Author Topic: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?  (Read 2437 times)

Offline johncam

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CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« on: May 23, 2018, 10:49:50 AM »
Hi, has anybody got good experience with a particular set of four carburettor vacuum gauges – my 750 is rattling like a goodun and from what I understand carb balance can be a primary cause. There are plenty of kits out there with varying reviews from £40 up to over £100 and a key issue seems to be finding gauges which are well damped and don’t flick all over the place.
Any advice gratefully received!

Offline MarkCR750

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #1 on: May 23, 2018, 11:03:28 AM »
John, I have this cheap kit and it works fine. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
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Offline Simon46

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #2 on: May 23, 2018, 12:42:45 PM »
Just bought a set. 38.95

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Offline kevski

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #3 on: May 23, 2018, 03:38:07 PM »
Morgan carb tune do rod ones, i have had mine for a long time and have never had any problems with them.

Offline Bryanj

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #4 on: May 23, 2018, 05:58:35 PM »
Have used all sorts including those shown and the nearest to Honda ones are the sealey ones at about £110 and used far beter gauges than the ones in the picture which are not all that accurate

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-Carburettor-Synchronizer-Vacuum-Mini-Type-Bank-Of-Four-Mini-Gauges/301927858737?epid=8017014200&hash=item464c4d8231:g:6-MAAOSwUUdXDeSN
« Last Edit: May 23, 2018, 06:02:53 PM by Bryanj »

Offline paul G

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #5 on: May 24, 2018, 08:06:36 AM »
Morgan carb tune do rod ones, i have had mine for a long time and have never had any problems with them.
I'd seccond that had a set for a while been spot on

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Offline hairygit

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #6 on: May 24, 2018, 08:35:50 AM »
Morgan carb tune do rod ones, i have had mine for a long time and have never had any problems with them.
I'd seccond that had a set for a while been spot on

Yep, another vote for Morgan Carbtune. Had mine more than 30 years, cannot go out of calibration by virtue of their design, and much easier to watch working than 4 dial gauges while checking/adjusting. ;D ;D
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Offline Seabeowner

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #7 on: May 24, 2018, 09:03:25 AM »
You can manage with the cheaper dial gauge units shown at the top. They are not brilliantly accurate, ignore the text on the dial, compare the gauges by trying each one in turn on the same cylinder at a few set RPMs, and fiddle with the inline restrictors that damp the movement.
But it can be a little frustrating. If you want less stress and hassel go for the other gauges mentioned here. Think I'd put the Morgans top for value for money/less hassel.

PS: Where is AshimotoK0 when we need him.?
« Last Edit: May 24, 2018, 09:09:40 AM by Seabeowner »
Phil
1971  CB500K0  Candy Jade Green or Candy Gold
1973  CB500K1  Candy Ruby Red
1975  CB550F1   Shiny Orange
1978  CB550K     Excel Black

Offline SteveD CB500K0

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #8 on: May 24, 2018, 12:02:41 PM »
Tell us where you are John (put it in your profile)

I have an old Morgan Carbtune in my garage that you are welcome to try if you are local.

Steve (Wokingham)
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1971 CB500K0

Offline johncam

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #9 on: May 24, 2018, 03:53:31 PM »
Thanks all for the great response and advice - excellent1 Steve, very generous offer but I am  quite a way from you in Suffolk - thanks again!

Offline flatfour

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #10 on: May 24, 2018, 05:59:24 PM »
I've used Davida gauges for quite a few years now - I'm in Norfolk (near Watton) if you want to come and try them on your bike.

Offline Simon46

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #11 on: May 26, 2018, 12:02:11 PM »
The cheap biketek gauges have arrived. What values would I expect to see at idle?

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Offline hairygit

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #12 on: May 26, 2018, 12:11:31 PM »
Every bike will give different readings at idle. What is important is to have all cylinders within 2cm mercury of each other, the closer they are the smoother the idle. That said, no point even getting them hooked up until ALL servicing  has been done, Tappets, camchain, ignition timing, engine oil clean and at the correct level, air filter clean or new. Balancing the carbs is a waste of time if the other parts aren't done first.
If it's got tits or wheels, it's hassle, if it's got both, RUN!!!

Offline Johnwebley

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #13 on: May 26, 2018, 01:32:23 PM »
The cheap biketek gauges have arrived. What values would I expect to see at idle?

Sent from my G8141 using Tapatalk

 when you start to use the gauges ,firstly fit the brass tubes ,longer for inner pots ,mount the gauges ,ideally across the handlebars,

 ,I suggest connecting the 4 hoses to the gauges then cut them about 5" from the gauge so you can fit the white taps ,

 just connect all 4 hoses to brass pipes ,and your almost ready to go.

 have you a method of supporting the tank well above the carbs ?
so you can ccess the adjusters,,and don't worry to much about the reading,just try to get them almost the same .

lifelong motorcycle rider,and fan

Offline MarkCR750

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Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
« Reply #14 on: May 26, 2018, 03:44:31 PM »
A remote tank as seen in John’s photo is worth investing in, I think mine was £17 from eBay, one of the best 17 pounds I’ve ever spent.
« Last Edit: May 26, 2018, 03:56:12 PM by MarkCR750 »
Suzuki GT250A (Nostalgia)
1977 K7 CR750 (lookalike, what of I’m not sure)
Ducati 900SS (Soul & Speed)
Ducati M900 Monster (Handling & character)
Thruxton 1200 (suits me)
James Captain 197 (pure adrenaline, i.e. no brakes!)
"Eff yir gitten awvestear yir gooin te farst"
Sir J.Stewart.

 

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