'85 VF500 Carb Question

Hey guys, I picked up a VF500 not too long ago, and although it ran, it wasn't very happy doing so. I took it apart and when I finally got the carbs off (which was a real pita) I noticed that the last spring for the sync/butterfly valve was missing. I wasn't sure if maybe I had done that wrestling with the carbs or not so I didn't want to call that the problem; I replaced it and moved on. I went ahead did a valve adjustment and am starting to put it all back together. I pulled the carbs apart to clean them, but they were surprisingly spotless, so I just put it all back together and bench synced. Now, my question is while searching for information on how to properly clean and handle the carbs I must have missed something about setting the mixture screw(s?) as I came across others on this forum discussing how many turns it's supposed to be turned out? When I put the carbs back together I simply assumed that you just screw them back in snug but not too tight. Do I need to go back into the carbs and fiddle with these at all? I'm kind of confused as I watched a couple different videos showing how to take apart and clean carbs, yet don't remember anything saying to remember to set the screws at a certain position.

I'll apologize in advance if something I said doesn't make sense as this is the first motorcycle I've worked on and I'm just kinda winging it with a bit of reading and common sense. Thanks for any info you guys may have, cheers.

 

you can adjust the screws on the bike. if they are all the way in= no fuel. 2 1/4 turns out should get you running.

 

I would suggest that you get a service manual, it is essential for taking care of the bike. Carb adjustment is outlined in detail. The Clymer is OK, but the factory manual is by far the best. Did you check the float levels? It is critical on these carbs.

 

Thanks for the quick reply guys. I'll open them back up an adjust the screws and measure the float levels before I put them back on the bike. I finally just found a Honda PDF file yesterday so I'll use that from now on.

 

The recommended screw setting is just an initial starting point. Further experimentation may suggest a position more or less than that setting where the bike idles better and has smoother power delivery at low throttle openings.

Did you remove the airbox base from the set of carbs ??( Not necessary or desirable.)