carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

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GBarts59
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Real Name: Gary
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My Motorcycle: 1981 Yamaha XJ550

carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

#1 Unread post by GBarts59 »

Is there a "tool" that makes adjusting the carbs easier?

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Johnj
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Re: carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

#2 Unread post by Johnj »

Hello Gary and welcome to the forum. The only thing I can think of is a long .5 screwdriver or maybe a 90° screwdriver. Good luck.
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GS_in_CO
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Re: carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

#3 Unread post by GS_in_CO »

I don't know the bike or the geometry at all so this might not work.

There are kits of tools with flexible shaft handles and changeable bits available which can be used to manipulate screws in locations where a regular hard-shaft screwdriver or nut driver won't fit. (I've been given two of these kits over the years)
The flex shafts aren't strong for cinching things down but they are good for adjustments in awkward places. (I think I have a long and a short flex handle from Sears)

In the Olden Days there actually was such a tool called a GM distributor points adjuster which was a screwdriver handle on a long flexible shaft with an allen wrench bit that exactly fit the distributor points adjusting screw in GM distributors. It was absolutely necessary because of the inaccessible locations the factories put for the distributor access doors on the distributor caps.
(I still have this tool.)
Ron

Current: 1988 BMW R100GS (the 'numberplate' model)

Past: 1987 Yamaha XT350
1983 Honda CB900F
1980 Honda XL185S
1979 Suzuki GS425E

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totalmotorcycle
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Re: carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

#4 Unread post by totalmotorcycle »

Give a mercury carburetor synchronizer a try. Mechanic's swear by them (and at them too!) for decades. :D

http://www.bing.com/search?q=mercury+ca ... 8cdcaa7f58

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Johnj
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Re: carb adjustment 1981 XJ550 Maxim

#5 Unread post by Johnj »

Instead of paying big bucks for one of those units you can make your own manometer for around $12. viewtopic.php?f=18&t=34471
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Always wear a helmet, eye protection, and protective clothing. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

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