Been lurking for months....

[Bthorn]

Finally signed up. I rode a Rocket 3 for years and sold it. Time went by and I felt the itch again. I remember my dad always talking fondly of his (3) vmax's he owned over the years. Why not? I found a 1998 a couple towns over and scooped it up last October.

I knew the carbs were ready for a rebuild and I was on my way to the mechanic when she took a dump on me. Now, she's in pieces in the garage, lol. Waiting on parts.

 

[Radioguylogs]

I'm sure you'll get it going.

Welcome into the open.

 

[Bandit4142]

Welcome to the forum!

 

[Stephan]

Welcome! "Took a dump"? What on earth does that mean? Hope it did not throw a rod or something equally disastrous?

 

[Fire-medic]

Sounds like you already ordered parts.

I suggest not buying the internet 'all four carburetors brass parts and gaskets.' They do not fit well.

 

[Dkid]

Welcome to the Classroom. Glad to have you.

 

[Bthorn]

Sounds like you already ordered parts.

I suggest not buying the internet 'all four carburetors brass parts and gaskets.' They do not fit well.

I read up a bunch on this forum before joining. I got my carb rebuild kits from Sean Morley as well as a new seat. That guy is awesome to deal with. He answers all my questions promptly and points me towards quality stuff.

 

[Bthorn]

Welcome! "Took a dump"? What on earth does that mean? Hope it did not throw a rod or something equally disastrous?

Lost all power on the highway. I was actually on my way to my mechanic to get the carbs rebuilt. I was able to get it started under full choke and limp her home in stages. She would die as soon as I let off the throttle.

So, I decided I was just gonna rebuild them myself. I'm glad I did. Pja1, pja2, and main jets all had at least one example a different size. 2 pilot jets were broken inside the jet block. One had a single ear broken (with the piece still inside) and the other had both ears gone. All the screws were buggered up bad.
I ordered ALL new Mikuni jets. Still waiting on a couple.
Tank is pretty rusted. Fuel filter is full of rust. Working on that next. I gotta clear out all these parts from the work bench first.

 

[Fire-medic]

Lots of tank de-rusting threads on here. Electrolysis is a good way, just don't do it inside or while you're asleep, my suggestion. I've seen fires at electrolysis shops before, that's why I said to 'do it outside.'

High-concentration cleaning vinegar is what I like to do, I've used 6% but you can buy up-to 30% at Home Depot/other. You can re-use it, just screen the liquid and place it into the original container. I label mine.

Broken pilot jets can usually be easily removed by using a left-hand drill set. When the bit starts to bite, the jet will often spin right out.



The one below looks to be their current offering.


https://www.harborfreight.com/screw-extractor-and-left-hand-drill-bit-combo-set-10-piece-63987.html

 

[Bthorn]

Lots of tank de-rusting threads on here. Electrolysis is a good way, just don't do it inside or while you're asleep, my suggestion. I've seen fires at electrolysis shops before, that's why I said to 'do it outside.'

High-concentration cleaning vinegar is what I like to do, I've used 6% but you can buy up-to 30% at Home Depot/other. You can re-use it, just screen the liquid and place it into the original container. I label mine.

Broken pilot jets can usually be easily removed by using a left-hand drill set. When the bit starts to bite, the jet will often spin right out.

View attachment 96558

The one below looks to be their current offering.

View attachment 96560
https://www.harborfreight.com/screw-extractor-and-left-hand-drill-bit-combo-set-10-piece-63987.html

Thanks for the info. I got my broken jets out with a tiny left hand bit. 2 carbs are totally rebuilt, 2 are waiting on pilot jets, and 1 is waiting on a diaphram needle assembly. I really just needed the nylon bolt but couldn't get it separate. The piece was cross threaded and crazy crooked.
My biggest problems have been trying to undo what the previous owner(s) have done. Mismatched parts, mangled fasteners, incorrect jet sizes, modded parts, etc. Since I've never worked on one of these, my repairs are painfully slow. I have to research each step extensively to make sure parts are correct or I don't need to order missing parts.

I do have a question about the throttle cable furthest from the diaphram cover. Mine has two "anchors." One on the very end and one a few inches up the cable. I don't remember which was connected to the slot in the wheel groove. How far are the cable ends supposed to stick out of the top end of the bundle?