Mikuni RS36-D3K tuning help needed

[makzy]

Ditto Brett’s, Jaymo you’ve chosen a path only experts dare to tread,
If it’s sucking the oil out of the filters their either too close, or too small and too restrictive for the engine, an air box of some description will certainly help, it’s not a moto GP engine, it needs to suck still air from an even source and 4 pods won’t allow that, been down this track many years ago with CB 750’s and Z 900’s, they don’t work, sorry.

[BrettS]

You are all guilty of heading down a fox hole. Filters are probably drying out because they are getting splashed with fuel. Bike will run satisfactorily even without pods or air box so if you think there is an issue just leave them off for now but that is not your issue.
As was shown by Andy, these carbs run great as per fj1200 settings as out of the box. You are only complicating by changing needle settings and such.
Did you say yo7 still haven’t checked for leaks. Symptoms are classic air leak but it will be something simple. Check you have your timing plate on correctly. You really need to go back to basics. If it was running ok with the other carbs on go back to them to try. It can take a lot of work to solve an issue like this but it will eventually click and surface. Don’t keep complicating it more.

[Jonesy :-)]

The original airbox is a bit warped and doesn't seal very well

Can you do rough sealing job for a trial or is it truly unservicable?

[XSIIE]

You’ll have to relocate to Australia😃
We have pleanty of spares
Amthough that would be a bit xsive

[Jaymo]

Is there a mate you could borrow a functional airbox from to test?

Sadly, no.

[XSIIE]

Is there a mate you could borrow a functional airbox from to test?

[Jaymo]

The original airbox is a bit warped and doesn't seal very well.

[XSIIE]

Do you still have the original airbox?
Try that out to eliminate the pods as a problem.
It just may be the repro K&N filters are not up to scratch?

[Jaymo]

Pull your plugs out and check the colours, sounds like your fuel screw is still in to far, not letting enough fuel through causing it to run lean like you say, wind the fuel screw out in relation to your plug colour

Or try this also

Black, from idling rich, with a good sized white spot from running lean when I'm riding.
I've noticed that my K&N copy(?) filters from Dynoman dry out quickly. I oil them, and a day later, they are dry over about half of the surface of the gauze.
That will make them run lean, and I've noticed that the backfire issue gets progressively worse, as I'm riding and the filters dry out.
I'm thinking about making foam or cloth filter wraps to increase filtration and inlet restriction, to increase the vacuum signal at the jets and enrich the mixture.

So, does anyone make pod filters with paper filter material, or are gauze and foam my only options?

[steptoe]

Pull your plugs out and check the colours, sounds like your fuel screw is still in to far, not letting enough fuel through causing it to run lean like you say, wind the fuel screw out in relation to your plug colour

Or try this also

[Jaymo]

I took the old beast for a test ride.
It backfires through the carbs under low-ish RPM (2500-3000), high load (accelerating), at about 1/4 throttle.
Also, the RPMs were hanging up when revved in neutral.
I lowered the needle clip one notch and adjusted the pilot screws out to 1 full turn from lightly seated.
Better, but it still stumbles and backfires on low-ish RPM/high load/part-throttle operation.

When it's up to speed, wide open throttle seems to be a beast.
It's getting to WOT that's the problem.

Seems like it's leaning out, but I'm lost as to where.
I'll check for vacuum leaks (haven't gotten around to that yet), but....
Any ideas?

[Jaymo]

I balanced the carbs today. They are indeed a pain to balance.
I was going to take it for a test ride after, but as soon as I got the tank and seat reinstalled, it started storming.
I was completely drenched by the time I got my tools put up.
Maybe tomorrow.

[AussiXS11G]

That mounting bracket material info is great to know - I have always used steel but am surprised that it makes a difference - great work - thumbs up!!

[Jaymo]

UPDATE!!!!
After work today, I made steel mounting brackets for the Dyna coils.
Upon lighting her up, I noticed an immediate improvement.
I didn't have to use choke to start.
It revs better.
It idles better.
It just runs better.
Now, I need to balance the carbs. Then, I can work on readjusting the accelerator pump stroke and timing.
Then, she'll get an Italian Tune Up. 
Then, I'll worry with plug chops, jetting, etc.
Frankly, I'm amazed at how much difference ignition coil mounting bracket material made.

[Jaymo]

So, what is the recommended tool for removing and installing the main jets in the RS36?
My Google-fu seems to be weak tonight.