Date: Thu, 27 Aug 1998 22:45:04 -0700
From: Mike
Hi Peter, I just got a Colourtune and I was wondering if you could give
me a few tips on using it. I know I should get the bike warmed up before
I adjust the carbs but do I disconnect the sparkplug for the side opposite
that I'm adjusting (like you do without using a Colourtune) ? I have a
'77 Bonneville with a Boyer and no battery.
--
Mike
Date: Fri, 28 Aug 1998 10:55:09 +0100 (BST)
From: Peter Aslan
On Thu, 27 Aug 1998, Mike wrote:
> Hi Peter, I just got a Colourtune and I was wondering if you could
give
> me a few tips on using it.
[Snip]
The best instructions are no doubt included with the device, however, for what it is worth.
Go out for a ride of at least 10 Miles.
Get Back and remove one sparkplug and install the Colourtune,(from the Cylinder you just removed the Sparkplug from) the object is to get the bike running on both cylinders, as it would be in normal use. Be careful not to over tighten the Colourtune, just, 'nip it up' with a spanner.
You then need to connect the Colourtune to the HT Lead of the Coil. This is supposed to be done with the long Black flexible thing, which I have never got to work on the Commando as the lead is too short. I use an old cut down spoke to extend the Colourtune Plug so the HT Lead Suppresser cap can reach and fire the Colourtune Plug. (you may wish to play around with this until you get something to work before starting to get the Bike Warm to 'do it for real'.
The Colourtune is also supplied with a black tube, periscope thing, with a mirror on the end, again, with the commando, I've never found I've had enough room under the tank to use this device, although you could get a special long HT Lead made for this application.
So, the engines Hot, the Colourtune is in place, and you start the bike.
While trying to keep the engine at Idle, view the top of the Colourtune Plug window, (best done in a darkened Garage, or in the street at Night.
If the Colour is predominantly Yellow, slowly unscrew the Idle Mixture screw, until it turns Blue. This will happen suddenly, and the engine speed should increase as the screw is moved out. You will probably notice the occasional Yellow Flash, but the colour should be blue most of the time.
If when you start the colour is already blue, then screw the idle mixture in until it turns Yellow, the turn it out until it turns blue again.
Its important to stop when the colour has just turned blue, as if you continue, it will stay blue, even though the mixture is becoming more and more rich. The ideal Colour is described as Vivid Blue.
When done, Switch the Colourtune Plug to the other Cylinder and repeat the process.
When all Cylinders have been done, set the idle speed for each Cylinder, as described in the FAQ's.
Regards,
Peter Aslan (aka Captain Norton). Louden Quill Award.