It all started with DennisDarrow

[PMonk]

I followed Dennis thread closely since I was having problems with my carbs on my 90/6.
Got some good advice but no one hit on the solution.

First thing I did when I started having problems was to check the timing which was good. Adjusted valves. Then I started adjusting the needle position ending up on no. 3 which seemed to help the bike run but not well.

Then I rebuilt the carbs with new main Jets, new needle and needle jet. New idle air screw, new diaphragms. I just knew it would solve the problem, but no cigar. It would idle okl, It would run ok at 60+ mph, but it coughed and backfired and just wouldn't take throttle just off of idle.
I pulled the carbs at least 5 times looking for what I was missing.

Today I decided to install the new points, condenser and points plate that I had bought a couple of months ago. I have no idea how the points plate could get as bent as they were when I first bought the bike, but I beat the plate more or less flat and got the points adjusted and on time but just barely and never did install the new one.

Bottom line is I was so sure I had problems with the carbs I just didn't even check the points. Remember the timing was ok, but the only thing I can figure is that the points gap opened up enough that I just wasn't getting a good strong spark. Where it showed up most was in the transition between idle and more or less full throttle.

You guessed it, new points, condenser and plate cured my carb woes.

So what did I learn from this?
Don't assume anything is ok and get fixated on only one cause for a problem.

This bike is a relearning experience for me. The good thing is that I just regained some lost airhead knowlege.

PS, My next step is to drop the needle to the no. 2 position and see how it runs there.

[PGlaves]

Look at the bright side. Once you finish dialing them in you will know the carbs are in great shape!!

[DennisDarrow]

Thanks for not taking my name, nor HIS in vain in your post..........though you perhaps, I hope not, did lots of the latter during your travails...........

Ride safe with HIM in your heart...........Dennis

[PMonk]

I am pretty sure I didn't violate Ex 20:7 or Dt 5:11, or yours either.

I confess I got pretty frustrated at times, but the reward is great. Plus I can take the bings apart in my sleep now.

One of the great thing about MOA and other BMW organizations is that there are so many knowledgeable people who are willing to share.

[nealart]

Yeah, I would set the carbs to the #2 needle position.

[beemerdon]

Thanks, PMonk, I know just how you feel. When I bought my '76 R90/6 the right side carb would leak when I shut off the engine without first closing the taps. Like you, I started throwing parts at it, first needles and then floats, all to no avail. Got the new floats in and adjusted with the new needle in place and closing off the gas when I lifted the floats, but every time I'd put it all back together, it would leak. Turns out it was the fuel lines, so I replaced all those. Still leaked. So now I have some rubber one-quarter inch fuel line running from the (new brass) T down to the carb and all is well.

I guess this is a journey, not a destination.

Don
R90/6
R1150GS