Guide for Carburetor Tuning

I read some guidelines and tips on how to tune your carburetor to its best settings. I hope that I can also help you by sharing this knowledge.

There are to screws to be adjusted, the Idle speed screw and the Idle mixture screw. For Idle mixture screw settings, 11/4 turns from slightly seated to make it in stock settings and for Idle speed screw just turn 1/2 clockwise from its engagement point. The start your motorcycle and let it heat up its operating temperature.

Idle speed screw is made for adjusting the RPM and to increase the rpm just turn it clockwise and counter-clockwise to decrease the RPM. The range should be from 950 RPM to 1050 RPM.

In terms of the Idle mixture screw it is for the adjustment of your engine running performance. By turning the screw clockwise it will make the engine to run poor and counter-clockwise to make the engine stumble. Set first the screw to make the engine runs poorly and set it again to make the engine stumble. Take note of the position of both screw for poor run and stumble. The set the screw halfway just between the two position you just have noted. If you encounter inconsistent in your idle, the manifold may be leaking or damage.

After achieving a strong idle test your motorcycle by riding it and maintain the speed of 40 - 50 mph. In this way you can check if the condition of fuel and air mixture. The sneezing sound in the air cleaner indicates lean condition of mixture and rich condition of mixture if the engine stumble or vibrates.

In terms of RPM operation, the intermediate jets is the one responsible for it. Changing the intermediate jets from different sizes may gives you the best performance and right fuel supply for your engine. Always remember to adjust the Idle speed and Idle mixture screw after changing intermediate jets.

In case of testing the main jet performance you run your motorcycle from 50 - 70 mph. If your engine backfires adjust the size of the main jet to bigger one and if the engine does not accelerate decrease the main jet size.

Changing this jet to a larger size will delay the signal to the main jet, therefore aiding with high speed tuning. This also aids with tuning an engine that is fitted with an exhaust system that is not intended for high performance. Remember that using open pipes or performance pipes may affect the performance to be obtain from carburetor. The stock size for the main jet is 40 and if you want to change it normally the range will be from 50 - 60.

Carburetor Poor Acceleration Performance

You accelerates so slow and sometimes no power in your engine? Or you are not contented in the acceleration performance of your motorcycle. Check for the carburetor for this may cause this problem. It may be repaired with some simple tips and ways. 

The main problem in this case is that the fuel and air mixture supplied in the engine is not enough that results in low combustion performance. Commonly the reasons vary from adjustments, fuel type and dirty or clogged passages. Low fuel distribution will result low combustion power. Worn or damaged jets that minimize the supply of fuel may result poor acceleration performance. Some malfunction in other systems may caused also this problem. Dirty carburetor or even dirty fuel may result this problem. Clogged or plugged passages and bowl vent may overflow. Or there maybe an air leak in your inlet system that causes improper mixture of fuel and air.

This problem requires a lot of time and need a lot of work too.Mostly adjustment must take place and some test must be run to ensure if the acceleration performance is in the right level. Experts in carburetor tuning and fuel and air mixture adjustments are required to make sure that the carburetor is tuned in the best way that it can produce the perfect mixture for your engine. From combination of fuel and air to the combination of jets is necessary. Clean also for plugged and clogged passages and make sure that you are using a clean fuel type. You or a mechanic can correct and adjust all system more power efficient output for your engine. Repair and replaced all damaged or worn out parts for optimal performance.

Carburetor

This is a device that combines or mix fuel and air for your engine. It is the one that supplies your engine the right amount of fuel and air mixture for a perfect combustion. This time carburetor are being replaced by fuel injection systems but still lot of motorcycle models have this carburetor system installed. Mostly carburetor system is much better than other fuel system, come to think of that almost all of mechanics out there really master the carburetor system in automobiles industry. That is why I prefer this type of fuel system cause it will lessen the time in case of troubleshooting, knowing that there are lot of mechanics that master the carburetor.

The question will be, what will happen when your carburetor malfunctions? Do you have any idea on how to know its problem and how you can fix it. It is important that you still have knowledge about carburetor troubleshooting even if the basics only. Lots of motorcycles experience a lot of problems when it comes in carburetor system. Maybe you also encounter some of this problem too. Just remember that the proper care for your fuel system will help to extend its life span and gives you the performance you would like for your motorcycles.

