Post by mishka on Dec 2, 2023 5:11:27 GMT -6
I was disappointed to find that someone had swapped the VM36 carbs for a set of VM38s and mixed parts. No way it ever ran that way as I reported earlier. Took a bit to figure out what was going on. Good news is I got it straightened out and learned a bunch about Mikuni carbs. The new VM36-4s from Dennis Kirk required rejetting but it’s starting, idling, and reving very nice after ordering the specified jets thanks to mrrupp1. I did find a parts manual for the Xenoah.
The needle and seat that come in the VM36-4 is for a gravity feed bike. Replacing it with 1.5 gph solved the carb overflowing problem. The 200 mains and 50 pilot jets straightened it right out. I’m still using the Q5 needle jet, needle, and 2.5 slides that came with the carbs. I’ll see how the run when I can get it ridable. I do have the 1.5 slides and needles but need to order a 159 series Q4 jet. Can’t believe they had the original slides it the VM38 backwards. Only way they would go as the idle stops are reversed. They are also a silly little mm smaller.
Anyway, that’s a recap of where I’m at. Total tear down is next. Wanted to verify I had a good engine before investing more time and money vs parting it out to recover my “investment”. 😂
The track will be the next issue. I’ve been searching for a decent original without much luck. The one on it has some broken cleats. I’m guessing I’ll have to retrofit a more modern track. If anyone has a lead on a usable original please let me know.
I’d appreciate any information on track retrofits for that sled. I’ll spring for a new one if needed. I read somewhere that 3/4” paddles are the max that will clear between tunnel and drive sprockets. Any information would be appreciated.
Dave…
The needle and seat that come in the VM36-4 is for a gravity feed bike. Replacing it with 1.5 gph solved the carb overflowing problem. The 200 mains and 50 pilot jets straightened it right out. I’m still using the Q5 needle jet, needle, and 2.5 slides that came with the carbs. I’ll see how the run when I can get it ridable. I do have the 1.5 slides and needles but need to order a 159 series Q4 jet. Can’t believe they had the original slides it the VM38 backwards. Only way they would go as the idle stops are reversed. They are also a silly little mm smaller.
Anyway, that’s a recap of where I’m at. Total tear down is next. Wanted to verify I had a good engine before investing more time and money vs parting it out to recover my “investment”. 😂
The track will be the next issue. I’ve been searching for a decent original without much luck. The one on it has some broken cleats. I’m guessing I’ll have to retrofit a more modern track. If anyone has a lead on a usable original please let me know.
I’d appreciate any information on track retrofits for that sled. I’ll spring for a new one if needed. I read somewhere that 3/4” paddles are the max that will clear between tunnel and drive sprockets. Any information would be appreciated.
Dave…
