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A better mousetrap
#182232 07/14/2007 4:13 PM
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I got tired of trying to get my hands in there to balance the carbs and more often than not, I get a couple of burns too! So a little thinking and some searching turned up what is known as hose grip pliers like these:



They are normally used to remove stuck on vacuum and fuel lines. I got a 3/8" pair that are 11" long (the ones pictured are a set of three for $12.99 from Harbor Freight )

I ground down the tips and some more right at the main curve and they now grip the balance screw nice and tight (the insides of the curve are knurled). I can now adjust the balance without removing the tank, burning my fingers, or trying to cram my hand into that space. For all you people with big hands, you may want to give this a shot!


"Never underestimate the power of human stupidity" - Robert Heinlein
Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182233 07/14/2007 5:18 PM
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Nice Idea.

Pete


03 Blue and Silver, AI removed,Thunderbike Pipes,132 mains,45 pilots,snorkles gone,k+n, 2 3/4 idle screws
Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182234 07/14/2007 8:50 PM
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good thinking and cheap too!


Erwin
05 America
Re: A better mousetrap
Erwin #182235 07/14/2007 10:50 PM
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Vary Cool! You'd better patent that idea quick.

Soren

Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182236 07/15/2007 1:20 AM
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Excellent idea. I have tried several times to balance the carbs with the tank but had no luck. I bent two screwdrivers hoping it would work but to no avail. Like your thinking gonna have to try it.


You may say I'm a dreamer but I'm not the only one John Lennon Imagine Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty, anyone who keeps learning stays young, the greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. Henry Ford
Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182237 07/15/2007 12:41 PM
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Now THAT is what Harbor Freight is good for!! Might have to check it out. I need to try balancing them with my angle drill adaptor, we'll see how that goes first I guess.


Benny Black & Silver '02 Too many mods to list Not enough miles ridden
Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182238 07/15/2007 12:46 PM
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Harbor Freight is a great source of modifiable tools.

Good thinking there, Phil


Contra todo mal, mezcal; contra todo bien, también
Re: A better mousetrap
bonnyusa #182239 07/15/2007 7:31 PM
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Just switch the balancing phillips screw for an allen screw next time would be much easier to balance with an allen wrench which would allow finer adjustments and stay put when you bump the throttle between adjustments.

Re: A better mousetrap
WindRat #182240 07/16/2007 2:06 AM
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I just remove my tank and use a length of fuel line to run from the tank(up on the work bench) to the carbs. Then I can easily reach the screw from above. I like the allen head screw idea...I think I'll try that next time.


1982 Pontiac Trans Am...K.I.T.T. in progress. "It looks like Darth Vaders bathroom in here..."
Re: A better mousetrap
WindRat #182241 07/16/2007 1:48 PM
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I like the new screw idea too. If you hands are small enough, you might even be able to find a thumb screw that will work.


Benny Black & Silver '02 Too many mods to list Not enough miles ridden

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