Black plug, black smoke

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Jere

Ran some carb cleaner through the gas tank and it's running fairly decent but it's still backfiring on occasion (only when shutting it off though.)

I think I'm going to take the carb off and clean it properly then try the valve adjustment. I'll report back when that's done (won't be for awhile.)

Is it really a back-FIRE or just a back-kick in the engine? A lot of bikes will take a half-stroke or so of BACKWARDS rotation sometimes when turning off; it makes a funny clunk-whine noise and there's really nothing you can do about that. I think the thumper does it more than most.

If you DO decide to dis-assemble the carb, I would recommend getting a "kit" for it. Gasket, o-rings, a spring or two.......WAY over-priced but invaluable if you screw something up when taking it apart.

What brand of cleaner did you use ?