Linkert Tuning

[panhead_jim]

The idle on my '64 smells a little rich and I'd like to dial it in better. Can I just turn the idle mix screw in a couple clicks or should I go through a retuning procedure? If so, what is that procedure? I also know I should check for manifold leaks, as that seems to be mentioned quite a bit. What seems to be harder to nail down is what symptoms are caused by manifold leaks?

[Cotten]

Jim!

A brief discussion of bubble-testing can be found at http://virtualindian.org11techleaktest.html

For a late Pan, it comes down to fresh OEM-design clamps (or at least close), and testing the pan cover screws over each port as well.

Please don't try just a handpump, and please wash the soap off thoroughly afterwards!

Once all possible chances of the tiniest of leaks (which show themselves as a blister of tiny bubbles) are eliminated, the dialing-in become much easier.
These things were rider-friendly, or they never would have become such legendary icons!

Let us know how it goes,

....Cotten

[panhead_jim]

One thing I have noted since the float change is that the idle will creep up as the bike gets hot. I'm not sure how long it takes to start, but after a 10 mile or so ride, it will start increasing. If I blip the choke down and then right back up a notch, it brings the idle right back to where it should be. Bike runs fine at speed, so I'm thinking it is not getting enough fuel at idle?? Did a quick leak test with ether, just to see if there was a significant leak, but that turned up nothing. On a side note, I'm still using the metal mesh air cleaner element, should this be replaced with something more modern?

[FlatHeadSix]

I'm still using the metal mesh air cleaner element, should this be replaced with something more modern?

NO !!!!!

[panhead_jim]

Easy enough, I'll stick with the mesh.

[NightShift]

Dear panhead_jim,
Is your choke sloppy anywhere like on the little ball stop? Can you grab the shaft on both ends and move it back and forth a lot?
Not side to side but wiggle it away from you and back at you.

It happens sometimes,

[panhead_jim]

The back and forth movement on the shaft is minimal. I measured it at 1/16". Perhaps the friction ball and spring are worn?? Not sure of their operation, but saw them on on the carb diagram. How do you check them?

[Cotten]

Panhead Jim!

When you wiggle the choke shaft with your fingers, does the little ball detente seem like it engages the toothed cam on the shaft securely? Or does it slip easily, with a lot of play?

Even half of a full 1/16" slop of shaft in the body could give you trouble, especially if the detente ball spring is fatigued.
That is nearly a fourth of the ball's diameter.

A full 1/16" seems like my wife's generous system of measurements, and for that I am quite thankfull!

....Cotten

[Panacea]