Can't Pass Emissions test in Arizona!

I've been lurking on the board a while and have learned a TON. Thanks to everyone who selflessly lends their knowledge and experience to others.

I have a 95 FE350 with the Dellorto VHSB38 flat slide carb and I cannot get it passed our AZ Emissions test. High Hydrocarbons and CO2 (very close on CO2). I've been through the carb a couple of times and it's as clean as it can get. Needle is straight and atomizer looks good, all jets and passages are clean. I replaced a sticky float valve and seat with new parts.

The bike starts good on the choke with a few kicks. After it's warm and off choke it misfires a bit here and there at idle and when riding up to about 1/4 throttle. I believe the misfires are the cause of my HC failure. I've tried to set the air mixture screw and idle but am stumped. I don't want to spend a ton (more) on this bike but I do need it to pass emissions inspection so I can get a plate. What should I try next?

Other particulars:
New gas, relatively new plug, but I'm getting a new one to eliminate that possibility.
K32 needle
258 needle jet
175 main jet
33 pilot jet
50 start jet

Appreciate any ideas

Dale,

AZ measures HC and CO only.
It's an idle test, if the readings are high they have you up the revs to ~2,000 RPM for 30 seconds then recheck at idle.

HC max is 1800, CO max is 5.50

My first readings were
HC - 2123
CO - 5.79

after :30 idle
HC - 2248
CO - 5.66

Dale,

Filters are clean and oiled properly. Vent tubes are clear. I always run premium gas. I'll set the fuel screw as you describe and will try the breather idea too. Not sure where the needle clip is set but I'll check that too.

I'll try again in the next couple of days and will let you know how things go. I really appreciate the help.


Jim

Thanks, I couldn't get that to work for me.

Ned, Don't think I haven't thought of moving but I'm partial to my current house. It has a great garage!

Berger, I'm out almost exactly 1-1/2 turns. Can you give me any specs on float height on the VHSB38. The manual I have found shows float levers being parallel to the float bowl but they are straight and mine have a bend in them. I'm setting them so the straight part is parallel with the bowl but am not sure that's correct.

Once I get the carb off I'll try to post a pic.

The guys a Premier here in PHX looked at the needle and needle jet and said they looked good. They also didn't have replacements available. I think I'm going to go to a shop with an analyzer and pay them to set it so I know it'll pass the next time I go to the DMV.

Float lever reset. It wasn't parallel before but it is now.

Well, it's running like crap now but it idles better and passed 1/2 the emissions test. CO is 4.41% (below the 5.5 limit). Hydrocarbons are still over 1800 by almost exactly the same amount. They're 2225 now and were 2248 at last check.

The shop charged me 1/2 an hour labor, pretty reasonable, but bent my side-stand and didn't make any improvements in HC. Their tester showed it passing both - or at least that's what they said. I'm not sure they were checking the Hydrocarbons.

I think it's time for a new bike or spending a lot more on this one. I'm going to take it to the H'berg dealer and ask them to get it through the inspection for me. They can tell me what else it needs while I'm at it. That against the price of a different ride is going to make the decision.

I appreciate the help. I'm very frustrated. Thought I had it sorted. My guess is that it needs some major work - head, rings, both. I don't know how many hours she has or when/if anything has ever been done to her. I thought I'd put her back into shape but, frankly, what I've spent so far and what I think I have left would have bought me a much nicer bike than what I'll end up with when I'm done.

I agree that the tests are rediculous but don't really have any choice as long as I want to live in Phoenix. It's really not that far off so I'm hopeful I'll get her there.