Carb Troubles - Where do these pipes go?

[Johnnynhl57]

Hi Guys, Query in relation to a 1992 Kawasaki 550ZR, I had the carbs off last year and put standard needles and jets in as part of my overhaul re-build. I am struggling to get power after it warms up and am struggling to find where to put the 2 big breather pipes. Could these be related?. Is there an actual place the pipes should go, at the moment they are just hanging down from the T junctions between the carbs.
I have attached a stock pic showing the clear pipes.
Thanks

[hugojose]

They go nowwhere, ....routed back, then on each side of the air box and then down aiming to the road..in front of rear wheel. If carbs are flooded,..they may spit fuel, thus make sure fuel won't spill on anything....and nothing hot.,

.....with age they become very hardened and difficult to bend. I replaced mine with a combo of silicone hoses, and fuel hose at the nipples.

[Johnnynhl57]

Thanks very much for the prompt reply!, put my mind at rest on this one!

[Freddy]

Regarding the apparent loss of power, unless you made sure you purchased exact genuine replacement jets and needles (either Kawasaki or carb make) and instead installed some generic aftermarket parts, then you have in all probability changed the air/fuel ratio. With a loss of power most likely made the AFR leaner.

If you still have the original jets and needles, reinstall them. They don't really wear out. Not sure regarding a 550, but a 750 had stock different jets and needles between the middle and outer carbies.

[Johnnynhl57]

Thanks Freddy, I might just do that I still have them. Just a quick query before I go and do it all again. What is the standard setting for the carb mixture screws. My Manual says back them out 1 to 2 turns. Any advice?

[Freddy]

Thanks Freddy, I might just do that I still have them. Just a quick query before I go and do it all again. What is the standard setting for the carb mixture screws. My Manual says back them out 1 to 2 turns. Any advice?

I only have a genuine Kawasaki service manual for a 750. If you have an aftermarket manual for the 550 and it says 1 to 2 turns .... then if you live at or near sea level in a moderate climate .... set them to 2 turns.

P.S. If you do find the original jets, take note of the jet size stamped on the jet. You'll likely need a magnifying glass to read it, being so small. Then go to a genuine parts schematic for your model (you'll find them online), and check out the range of main jets that were available for your bike. Then if you do want to play around with the main jets, mostly going a little larger, you know the range of options. Genuine jets in various sizes are relatively cheap,and available from specialist shops.

P.S. The only non Kawasaki or carb manufacturer part you ever want to stick in a carburettor are gaskets. You never know what you are getting with aftermarket jets, needles, etc.

[Johnnynhl57]

Thanks Freddy, I live in Prestwick, Scotland right next to the sea, so I will take your advice and go for 2 turns. Thanks.