I'm trying to do some mods to my carb, moving the 142 to the front and replacing it with a 145, and also going to put washers under the needle. When you pull that white clip out and then the needle, do you then drop the washer on the needle, under the head of the needle and then stick it in just like it was? Also, when changing jets, is it better to remove the carb? I was looking at it today and looked like a lot to do to remove the carbs, but didn't know if it was easier to remove the carb or rejet is as is.

 

if you are careful, & the screws in the float bowls are not on too tight, the easiest way is to leave the carbs on, & take the float bowls off, the jets are easily accesible, that way you don't have to mess with the synch of the carbs so much. the shims go under the top clip of the needle, most shims that I have used are . 020 thick, you can shim with 3 shims if need be, but better try 1 or 2 to start with. I run 3 in a v star 650, 2 in a royal star, 0 in the prarie (but I have stock muffler)

hope this helps. (yes a #4 washer is just about right for a shim..)

 

I've already bought a pack of #4 brass washers from Lowe's. I was going to try two. So, I'm assuming from what you are saying that I don't even remove the needle, just pull the clip out and put the shims in?

 

Go get a new phillips screwdriver (the kind with a non slip tip) to do that float bowl. Don't skimp, you may have problems with old rounded tools. Don't take the carbs off. Just get a comfy stool, maybe jack up the right side of the 650 to get a better angle. Keep one of those magnet pickup tools handy.

The needle needs to be positioned out from the bore in order to richen it. Therefore, the washers need to go on from the long end, between the slide and the needle's shoulder.

 

Replace the screws with allen head screws. I bought them a Lowe's. It will make rejetting easier if you have to go in again.

 

Ok, I appreciate it. I have a set of those differnet size carbon philips heads that fit into a ratchet. I'll try them. I have a magnet pickup tool and it has already come in handy!! I am guessing at my altitude that I should go with 2 #4 washers, being around 0.04". Based on the mods I have below and 145r/142f jets and an altitude of 0-500, I'll try those and see how it works. Thanks

 

I striped one bowl screw so I took the carbs off the hardest part was taking the air box off the rest is simple a couple hose clamps and the gas line and the two clamps that hold the carbs on the boots real simple. I have to take them off again to put my new choke springs in.