the spark plugs, but after comparing my plug to the images above i think it is in the "normal" region =/

Anyways i'm gonna see what change new plugs and a fresh air filter make tomoroow, fingers crossed it'll sort it Rolling Eyes

With mine you can ride it, and if you accelerate really slowly it picks up the speed, but any type of twist on the throttle in normal situations its bogs down Neutral

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

the float needles are the most likely problem for both of you.

The float needles on a BST32SS arent the best.
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kooga13 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 14 Apr 2010 Karma :

Cheers for that, anyone know roughly how much it will set me back to get the float needles replaced? I wouldnt mind learning and having a go myself but i dont have any spare time (4 young kids = no time for self!). Need to get the problem sorted tho as every stop / start needs a lot of careful throttle control to stop the engine cutting out and it's drinking too much fuel. It won't even make turns in 2nd gear without cutting out or needing clutch / revs

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

The hardest bit is refitting the airbox after putting the carbs back.

Replacing the float valves is very easy (remove the float bowl, remove the float, replace the valve)

Id budget ten quid a carb for the float valve and needle.

These guys will sell you the spares.
https://www.nrp-carbs.co.uk/contact_us.htm
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Some shite cruiser. Now with guns and FREEDOM!