I will discuss some of the problems encounter in fuel system and some tips on how you can fix it in case it happens. Read the problem topics on my blog and I hope that I can help you even in a small way.

Engine Tuning

Is your engine hard to start or you consume a lot of fuel volume? Your engine may need a tune up. Engine tuning is the adjustment or modification of your engine control unit. This is done to improve the performance, durability and fuel economy. From different engine parts like spark plug, carburetor, valves and other components are adjusted to its best performance. Sometimes there is a situation where you need to detuned your engine in exchange of more fuel economy or more power output.

Tune-up is the service offered by mechanics and manufacturers to reach the engine specification. It is needed periodically to make sure that your engine gives the best performance it can. You can also tune your engine depending on your taste and on what performance you want. Failure to perform this activity may cause some damage to your engine and really gives you a bad performance.

There are times when you will know that you need to perform a tuning on your engine specially when your engine starts hard. It is cause by low fuel and air mixture that the carburetor should be tune up. Valve clearance should be meet to make sure that the opening of the valves are in timing when the reciprocating engine works.

Sometimes failure to tune your engine in the right time may cause an overhaul where your engine is removed and disassembled. This is to done to perform a full refresh or check up on your engine. Replacement of different parts like piston rings, gaskets, oil seals and bearings is recommended when the parts are worn out. After this overhaul is performed to your engine it may give the performance of a new engine.

Hand Signals

Hand signals are very important when driving. This will be your way of communication from other riders and can add safety to others. There are lots of hand signals use but there are also basic hand signal that a rider should know. I will teach you some of the basic signals that you should know before riding. I hope that it will help you when riding specially with others.

TURN

There are two turn you usually use when driving, the left and right turn. To signal a left turn while driving, place you left hand horizontally parallel to your shoulder pointing to left and palm facing down. When signaling for a right turn, put your left arm out, bent it at 90' and your fist are clinched.

SPEED

You should know when to speed up and slow down when you are driving. How you would know if others want you to slow down or how you will tell others to speed up? To slow down, your left arm extended straight out with palm facing down and swing your arm down to your side. In speeding up, your arm is also extended straight out while palm is facing up and wing it upward at your side. When you need to stop, bent your arm 90' downward and palm is facing back.

HAZARDS IN ROAD

To prevent accidents you should be aware of hazards in the roadways like uneven pavements. To tell other riders that there is a hazard in the road place your feet pointing on the way of the hazards. It will depends on what foot you will use depending where the hazard is.

FILE

When you see a hand pointing upward with fingers pointed, the rider inform you on what file is to be done. One finger for a single file and two fingers for double file.

COPS

If there are cops or checkpoints ahead in your way, you can signal your co riders by tapping in the top helmet with your palm open.

Share to others how did you know this hand signal like what I did to also give knowledge to other riders for additional safety when driving. Hope that you find it helpful.

The Backfire

What is a backfire?

Backfire is the combustion or ignition produced by running engine that happens in the exhaust system rather than inside the engine. It can produce loud sounds or flames in the end of the pipe when the unburned fuel is ignited outside the combustion chamber.

What are the reasons why engine backfire?

There are several reasons why this backfire occurs on your scooter engine. This reasons differ on what causes this backfire like when shutting the engine, carburetor tuning, fuel components or even when the installation of the muffler is inappropriate.

The most typically reason why engine backfire is when the engine is rapidly decelerated. This deceleration in the engine can cause backfire in the way that the remaining fuel in the exhaust system is ignited by the hot muffler. This also occurs when you shut your engine while at high RPM. Your fuel components may include a higher blend of alcohol that is very fast to ignite causing your fuel to be ignited even if it just touches a hot surface. Carburetor tuning is inappropriate that causes the fuel and air mixture to overflow the chamber resulting backfire in the muffler. The muffler installation may also cause this problem in your engine when the muffler is not mounted properly. The last reason is the engine timing. Example is when the spark plug fires at the wrong time, resulting to ignite the fuel and air mixture while the exhaust valve is not yet close.

To resolve this problems, you may work on some tips and guidelines that can help you fix your scooter engine backfire. You can practice to idle your engine down at the proper speed to allow your engine to cool some before shutting the engine. Fix the tuning of the carburetor and make sure that the right tune is acquired. You can ask for experts to tune your carburetor in its best. Fix the timing of your engine from valves to spark plug to make sure that all process are done in the same time. You can also change your fuel choice to non-alcohol fuel to lessen the possibility of backfire in the engine. Check the muffler if its mounted in the way that it fits the exhaust port and do not let any air to pass through.

