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SOHC.co.uk Forums => CB750 => Topic started by: johncam on May 23, 2018, 10:49:50 AM

Title: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: johncam 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!
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: MarkCR750 on May 23, 2018, 11:03:28 AM
John, I have this cheap kit and it works fine.[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Simon46 on May 23, 2018, 12:42:45 PM
Just bought a set. 38.95

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Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: kevski 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.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj 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
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: paul G 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
(https://i.imgur.com/7rHvWVW.jpg)
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: hairygit 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
(https://i.imgur.com/7rHvWVW.jpg)
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
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Seabeowner 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.?
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: SteveD CB500K0 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)
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: johncam 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!
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: flatfour 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.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Simon46 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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Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: hairygit 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.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Johnwebley on May 26, 2018, 01:32:23 PM
The cheap biketek gauges have arrived. What values would I expect to see at idle?

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 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 .

Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: MarkCR750 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.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: royhall on May 26, 2018, 05:30:40 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.
I second that. The valve on mine is a bit leaky though.

Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Simon46 on May 27, 2018, 08:52:13 PM
I'm on a washing up bottle hung from the flower basket hangar with a bungee

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Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Nurse Julie on May 27, 2018, 08:57:52 PM
I'm on a washing up bottle hung from the flower basket hangar with a bungee

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Love it. It reminds me of Blue Peter  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Paulreade on June 13, 2018, 06:53:32 PM
When doing the balancing do you use any form of cooling for the motor whilst it's running ?
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj on June 13, 2018, 08:26:33 PM
Never used to in the workshop, but if everything else was done right first never took too long anyway
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Lobo on June 14, 2018, 02:20:09 PM
Paul... on my last balancing act, a lovely summer’s day, and bearing in mind I’m no professional, my 750K2 got rather hot (& smelly). On the very next ride out a coil failed - aargh. In my wee mind I’ve no doubt who’s fault it was 😢. From now on I’ll be using a fan across the cylinders for peace of mind...
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: paul G on June 14, 2018, 03:21:55 PM
I use a large FAN  :)
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Paulreade on June 14, 2018, 07:46:30 PM
Fan it is,cheers
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Paulreade on June 15, 2018, 12:52:40 PM
Looking at the reviews I'm edging toward the Morgan Carbtune pro 4 £70 delivered. The syncpro sounds good but much more expensive and the need to calibrate each time is a little off putting.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Johnwebley on June 15, 2018, 04:38:07 PM
I bought the cheaper 4 gauge unit,

 in use I don't worry over much about the figures,just try to get all the needles about the same .

 works great,and a nice quiet tickover

Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Paulreade on June 15, 2018, 07:40:15 PM
Did you need a fan ?
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Johnwebley on June 15, 2018, 08:34:23 PM

  no.I ran the bike to get it warm,then removed the tank and connected the gauges and mini remote tank,(I think it cost about £4 on Ebay,also needed a Y junction )

 it ran OK
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Paulreade on June 16, 2018, 07:51:34 PM
Looks to be a nice set. I have already ordered the Morgan so it will be an idea to compare notes one day. Having never set eyes on any of this kit my learning curve just gets steeper !. Considering I haven't really touched a bike ( other than change the oil , oil filter and air filters ) I'm kinda enjoying getting stuck into the whole maintenance lark. My bank balance has suffered recently but so far my wife hasn't twigged things so all  is good.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Moorey on March 28, 2019, 07:02:18 PM
I got burned with a set of those on Ebay, but got my money back thankfully. If a deals too good to be true then it usually is. But I still fell for it.  :-[
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj on March 28, 2019, 08:49:03 PM
Sealey, nearest to Honda original made today and a good set, i got some couple years ago.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj on March 29, 2019, 08:13:14 AM
Bit like Austin and Morris Ken, same thing dofferent badge! No idea who actualy produces them though.
Used mine more on my mates 1200 wing trike than anything else.
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: ka-ja on March 29, 2019, 09:29:04 AM
If the origin is in doubt, it is a good guess at China, they copy most things at 1/2 the price and not necessarily of poor quality
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj on March 29, 2019, 09:47:46 AM
They are very good, way better than the blue steel backed ones you see
Title: Re: CARB VACUM GUAGES/BALANCER - BEST ONES?
Post by: Bryanj on March 29, 2019, 04:44:20 PM
All the adaptors came on seperate model boards as well!!
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