Alternate tools or methods?

What can I use to check float levels in my carbs? The Yamaha tool YM-01312 is 30 bucks but if I can make it, thats better yet! I can get some clear tubing, but do you use to screw into the bottom of the carbs?

Will I ever need a YICS tool? My XS400J has YICS on the side but I have no idea what that is. (other than hole in my head by someones signature. Bill?)

 

Wizard's great quote. YICS is a tube just below your carbs. On each side you should see a bolt that caps each end of the port. Each carb has a hole into this tube allowing them to share vacuum. That is the short answer.

You don't need the tool get some clear tube. To tune you will need the YICS tool.

 

how do I get the clear tube into the bowl of the carbs and stay?

I looked in my service manual and it does not call out or show the YICS tool. Does one cover all models? How do I order it.

My bike runs good just looking to make it great. I will start a new thread later on this.

 

I used the little plastic nipple-things that came with my MityVac; you can use a piece of smaller tubing or anything that will push into the hole and stay put.

I can't say for sure if the 4-cylinder YICS tool will work on the twins, I suspect not. Blocking the YICS may not be so critical on the twins.

Your bike may very well be running fine, but if you've never checked your valve clearances it may not be for long. I just passed up a really clean 400 Max with 20K on it because it had a burnt valve, apparently due to the valves never being touched.

Check and adjust the valves before you begin messing with the carbs.

 

I think I will start a new thread and tell all thats been done.