Posted by Andrew on July 24, 2003 at 23:37:48:
Hi Fellow Savage Riders,
Just thought I'd tell you all about my experiences with the white spacer in the carb. After reading all the postings here, I decided to improve the carburation of my bike by removing the white spacer and readjusting the pilot air screw.
This proceedure had the desired effect of enrichening the fuel/air mixture at low throttle settings. In fact it made things too rich. At low throttle settings (about one quarter open), the bike felt like I was running with the choke pulled out. The plug quickly became black and sooty - a sure sign of rich running.
So I've put the white spacer back and the engine is running fine. The spark plug is now the perfect straw colour.
Why have I failed when everyone else has succeeded ????
I think I have the answer. The US spec Savage is set up hopelessly weak to pass the emissions regulations. My bike is a 1993 UK (British) specification model. Here in England back in 1993 there were no such emission regulations to pass. I think the UK spec bikes were set up running properly when they left the factory. That's why raising the needle in the carb by removing the white spacer just resulted in a black, sooty plug and a badly running motor.
I'm still using the standard Suzuki exhaust. It's 10 years old and hasn't gone rusty yet!
Happy Savage riding.