Engine backfire is not bad and will not harm your scooter engine but still should be fix for efficient, convenient and relaxing travel along the way. It is not good to hear your engine backfire while driving. The best way is to set your engine at its very best to ensure best performance for your scooter.

High Fuel Consumption

Does your scooter consume high amount of fuel ? If it does, your scooter might have some problem causing your fuel consumption go high. There are several reasons that occurs which result this problem. I will give you some tips and checklist to make sure that your scooter has good fuel efficiency and economy.

1. Check your carburetor. There are 2 thing to be check in your scooter carburetor. First is check if your choke lever is in normal position. If the choke lever is misplaced it can cause your scooter to consume a lot of fuel. In case of early morning starting of your scooter and your engine is cold, it is necessary to use the choke to make the engine starts but be sure that to place it back after use. Second is that check your carburetor tuning. Adjust your carburetor to the very best tune to make sure that it only supply the right amount of fuel to you engine. Also please add the checking of the drain plug of your carburetor for loose threads and clean your carburetor in case that it is dirty.

2. Check your scooter tires. Make sure that your tire is in the right amount of pressure to ensure the smooth travel. Flat tire or lack of pressure can increase your fuel consumption. Causing your scooter to slow down even if you are in a high throttle place. Check your tire for punctures, pressure and traction.

3. Maintain proper riding. Don't intend to ride you scooter very hard or push it to its limit. Unnecessary accelerations or braking can increase your fuel consumption and even worst is lessen your engine life span. It is important to maintain your bike in a good condition specially when riding. Check for brake drums and pads to make sure that there is no unnecessary braking happening.

4. Maintain proper changing of oil. This is just a small factor but still need to be remembered. Changing your oil and maintaining your engine in good condition help you in getting good mileage.

5. Check your air filters. This is one common problem that may cause high fuel consumption. With normal use in your scooter you can change your air filters in every 20000-30000 km. but need to be change frequently when you ride in more dusty road or terrains.

This are common and small factors that can affect the fuel economy of your scooter. Remember and consider all this factors so that you can save more and you help your engine to increase its life span. Proper care can save a lot by avoiding wear and malfunctions.

Anti-lock Braking System

The anti-lock braking system (ABS) is a safety system feature that allows driver to have a control on its wheels to prevent locking up and skidding. A much faster braking that a rider could manage. Driving in some roads with hazards is very dangerous but knowing that you are equip with an ABS it will ensure you the safety and improve control to your motorcycle. The ABS was recently improve and release a version with new feature which is controlling both front and rear brakes. It is known also as emergency brake assist. While stopping with your front brake the ABS will also release a signal to the rear brake to add more grip for your faster stopping.

The locking of wheels is a very dangerous threat to a rider safety. Knowing that brakes is one of the features that a motorcycle has that protect you from having a contact with other vehicles can also cause you an accident. I have some news heard and read that there are also lot of accidents due to wheel lock specially the disc brake. But with the new braking system it will lessen the accidents because of the lock wheels. A very fine safety system that really increase the safety feature of the vehicle. But do you know hot the ABS works?

HOW IT WORKS:

The ABS is electronically controlled by a ECU or the electronic control unit with speed sensors installed at the front and rear wheel and valves that control the pressure of the hydraulic. Lets start the discussion about the operation of ABS. While the motorcycle engine is off the brakes works as a normal brakes but when the motorcycle starts to move, the system starts the transmission of the hydraulic pressures to the input pressure sensor. When the rear brake is applied, the generated pressure is detected by the input pressure sensor in the valve unit and the hydraulic pressure line between the valve unit and power unit is close. Informations such as input strength is sent to ECU and the signals sent on the ECU is transferred to the power unit. As a result, the motor in the power unit operates and transmit the hydraulic pressure to the caliper to activate the rear brake. At the same time, signals from in the ECU are sent to the front power unit and the front brake is activated by the inter lock system. The valve unit in the front brake acts also at the same manner with valve unit in the rear. When the rear brake pedal is depressed more harder the hydraulic pressure also increases and when the wheels are about to lock, an electric signal from the speed sensor is sent to the ECU. The ECU activates the motor in the power unit which decreases the hydraulic pressure applied to the caliper. The hydraulic pressure is again to be increased to apply the rear brakes. This process is carried out repeatedly until the motorcycle stops. This type of brake control gives you an awesome and smooth travel ride.

