I was looking at the bottom of the carb with a mirror and I noticed a threaded hole right beside the PMS screw. Not the carb heater bolt, but on the other side of the PMS. Nothing in it as far as I could see...any ideas, or is it supposed to be like that?

I just took my carb apart this weekend, with the help of another R* rider. I noticed the same thing. This is normal. Nothing goes there.

Rooster.

Cool, thanks Banty, I've had that carb apart a few times and never noticed that before. This time It was on the bike and looking at it with a mirror...it just didnt look right.

Here's another question along the same line. I was tweaking my PMS and realized the leads to the carb heater were just hanging there and my carb heater is AWOL. I guess I neglected to re-connect it several weeks ago when I had the bowl open to swap a jet. I know, I'm an idiot, but you guys encourage me. Any way, it's been 32 degrees in the morning and in the 50s in the afternoon that last few times I rode to work and other than it backfiring once on an upshift, I'm not sure I noticed any indication in performance that it was gone. Just what does the carb heater do and what problems would I expect with it missing? I've ordered a replacement and it will be here on Wednesday. Should I use any thermoconductive grease when I install the new one? What about using a little blue LockTite on the new one? I really appreciate your help!

Long2Ride wrote:
Here's another question along the same line. I was tweaking my PMS and realized the leads to the carb heater were just hanging there and my carb heater is AWOL. I guess I neglected to re-connect it several weeks ago when I had the bowl open to swap a jet. I know, I'm an idiot, but you guys encourage me. Any way, it's been 32 degrees in the morning and in the 50s in the afternoon that last few times I rode to work and other than it backfiring once on an upshift, I'm not sure I noticed any indication in performance that it was gone. Just what does the carb heater do and what problems would I expect with it missing? I've ordered a replacement and it will be here on Wednesday. Should I use any thermoconductive grease when I install the new one? What about using a little blue LockTite on the new one? I really appreciate your help!

It does nothing whatsoever for performance. It heats the gas going into the carb, which can be beneficial on cold days for starting purposes.

I lost mine on the bike in my sig (well actually, stripped those aluminum threads so just left it out) and ran it for years with no adverse effects at all. Initially this was in Arkansas, and I rode whe the temps were as low as high 20s. Then I moved to California where of course, its just not an issue at all. So at least to those temps its fine. If you ride in colder temps might want to get some input some more folks.

BTW... Ususally better to start a new thread when you have a new question. It will get more readers that way

Gram

The threaded hole is for when they put the carb on an ATV or snowmobile. We don't use it.

Thank you gentlemen for your quick response. Musky (sorry I picked up the wrong name), I've confused you by hanging my question on a thread that originally asked about the empty threaded hole. I tried searching for an answer first but didn't find one so I attached my question to what I thought was a similar thread. I'll open a new thread next time. At any rate, do either of you have any opinions on the thermoconductive grease and LockTite. The reason I aske is because last time I examined my carb heater, back when I actually had one, I noticed a white deposit on the base of it. In computers we use a white thermoconductive grease to help transfer heat between components like processor and heat sinks. I asked these questions at the dealership and got two different answers from two different people.

Long2Ride wrote:
I asked these questions at the dealership and got two different answers from two different people.



You might get ten different answers here

I noticed the white deposits too. I assumed it was one of Yammi's loctite compounds, but really have no idea what it was.

I use dielectric compound for all my electrical connections .... mine is clear but I have seen a white one.

The carb heater is to prevent the carb from icing up. It's not only a colder weather requirement .... carb icing cab also occur under warm temps when it's humid. The restriction in the venturi produces a cooling effect which in turn causes the water vapour to condense and form ice, which further restricts the venturi causing move water vapour to condense.

Doc

DocShadow wrote:
I use dielectric compound for all my electrical connections .... mine is clear but I have seen a white one.

The carb heater is to prevent the carb from icing up. It's not only a colder weather requirement .... carb icing cab also occur under warm temps when it's humid. The restriction in the venturi produces a cooling effect which in turn causes the water vapour to condense and form ice, which further restricts the venturi causing move water vapour to condense.

Doc

Wow! This bike has everything, even an Ice Maker! Thanks again for the info!