Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech carb balancer for the poor man

Here is a very inexpensive way to balance carbs. Been using a similar method for years.
http://www.powerchutes.com/manometer.asp

I made one and it works very well. One note however- don't leave fluid in it. I used clutch fluid (also a bad idea- ruins paint) and left it in the tube. Two weeks later the tube was "weeping" hydrolic fluid.

I made one also, works really well. I used trasmission fluid and haven't had any problems with it weeping through the plastic tube.

Transmission fluid for me with no problems. Here's the post from way back when for more info.

I bought two liquid dampened vacume gauges from McMaster Carr for someting like $12.00 each....about $2.00 worth of clear pvc tubeing and a galvinised "T" brace ($1.50) for building decks, from Home Depot, and I got a $27.50 carb balancer that doesn't peal paint, leak on the floor, or get sucked into the carb....

I think I will make one later this afternoon. Thanks..

Got my balancer assembled just now about 5 minutes and $4.73...most of that was the Quart of ATF. Will try it out tomorrow evening.

I went to ACE Hardware and bought two 36" wood rulers and 20 feet of 3/16" clear tubing. Cost was about $6.25. Came home and took 1/2" plywood and cut a piece 1" wide and 36" long. The cut piece of plywood was about 1/2" narrower than the two wood rulers. I centered the wood between the two rulers, glued and screwed them all together. I ran the tubing on both sides of the rulers in the slot that the narrower piece of plywood provided, and used nylon zip ties to hold the tubing in place. I filled the tubing with the same oil that I use for the bike. It took about 30 minutes for all the air to bleed out. About an hour after starting fabrication I was balancing the carbs. It seemed to work very well. It is very sensitive to any adjustments made. I exchanged the tubes between the carbs several times to ensure everything was good.

Tom

I made one and almost had things right when I accidently turned the balancing screw a bit too far. I immediately sucked into the carb the Stabil I was using for fluid. Unfortunately it was next to impossible to use it until I got the balance somewhat close. It didn't help that at that point I had no restrictors in the tubing. They are a must in my opinion. I borowed a couple of vacuum gages and used those to get the balance close. In fact the gages showed even balance, however when I then used the manometer they were several inches off. I believe the fluid is more precise, but I suppose better gauges could work well too.

Gerry

Stabil is too thin thats why the oil.Also be sure both tubes are hooked up before starting the engine if you have only 1 hooked up it will suck the fluid in.I think the 2 stroke oil is the best idea you can't do any harm that way even if you do suck it in all that happens is it either stalls or you get a little smoke out the exhaust. Shouldn't ever use anything volital(I know my spelling sucks)

Just finished balancing my carbs. Fellas, this thing works like a champ. When I first started the bike the dr side carb almost sucked fluid into the carb...they were way out.
Took about a 1/2 hour and yep that little screw is mighty touchy!!! Swapped back and forth, everything is good. Lowered the idle and man the thing runs great, much more responsive on the throttle. I will road test it tomorrow. Thanks to all for a great tip.

I adjusted my air/fuel mixture on both carbs 3 turns out and then rebalanced the carbs again. The bike is running much better. Just a very small amount of popping on decel. The bike is now ready for the GA rally.

This should actually probably be in the Tech Vault to make it easier to find.