working on freinds 96 s1 lightning

[lurker65]

Like the title says I'm trying to tune up and fix a few things on a freinds. 96 s1. I have looked for some info but can't seem to find what I need. I'm mainly interested for now on the stock carb settings such as pilot and main jet sizes. The float height and turns out on the fuel screw (it has been unplugged) I have owned a harley before but it was the bigger evo motor. There is some more info I will also need but would sure be grateful for the carb settings for now, stock anyway. On a side note I own a 98 vfr 800 and after riding this around for a while I sure wish mine cornered half as good. But I'm afraid I would have to do something about the so called seat. Thanks for any help

 

[lurker65]

No one can give me the stock carb settings?

 

[Lazerface]

try BadWeb for a little more tuber info

 

[loose1]

I have a pdf version of the manual if that would help you out.
Matt

 

[lurker65]

That would be great matt. Just hope I can figure out how to open it. Badweb? Is that a website? Thanks again both of you. I really want to take care of this bike. I don't know if I could own one of these as my only bike because I enjoy 200 to 300 mile rides on my vfr. But boy is itfun to ride. Thanks again

 

[loose1]

sent you a pm lurker

 

[lurker65]

I did get it but it was for a 2003. Thanks for trying. But mine still has the carb. I came up with about 10.5 mm float height 200main jet, 48 pilot jet and 3 and one third turns out on fuel screw. Can anyone let me know if that is stock and or if that float height is close? Thanks again

 

[loose1]

From the manual

Main jet should be 195 and slow should be 42

Float Level
1. Remove carburetor and place on a flat, clean surface on
engine manifold side. This is the “base.” Tilt carburetor
counterclockwise 15° to 20° from base until float comes
to rest. See Figure 4-11.
NOTE
If carburetor is tilted less than 15° or more than 20°, your
measurements will be inaccurate.
2. Use a vernier or dial caliper depth gauge to measure
from the carburetor flange face to the perimeter of the
float. Be careful not to push on float while measuring.
The measurement must be 0.413-0.453 in.
(10.49-11.51 mm). If measurement is not within given
dimension, remove float and carefully bend tab in order
to reposition float at proper level.

 

[lurker65]

That's awesome. Thanks a whole lot. It has a k&n filter and a vance and hines pipe on it so I guess that's about right. That didn't come from the manual you sent was it? Boy this is great hat sets my mind at rest.

 

[loose1]

Yes it was. I was pretty sure I sent you the right one, but I also have one for the '03 firebolt so I could have sent you the wrong one.
Matt

 

[lurker65]

Yes I think it was an 03 you sent me. If you could send the other one you have I sure would appreciate it. One of the other problems she wants fixed is the ticking noise after it warms up. I'm going to make sure everything else is in good shape first before I assume its a ifter. Like making sure the carb is good with all new intake gaskets etc change the plugs and oil and see if that all helps. Any other advice would. Be great. I tried to tell her theticking is fairly normal and more than likely harmless but she wants it gone so I'm going to have to figure that out also. So a manual sure would help. Thanks again

 

[loose1]

Sent you another manual
Matt

 

[lurker65]

Thanks thanks thanks. This is great. I was going to find a way to buy one tommorow or I should say find a place that can get one. I normally go on vfrworld forum but I will continue to help others anyway I can to do my part in paying you back. I think these forums are the best thing gong on the internet.
After reading though its a bummer if I'm going to have to take the heads off just to get to a lifter. Is there not enough room to get a lifter out witout having to take the head off? Thanks again

 

[loose1]

You should just have to take the rocker boxes off. Then you can get the push rods out. Then take the cam cover and cams out. This is the part I'm not sure will work, is sliding the lifter down thru the cam area. I think it will work but I've never done it. It's not that hard to take the heads off if that doesn't work. If you have adjustable push rod tubes you for sure don't need the remove the heads. If you have non adjustable tubes the heads have to come off to get them out. If you have to take the lifers out the top.

These bikes are real easy to work on once you've dug into it. Just get your hands dirty, and your friends too. After all it's her bike. If you need help let me know I'll be more than happy to help.

If you were in my neck of the woods I'd just come over and give you a hand.

Matt

 

[lurker65]

Well I'm in florence al. Well as far as getting hands dirty I'm afraid I will be the only one doing that. Unfortunately trying to take them out the bottom will still require I take the exhaust off as it will be in the way. The problem there is the studs holding them on look pretty rusted. The tapping really isn't that bad. If it were mine I would just ride it. I had an 84 nighthawk once that had 16 of those lifter and I think I cleaned and bled then 3 or more times before I ust gave up and lived with the tapping. Will some of the oil additives work or thinner oil. She has been running full synthetic harley ol at 20\50. Can't tank you enough for your help already. But thanks a lot. Or is there something else I could run through the motor to flush it out say just at idle and then drain and fill with some good oil?

 

[loose1]

Spray them down with some penetrating oil for a few months and go for it , and try loosing them when the motor is hot. It just might pull the whole stud out. If it's not getting any worse I'd just tell her that's how it's supposed to sound. You could try running some seafoam in the oil. I don't care for harley oil. I like royal purple.

I'm up in ST.Cloud MN
Matt

 

[lurker65]

I have the bike until the trail of tears which is in the 2ndweek of sept. When she would like to ride it. So after I get the gaskets and put the carb together I will try some sea foam in the oil. Isn't that for gas? And try some different oil without her knowing it and if it works I will tell her if not no harm in going back. Do you think changing to a thinner oil might help? Thanks again

 

[loose1]

I wouldn't go thinner with the oil. You can put seafoam in the gas, oil, or dump it down the carb to help clean a really bad carb/intake.
Matt

 

[lurker65]

Ok I will try it and cross my fingers when I do it. Will let you know how it goes. Thanks again