Carb slide tuning

[tbarcia]

I have pod filters on my EN450 and have been fighting with getting enough vacuum to properly open the slides.  What I've done:

removed airbox, replaced with EMGO pod filers
jet kit 130 (I think) mains, drilled the slides, 3 shims on needles
Cut 1 coil from slide springs
EMGO shorty mufflers

Once upon a time, I had a piece of soda can in the pods to create vacuum and that worked pretty good until one of them was sucked into carb but fortunately didn't cause any damage.  I've since put children's socks over the filters as a test and they seem to be pretty decent but still the midrange (1/4 - 3/4 throttle) is still not quite right and it looks like bottom.

I'm thinking of going on of two different routes to resolve this and am looking for any adivce.

Option 1 would be to go back with soda cans...  This worked great and I think the one got sucked in because it was a cheap can.  In fact, I'm thinking an empty can of carb cleaner would be more sturdy.

Option 2 would be to TEST by removing the springs to see if in fact it's the slides not moving enough that's causing the problem.  If she runs better this way, I would then cut a coil from each spring until she runs good with enough spring to make sure the slides close when the throttle is closed.

I'm a little leery of option 1 because of the issue with the can getting sucked in and I'm leery of option 2 because if I cut too much, I can't go back without ordering new springs and waiting for them to arrive.

Thanks for any help.

[Blaine]

I went the same route till I cut two coils off the springs.....Worked perfectly for me.

[tbarcia]

Good....  So my plans for tonight have changed slightly.  First, I'm going to trim the lip on the inside of the EMGO filters so that they don't cover the vacuum orifice on the carb...  Assuming that it does.  Second, I'm going to play with cutting the springs and see how that goes.  Worse case I'll order a set of springs.  It's rainy season in south Florida anyway so I don't get to ride all that often.

I'm gonna skip trying it without the springs as I'm 99% sure based on everything that the problem is the lack of vacuum to pull the slide up.  I'll start with a coil or two from the springs and trimming the inside of the filter boots and see where it stands.  

Thanks!

[scran0801]

I had same issues as you and I drilled the slides cut three coils ,130 jets also wound up having to put tights over the air filters and pre oiled the tights with uni brand air filter oil and it fixed my issues instantly. Socks and pantyhose were to thin and the pre oiled tights was the only thing I've ever got to work . Tights are surprisingly thick and uni brand air filter oil is like molasses so it might work for you

[scran0801]

Forgot to tell you I also switched to uni pod foam filters also. They have an internal spring in them that keeps them rigid

[scran0801]

[scran0801]

Uni pods have a narrow band that fastest them to carbs and there's no lip on the inside of them to get in the way. Super tight fit and washable

[eaglerider]

They also allow more airflow, and sometimes, a bit too much.

[tbarcia]

Yeah, since my problem is too much airflow, I'm gonna stay away from the UNI pods.  Last night I made the inserts to block off some of the filter (from the inside) but the rains came before I got to test.  Hopefully I'll get it out tonight.

[tbarcia]

Took her for a quick spin with the filters partially blocked and she's back to running great.  Unfortunately it was raining before she got fully warmed up but hopefully this weekend I'll get a chance to take her out for a good long ride to make sure all is good.

Thanks.