Group Riding Tips

Planning to ride with your group? There are some tips and guidelines you should know before the day of the ride. This tips can help you and your co-riders  to have a fun and great ride. This is the group ride all about, sharing the view and joy with other members.

First is to organize your ride. Form a group to talk all about the information about your ride, destination and the distance. Ask your group or other member to meet in a parking lot or meeting place to show where is the destination and to get the contact information of each other. When you start riding be sure to drive only in the speed you are comfortable. Don't ride any faster that you can do and always think about the safety of yourself and others. When planning for the alternative stop overs, you should consider and know the stamina of each member and also the condition of their motorcycles. If it is a long ride remember to have few breaks while you are in the way.

Always keep in your mind that you don't want to be the reason of stopping by the group for some problems. Before going in a ride check all the mechanical system of your motorcycle. Keep the level of gas in your tank and all maintenance should be time in time. Problems can be prevented along the way if you know how to take good care of your motorcycle.

You will need to communicate with each other with signals. Learn the basics about the signal use and riding. Keep the riders who have experience in riding at the front to guide those first timers. The leader should adjust to the pace of the new riders and remember that the sweep should have all the communication access to all members, for the purpose of some problem happens like motorcycle malfunction or some accidents. Never to fixate on the motorcycle in front and always remember your training. If the group speed is above your comfortability zone don't be afraid to have your own pace. Arriving at destination with few minutes behind is better than riding in an uncomfortable way. Always remember that you are riding for fun.

It is better to form a small group of riders so that you can easily navigate other streets. Your formation in the road is also important, always keep distance from the motorcycle in front and at your back. Never ride at side-by-side because it will lessen your space and will make you to maneuver harder. Always let other rider to maneuver at their own will in case of emergency. When entering sharp curves, intersections or rough surface road always make a single line, this will allow you to avoid foreign objects in the road that you don't see. Follow the motorcycle in front of you as they know what is ahead of them. And the most important is to follow the rules in the road. Blocking other cars in the intersection is prohibited.

Ride Safe. Buckle Up

Join a Rider Club Now!

Want to join a group or a club but doesn't know what group to join? Having doubt if you are ready to join a group? Joining a group is very easy and full of fun. When you join a group you can know lot of things you didn't know for the time. They can give you more information about your bikes or scooters. In formations on how you manage to make your scooter last long, driving tips and techniques and also some lessons about motorcycle.

I am a member of club here in our country and having fun with my "paps" that is how we call each other. My group is almost well know in the whole country and getting more bigger. Our group is the Mio Owners Republic and I belong to the Bataan Chapter. Getting involve in a group really helps me to learn more about safety, techniques and suggestions. Also gives me the opportunity to have more friends. So why do't you try to join your own and enjoy having a group and being a group member.

There are groups that conduct seminars in different topics that suits for you as a rider. This is one of the benefits of being in a group. You can attend a lot seminars to help you learn more. In cases of emergencies like engine trouble there are other people that you may ask for help. You can call them for help and you would not mind where to find help. There are also groups that have different activities like helping others, recreational and other activities. Forming a brotherhood, family, friends or framework in which riders can achieve their common goal.

Having a problem in membership? You should not think a lot about because joining a riders club is so easy. Participating in events and some activities may help you to be member faster. some club offers form to be fill up and fee for you membership. There are also test offered and varies in different kinds. If you are accepted as a member you will receive a patch representing your club and have the permission to add or ask other people to join your club too.

In the end, you as yourself will decide if you really want to join a club. I am the one telling you that it is fun and exciting being in a club. Just try it, nothing will be gone if you try. Compare riding with yourself and riding with friends. You can see the difference.

2-Stroke VS 4-Stroke Engine

Maybe from past days or years you have own a 2-stroke engine motorcycle or if not you have seen someone owning one. Even scooters are available in 2-stroke and 4-stroke engines. The question will be, how the 4-stroke is better than 2-stroke? Why does manufacturers now stop launching or releasing any 2-stroke engine motorcycle anymore? This question will be answered in this thread and hope to help you to find for the information you are looking for.

