97' SX Carb Tuning SOS

Bischof

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May 2, 2003
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1,130
Age
63
Location
Holly, MI
I have a 97' 700 SX
I'm trying to get this thing dialed in and it just keeps running too lean.
I have PI center dumps and I'm using a tempa-flo.
47.5 Pilot Jet, 148.8, 148.8, 147.5 Mains. This should be good to -30
I ran it last night with this set up at mid range speed for about 20 miles (25 degrees), I goosed it once in a while but didn't run wide open.
Pulled the plugs when I got back, PTO looked, Mag and Cntr were white!

I was also playing around earlier with removing the tempa and had jetted it rich @ 147.5 (PI recommends 143.8, 145, 145) and I was fouling plugs.

I mention this because my first guess to correct the tempa setup would be to adjust the needle height to dial in the mid range, but I don't think this is an issue in the setup without it. Also I don't know the actual needle setting. I've never tried changing them, but two years ago I did have a shop clean and tune the carbs and I don't know if they changed them from stock.

I don't have any exhust leaks, the carb boots are sound and installed correctly, as far as I can tell the vent lines are good and tight as is the vacuum line.

So my questions are...
#1 should I mess with the needles for the tempa flo set up, and if so is this difficult? Like I said I've never done this.
#2 Does this sound like the tempa is messed up and should I just go without it and work my way back on jet sizes?

Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks

Greg
 
My 97 700 did the same thing with end dumps. I had to raise the needles up from I think 2.5 stock to 3.5Pto and 4 C & M. Cleaned it right up. Maxdlx
 
Thanks maxdlx,
I guess I'll give the needles a go before I give up on the tempa.
Do you remember where you were Jetting?
Do you have any tips on adjusting the needles? Is this a difficult job?
 
Last edited:
A ball-end allen screwdriver and a thin pair of needle nose pliers work the best. pull the slide, and don't work over the motor when changing clip position, as Murphy's law will go into effect.
 
Thanks Ape.
I have the tool and have taken a look into the carb top.
I assume I remove the two allen head screws. I've read I need to raise the slide with the throttle and lock it into place.
Do I need to disconnect the linkage?
Will I be able to remove the needle and change the clips or do I need to do this while it's in the slide?
Sorry for all the questions I just don't want to muck this up and make my life more difficult. I have a trip planned for Christmas week and don't want the sled sitting there waiting for parts.
Thanks again.
Greg

BTW nice photo for the avitar!
 
Ok that really wasn't too hard, now to see how it runs!
Thanks for the help fellas.
It was great meeting you on the phone Paul, I appreciate the advice.
Greg
 


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