[txpilot]

So I took my 95 bullet 500 out on the highway today to get a bite to eat about 15miles each way and I noticed when I stopped both to and from that the bike wouldn't idle. I would have to adjust the idle high so it wouldn't stall s was prob running over 2K rpm. It was purring like a kitten when I left my house what gives?

[Bankerdanny]

Do you have the original carb? Could be a leak in the rubber hose that connects the carb to the head.

[Spitting Bull]

Do you still have the PAV system fitted?  If so, check that the little vacuum pipe hasn't come loose from the carburetter manifold.

Tom

[txpilot]

what is the pav system. I have the aftermarket K&N air filter if that is what you mean

[Bankerdanny]

The PAV is an emissions control system fitted to the late model Bullets. Your '95 won't have one.

[txpilot]

now it won't idle at all. It was running perfectly and I take it out on a short run and now it is running rough won't idle and is popping. I'll get it tunned in and it will idle I'll rev it once and it will start running really high so i turn down the idle and then it idles for a second and then slows down untill it dies. Any sugestons, i'm starting to regret getting this bike.

[Bankerdanny]

Check the rubber hose that connect the carb to the head for cracks and make sure that the hose clamps are tight.

[txpilot]

I did and I don't see any

[alwscout]

TX, take you deep breath and relax. You shouldn't regret getting the bike. Odds are it's something real simple and you'll have it fixed easily.

My ride was acting similar once and I had to adjust the pilot and and idle mixture screws until I had the motor idling ok again and then I had to continue to adjust the mixture screw after a few rides until I finally got it back in a sweet spot again.

I'm sure with patience you'll figure it out.

Adam

[Chuck D]

TX, Bankerdanny is on to something. Just last week I swapped out the air filter (the stock one, in the airbox). I didn't tighten the hose clamp that connects the rubber bellows tube sufficiently and it worked it'sway loose several miles later with the exact same symptoms you describe. Luckily, I was in a gas station and not in the middle of traffic when it happened. Please don't give up on the bike. Its rewards are too rich and most of the problems you'll encounter will be simple ones.  Chuck.

[txpilot]

well I'll try to adjust the carb again I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[ace.cafe]

I agree with the above sentiments about the rubber hose issue.

It is the most likely cause of the problem.
It is particularly likely to happen when a K&N or pod-type filter is hung off the end of the carb, because it stresses that rubber part more.
My rubber hose lasted only a couple of days after I put my K&N on the bike.

Get the alloy manifold stub, and put a piece of strong radiator hose in there as the rubber part. It's stronger and will hold up.

I had the exact same problems, and that was the cause.

[LotusSevenMan]

Ditto the above.
What happens is as the revs get above a certain range the engine sucks in air from the 'wrong' side effectively bypassing the carb and up go the revs or it drops off as too weak.
You won't regret having this bike really. Just a part of the ownership thing.
They are simple ol' girls and can be fixed easily in the main. No ECU's and throttle pot sensors to go wrong here. Just tried and tested old technology!!!
Good Luck.
LSM

[Foggy_Auggie]

If the carb is only supported on the intake manifold end with the K&N hanging on the other end - vibration could cause fuel aeration in the float bowl (per Vince) and a weak point for air leaks.

[soulcatcher3]

Hi...I'd take note of T120rbullet's suggestion about boogers in the carb...couple of weeks ago mine was all tuned up, took her for the safety inspection...all good...got her home...problems..and they were similar to yours. ended up being a bunch of very fine crap in the carby, stuck under the main jet...wasn't visible until I took the jet out,then the fine dust was stuck between the jet and a washer. I had a bad filter in the fuel line, which had let through super fine rust particles from the tank. So it's well worth taking out the carb and cleaning it..not just opening up the carb drain...
 Worth a try....good luck...Phil

[txpilot]

after looking around on the bike I've noticed that i don't have a fuel filter. It is just hose between the pitcock and the carb. I was thinking of just using the same type of filter I user for my VW ghia. What do you guys think?

[LotusSevenMan]

TX PILOT
I have a petcock that has a clear bowl with a filter already fitted (bike came like that) but I have just replaced the inline filter that was fitted with one like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250278796360

Our hosts on the site must sell something similar I'm sure. Always worth keeping the fine rust/dust out of the carb jets!!!!!!

[baird4444]

LEAVE THE CHOKE LEVER DOWN??
           (sorry, had to ask) - Mike