Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Exhaust Newbie-Thunderbike and Mixture Screw

So I got my Tbike pipes the other day and put them on. The bike sounds great except for a little popping, I have been reading some of the other posts about adjusting the the "Mixture Screw". I am a little confused about which screw is the "Mixture Screw". Is this screw on the inside of the carburator, or is it the screw on the exterior that controls the idle?

Thanks,
Robert

it is not the idle. it is a small screw in the bottom of the carb. depending on the year of your bike you may need the d tool to adjust it. all you have to do is remove the little electrical connectors and the screw is right there. pats carb link shows you. also try searcing and readin recent topics, this has just been discussed in pretty good detail. oh and welcome to the family

Frank

I turned my 05' speedmaster's screws out 3-1/2 turns and it seems to run best there. While you're at it, try removing your snorkel. I did that a few days ago with Tbike pipes on and it gained power in a big way. Others have said the same thing, and theres 2 guys with 790cc speedys at RAT saying they removed the snorkel and were getting air on the front tire when shifting into 2nd ! It didn't make my 05' do that, (then again a never ride it that hard) but it was probably almost as big an improvment as the pipes themselves were. You only have to remove the seat and you'll see the rubber snorkel coming out of the airbox. just yank it right off....no screws or anything, and if for any reason you want it back it just pops back on. but trust me, you never use it again if you like a strong pulling angine !

Ok thanks for the info. My bike is a 2004 TBA. Does that need the d tool?

Not sure but i think it does. But what I and some others do is make a D tool out of a small tube like an empty .22 shell or the like by bending on side in flat. They don't work very well, but it's good enough to get the screws out. then once you have em out you can grind a slot into them to use a regular screwdriver. And take my advice and remove the snorkel ! It really will give you a big boost in power.

Hi,
any chance of a photo of that snorkle you say to remove.
Thanks if you can
Herb

no, but it's soooo easy to find and remove it's not necassary. Just remove the seat and you'll see a rubber nozzle about a couple inches around sticking out of the airbox right near the tank. you couldn't miss it if you were blind and had no hands ! Just pull on it and it pops out. You can pop it back in just as easily. Once the seat is off you'll be done in about 10 seconds if you're slow. No screws to remove or anything. (cept the seat bolt of course)

Herbs where are you in Sydney town (just a rough location will do). Would be great to be able to catch up with another speedy owner in Sydney. I will be back in Sydney in early November.

Duck

You may have to drill out the plugs that cover the mixture screws on your carbs. The screws are on the bottom side on the intake side of the carbs in front of the float bowls. I used a mirror to see mine. If they are plugged the carbs have to come off to drill out the plugs.

I have another quick question about the Tbike pipes. Is is necessary to use Gasket Sealer when putting the pipes on? I read someone did that in an ealier post. I was just wondering if it was a common thing or not. If it is recommended, it would need to be a high temp gasket sealer and I was wondering if there was a particular brand that was recommended.

That makes sense. I think the thing I am confused about is whether to use the Gasket Sealer or Gasket Maker? The only stuff I see close to what I have read about is Red RTV Gasket Maker (Permatex 81160). I am pretty new to this stuff so I am a little paranoid, just wanna make sure I get the right stuff.

Red RTV will seal up any exhaust...just ask Pat.

Post deleted by Grump

What Gump said.... The fit and finish on the t-bike mufflers is so nice most of the RTV you use will end up on the clean up rag. You will use about a fingernails worth on each pipe. Good luck and enjoy! My '04 has the 'D' type idle adjusters, no cover. Ride safe!

Have mine turned out to about 4, I think, can't tell alot of changes with 3, 3.5 or 4, I did miss the popping and fussing on decel when I removed the air injection..... Ride Safe!

Robert,

I would like to second Grump's advice about everything and also throw in a recommendation for Pat's site.

What Grump didn't mention is if your interested in spending the money try installing these in place of the original screws. I've done it and they are great for readjusting at a later time. Just remember to score one side so that you can remember how many turns you are out.

Thanks for all the help. I have sealed the pipes and everything runs great. I ordered the D-Tool to adjust the carbs and so far everything sounds good (Very little popping on the decel). I will be removing the AI this week I am looking forward to the results.

Thanks,
Robert

Snorkel ?? More power?? Do tell ! does this harm the bike? am mechanically challenged so use small words and speak slowly when you reply !!!

I cut the bottom of the snorkel and put holes in the top. The reason I did not just remove it is fear of water getting in the filter when washing the bike. Other people have not had a problem with removing the snorkel. From what I have read in previous posts it will not harm the bike to let more air through, unless you do not adjust the pilot screws. This will cause the bike to run lean (lots of air but not enough gas), I am not sure if running a bike lean for a long duration will cause any long term problems (Other than popping on the decel). I feel a lot more power with my new pipes and modified snorkel. I will be removing the AI this weekend I will let you know how it goes.


Robert