83 Carb removal?

[veloce430]

Question for you owner's of 83's (and Lucky).  What is the easiest way to remove and reinstall the '83 carbs? Seeems like they are a tighter fit than the 82's and next to impossible to remove the carb tops while the carbs are still on the motor.
I was thinking of unbolting the manifold from the head, and then unbolting the carb from the manifold?  I too have no fuel getting to the motor, but can't get the tops off to replace the needle & seats. It fired right up with a shot of starting fluid.

Thanks,

Stu

[QBS]

See my recent post to Buffo regarding testing for fuel in the carbs.  You need to do a lot more diagnostic testing before removing your carbs.  Fuel delivery issues can be resolved without carb removal.

Start at the gas tank and work toward the carbs.  You need to do these tests with at least 2 gallons of fuel in the tank.  

Does the petcock flow fuel on "Prime"?  If not your petcock is failing.  If yes, does fuel come out of the float bowls when the petcock is on "Prime" and the drain screws are loosened?  If no flow, check for kinked fuel lines.  If no kinks, lightly tap float bowls and check for flow again on prime.  If yes, your carbs are getting fuel.  If not, fill the float bowls with carb cleaner and soak for two days.  Recheck for float bowl flow on "Prime".  If still no flow, contact Lucky.  Cheers  

[veloce430]

I should have elaborated a bit more. I had done all of the things you mentioned to Buffo and I am still not getting fuel into the carbs, so I'm pretty sure it's stuck floats, and the bike hasn't run for a couple of years. I'm sure a carb rebuild will solve my issues, just wanted to know the easiest way to get the '83 carbs off.

Thanks

[ProfessorRex]

Definately time for a cleaning/re-build.  Leave the carb tops on, and you should be able to angle them out of the side of the bike once they are disconected from the rubber manifolds.  Be gentle with the manifolds, and remember that they must have gone in some way, so they must come out some way!  I'm sure Lucky and others will chime in if there's some specific trick.

I was surprised what a difference a decent cleaning makes.

-Rex

[Lucky]

to make it easier to get the carbs out, bend back the tabs holding the wire looms in place on both sides of the frame, and pull them out a bit. there should be enough slack to do this. you may also have to push the coolant hose out of the way as well.

Also it helps to spray the intakes with WD 40 once the carbs are pulled out of them as you have to slide the carbs over them & it's a tight fit.

to get them out:
--loosen all clamps & remove hoses
--remove the black plastic shield in front of the carbs (that holds the drain hose)
--pull carbs straight up
--front of the carb goes forward slightly & then turns to the left & down, then once free of the front intake, guide the rear half out over the ft intake as well.

reverse to install

--Lucky