88 800 will go but it isn't pretty

[Xmigo]

So it sounds like you're not sure if you are too lean or rich? If so try riding it with the choke on. If this improves performance you are indeed too lean (which I think you are).
My next thought is what I did when I reassembled my carbs. The slide gaskets can be tricky to seat correctly and can cause problems when they arn't. (I should know.) So check that next.
If that doesn't work it could be that you do still have some gunk in a crook or cranny in the carbs. Did you use compressed air before when cleaning them? I've never successfully cleaned carbs without it (and I've tried).

I hope this helps

'97 Spirit 1100

[John Hopkins]

I've just cleaned my carbs and I must have posted at least three sets of instructions on this forum..my bike starts and runs like a dream..

I have never even seen an '88 800 or any other 800 but the carbs can't be that different..

Bite the bullet, remove the carbs again, fit a new air filter, fit a new fuel filter before you reassemble, fit new repair kits, and if you can find any of my posted instructions they should help.

John.

[Schattenreiter]

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

I've just cleaned my carbs and I must have posted at least three sets of instructions on this forum..my bike starts and runs like a dream..

I have never even seen an '88 800 or any other 800 but the carbs can't be that different..

Bite the bullet, remove the carbs again, fit a new air filter, fit a new fuel filter before you reassemble, fit new repair kits, and if you can find any of my posted instructions they should help.

John.

And you won't see any other 800 cause Honda only made it one year. 1988. The guys at my local Honda dealer call it the one year wonder.

[dawkinza]

Well I took her apart again, blasted every hole and jet w/ a pressurized carb cleaner, auto zone didnt have just compressed air and the guys aid it should work fine, but I also ran a high e guitar string through every thing so they shpuld be clean.. Xmigo, what side gasket are u referring to? John Hopkins, they should be just like the 86 87 600 and 700 shadows, my understanding is the 800 is a bored out 750! I have put the carbs back on, and hooked her all back up, gut gonna let the gas sit for a night and try to start her tomorrow.. I've replaced the air filter, but if I end up needing a new a new gas filter it'll have to wait to be order til Monday..
I' llupdate y'all tomorrow! Thanks for all the suggestions and help!

[dawkinza]

And here's a pic for the no believers.. It's not a sasquatch, but a shadow vt 800!

Thanks again guys!

[dawkinza]

sorry a little bigger this time, and upside down, If it still is, sorry, I tried to adjust it..

[John Hopkins]

I think what Xmigo is talking about is the diaphragm rim...after cleaning and checking for pinholes and splits I find the rim at the top of the diaphragm can be difficult to keep in the groove while you fit the cover..so I smear a bit of silicon gasket gel in the groove to hold the gasket in place while I fit the cover..also take a look in the parts list for the Air cutoff valve...this is often missed and is usually filthy..it can cause popping...

John.

[Schattenreiter]

Here is a shot of the one I just bought. Right side up.

[gordo2472003]

Nice ride schatten!

[Xmigo]

Originally Posted by John Hopkins

I think what Xmigo is talking about is the diaphragm rim...after cleaning and checking for pinholes and splits I find the rim at the top of the diaphragm can be difficult to keep in the groove while you fit the cover..so I smear a bit of silicon gasket gel in the groove to hold the gasket in place while I fit the cover..

John.

yes, diaphragm, not gasket. I can be helpful sometimes too. Thank you John.

'97 Spirit 1100