Mikuni Carb Question

[jep_800]

I've got a question for those who run Mikuni Carbs (which is pretty much everyone). This is actually related to my 74' El Tigre which also has a Kawasaki engine, like the later model JD's. How do I tell what type of VM34 carbs I have. My manual says they are supposed to be VM34-24, part # 0170-043. I purchased two VM34 carbs for it, and replaced all the internal components according to manufactured specs. But I'm not convinced that I have the correct, or even same VM34's as I understand the trailing numbers can be different based on the type. Some of the Mikuni parts can be different, like some of the main jets have a wire retainer, some don't, some of the bowl plugs are different, the gaskets can be a little different, etc. Does this stuff make a big difference as long as all the internal components are correct for the machine (i.e. correct jetting & needles)? Will it operate fine, or do I need to take a look at these again? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

jep_800

[AirborneX4Special]

I could be talking out of school, but when you have the same size and type of carb, it should be fine regardless of the year it was manufactured. The part numbers and internal parts will change, but unless you are moving from a power jet carb to a standard VM, basic functionality should be pretty similar. The only possible functional differences might be in technological advances over 40 years which may require small jetting changes relative to an older engine, but that would be pretty minor. Guess you'd need to read your plugs after a few runs if you were concerned. Error on the side of rich....plugs are cheaper than pistons.

[jep_800]

Thanks Pat, I've tried to look at a few Mikuni tech sheets, and I don't see any significant differences, so that's kinda what I was thinking. As long as I have it set up for the proper jetting, and as you say, err on the side of rich, it should work fine. I was just confused about the different part numbers and "model" numbers. But you're right all VM34's or VM32's or whatever, should function very close to the same.

jep_800