First of all lets define what is the meaning of the word "stroke". Stroke is the movement of the piston in the cylinder back and forth. The length of the stroke will be determined by the crankshaft or the distance travel of the piston in the engine cylinder. The 2-stroke engine has two strokes to complete a power cycle. The end of the combustion and beginning of the compression stroke happen simultaneously, with the intake and exhaust stroke occurring at the same time. This is a contrast when it comes with the 4-stroke engine that needs four strokes to complete a power cycle.

Advantages and Disadvantages

2-strokes have a high power performance in comparison with the 4-stroke. Also the 2-stroke has few moving parts that makes it lighter and simplify their structures. This engine type also have a low cost for maintenance. The disadvantage of this type of engine are lot more than its advantage. This engine type don't last that longer and lubrication is needed for the mixture of fuel gas. Poor lubrication may caused the engine to wore out even more faster. It may cost a little bit that it almost consume a gallon of oil in every 1,000 miles. The fuel economy with this engine is not that good as part of the mixture leaks out in the exhaust port because the intake and exhaust process occurs at the same time, making more pollution than other engine types.

The 4-stroke engine has better fuel efficiency than the 2-stroke engine. Less pollution and you can save more in terms of fuel consumption. You don't have to buy gallons of oil to keep it working that help you also to save more. This engine last longer than 2-stroke and durable for use. Has more torque making your engine quitter and more reliable performance. The disadvantages are 4-stroke engine cost much higher than the 2-stroke, maybe because of the materials and components use also its system. 2-stroke engine has more power making the 4-stroke only with half of its power in comparison. This engine is more complicated because of some additional parts in the mechanism like valves. Making this engine hard for troubleshooting and cost more higher.

How 4-Stroke Engine Works

Most of us have heard about a 2-stroke and a 4-stroke engine, but do we all know how really this engine works? Every vehicle needs an engine to provide the power for the said vehicle. The combustion that happens in our engine is responsible for the power we get from the vehicle that make it run. I will explain some of the details and information about a 4-stroke engine. First I will tell you the parts of an engine and then explain how these parts accordingly with the other parts.

Engine Cylinder

This the part where the combustion of the fuel and air mixture happens. This is a space where the piston travels. Commonly engine cylinders are typically cast from cast iron or aluminum before proceeding in a machine that polish the cylinder. Most cylinders now are made of Aluminum that really helps for faster and easier break-in. In the process of break-in of the engine, a simple irregularities in the break-in period may cause a ware in the cylinder sleeve. If later on it continues to wear the cylinder sleeve, you will come up reboring. Reboring is the process were you need to increase the diameter of the cylinder and piston rings.

Engine Valves

The one that control the timing and mixture of air and fuel that flow to the engine. The one also responsible for the outflow of burned gas after combustion. There are two type of valve, the intake valve and exhaust valve. The valve have components when installing in the engine, the stem oil seal, spring and the lock that holds the valve in its place.

Spark Plug

This is the one that transfer an electric current in the main chamber that ignite the fuel and air mixture.

Crankshaft

The part that converts reciprocating motion to rotation motion. This part is the one responsible for the push and pull movement of the piston connected by connecting rod.

Engine Piston and Piston Rings

A component for reciprocating engines or compressors. The piston is the part that moves to compressed the expanded fuel and air mixture inside the cylinder. Contains of piston rings usually compression rings and oil seal ring. These ring help the piston for covering and uncovering ports in the cylinder wall.

Connecting Rod

In an engine this part is the one that connects the piston to the crankshaft. With the help of the crank they form a simple mechanism that converts reciprocating motion to rotation. Its the one that push and pull the piston inside the cylinder.

These are the parts that is responsible in the combustion process inside the cylinder. Now I will explain how a 4-stroke engine works. There are 4 cycle in the process of combustion, the intake, compression, power and exhaust.

Intake

When the piston move downwards the intake valve is open and allows the flow of fuel and air mixture inside the cylinder. With the help of a cam lifter it will push the intake valve to open and keep the exhaust valve close.

Compression

In this cycle the piston moves upward compressing the mixture and the pressure produced by the compression shuts the intake valve. The piston move upward compressing the mixture and until before it reach the top part of the cylinder...

Power

At the end of the compression stroke before the piston reach its highest peak the spark plug  ignites producing electricity that burns the compressed fuel and air mixture. The force produced by burned gas pushes the piston downward.

Exhaust

When the piston reach the bottom, the exhaust valve and the piston upwards to push out the burned gas form from combustion. Then the cycle repeats and repeats.