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FE 350 backfire and flame help

Joined Aug 2010
8 Posts | 0+
I have a FE 350 that runs well but when I rev it and let off the throttle it backfires which doesn't really bother me however it also blows a small flame out of the tale pipe that can be seen in dim light. it has the Big Gun exhaust on it and i wouldn't be shocked if there is some small leaks could this be the cause of the problem, or do i need to be adjusting the the carb. I am not a bad mechanic but am new to bikes and don't have much experience working on carburetors.

Thanks
 
It sounds like the bike is running a bit lean. The first thing I would look for is air leaks - cracked intake manifold, air boot from the carb to the frame, etc. Your bike is a bit old as I think the last year they made a 350 was in '96 so cracked rubber parts would be the first place I'd look. With the Big Gun exhaust I would think that the jetting shoild have been richened up a bit over stock so you may want to look into that after checking for air leaks. Also, make sure the clamps on either end of the carb are tightened down as that can be a place of air leakage.
 
the rubber boot from the carb to the motor is new replaced last fall. the intake boot from the carb to the frame is no longer made but is constructed out of a piece of defroster hose (a lot like dryer vent) wrapped in electrical tape, i don't think there are any leaks in it but as far as the mixture is concerned it shouldn't matter because it is before the carb. I don't know what size the jets are in the carb but if it runs well i would imagine that they are ok. like i said earlier I am not very familiar with carbs so what would i adjust to richen up the mixture a little. also i forgot to mention earlier but if I open the the throttle a lot right off idle the bike hesitates for a second or so like it is being starved of fuel. I am not interested in re jetting the carb for too reasons i am not interested in keeping the bike that long (will probably get replaced this summer some time) and it is likely to be difficult to find jets for that carb.

Thanks
 
The first thing you could try is to raise the needle (lower the clip) one notch and see if that takes care of the problem. Also, you might try richening up the fuel screw by turning it out a bit. However, if it is the flat-slide Delorto, it will have an air screw (located near the rear of the carb) instead of a fuel screw (located near front of the carb) which needs to be turned in instead of out to richen up the mixture. My '96 FE501 had the flat slide carb but the '97 and later bikes used the round slide carb along with '94 and earlier models (I believe the flat slide carbs were used for only a year or two). A friend I used to ride with years ago had a '92 FE350 and it had the round slide carb.

If the needle and/or the fuel screw doesn't fix the issue a richer pilot jet is in order and they are available (my Gas Gas trials bikes use the same pilot jets in their Delorto carbs as the older Husabergs). I don't know where you live but Rick at BOSS in Portland, OR has Delorto jets in stock and is only a phone call away, as are numerous other Husaberg, Gas Gas, Ducati, etc. dealers. The KTM LC4 models also used Delorto carbs, if I remember right.

Most likely you will be able to fix the issue by richening up the needle and/or the fuel/air screw.
 

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