Adjusting the carbs on a 787 what a pain, is there an easy way??

[Robj]

Just trying to get my carbs fine tuned. I adjusted them to spec when I rebuilt them, and want to fine tune them, but how do you access the low speed mixture screw? Are there any tricks or special tools? I hate to take everything apart every time I try adjusting the carbs. Thanks for any tips.

 

[donkey]

ya,it sucks,i use a mirror and a light,be patient!itl get easier after after u have done it a few times,,i don't take anything off btw.and having 3 elbow joints would make it way easier!

 

[68ragtop]

I think the easiest way is to just get really familiar with where they are & reach your arm up in there from the side. Try to find the bottom of the carbs first & work your way up from there. Not too bad once you get used to finding them. The hard part is if they won't turn by hand with the built in Tee. A screw driver in there is really tough, especially on the PTO side.

Didn't somebody here make a custom screwdriver with a cap & slots that fit over the screws for easier adjustment? Though I saw something posted like that a while back......

 

[Spimothy Leary]

When i ran stock airbox or the r&d's, tuning carbs was a pain, but I took everything off, adjusted, put everything back on, and generally it took 3 times before I felt "right" then really never had to adjust again.

now I almost always run aftermarket flame arrestors, makes life so simple, you can reach everything.

positive, the stock airbox is very good at protecting the engine against water ingestion.

negative, its a pain to adjust carbs, but honestly, you should only have to remove the box 1-3 times and your done.

 

[68ragtop]

I just thought I would add that I think adjusting them from a dock would be nearly impossible IMO. I found walking the ski to water at least waist deep was the best for me. Then I could get my arm around the engine without poping joints out of place. I never removed the airbox as I slid my arm in from the mag side of the engine. I did this with my GSX & 97XP. I would imagine the X4 hull with a 787 would be even tougher for lack of room, so I can't speak for that one.

 

[Jimnut]

I've read somewhere that you can take some short sections of old fuel line (maybe and inch or so) and place it over the low speed adjusters. This makes it a bit easier to find the adjusters when you don't feel like taking the airbox off. Haven't tried it yet but sounds like a quick solution.

 

[Seadoobuddy]

I've read somewhere that you can take some short sections of old fuel line (maybe and inch or so) and place it over the low speed adjusters. This makes it a bit easier to find the adjusters when you don't feel like taking the airbox off. Haven't tried it yet but sounds like a quick solution.

I think LouDoo was the first to suggest this idea. It's in a couple threads somewhere on here.

Has anyone else tried this method and been successful?

 

[AdamXP800]

Once you get familiar with your carbs and the location of the LS T handle it will become easier and easier. The first few times it was a royal pain, but you will learn the best position to be in to reach under and feel for the t handles. Good luck

 

[Robj]

Thanks for all the tips, I have an extra carb that I use for reference so I kinda know where the low speed screw is, but getting to it is another story. Taking the airbox off is OK at home, but rather not on the water. Thanks for the tips!!

 

[Spimothy Leary]

Thanks for all the tips, I have an extra carb that I use for reference so I kinda know where the low speed screw is, but getting to it is another story. Taking the airbox off is OK at home, but rather not on the water. Thanks for the tips!!

one positive thing to remember, is that generally by the time you get the 3rd adjustment in.. your DONE.. and won't likely have to think about the carbs for a long time...