Just a quick question. Which is the proper way to count needle positions, from the top or from the bottom. I've heard people refer to, for instance, the 4th needle clip position, but some mean 4th from top while others meant 4th from bottom.

Which is it?

 

There's no real "correct" answer to your question. You're right, some people count from the bottom up, others from the top down. I guess that most people will say, I put the clip in the 4th position from the top. If someone just says, it's in the 4th position, I'd have to ask them to clarify.

That said, I've always counted from the top down. Anyone out there count from the bottom up?

 

Bash, Pam,
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe on my Dynojet kit they say from the bottom up. Sorry it's been awhile since I had the carbs apart on the Raptor. (I'm still trying to forget)!

 

I don't know if there is a "default" way of counting. From Toomey's web site:

"..."E" clip on the FOURTH GROOVE. We count down from the grooved end of the needle."

 

It doesn't make any difference. It's just like saying "this bottle is half empty" or "this bottle is half filled".
As long as there isn't any doubt, it's perfect.

 

Funny, I usually count from the middle, as in "I droped my needle one step" to mean that it's now in the fourt step from the bottom. Since every carb I've ever seen came stock in the middle position I always count from there.
But as Zorro said, it doesn't make any difference, as long as you're clear about what you mean.