Thanx Peppi - I don't have a stock needle, but going one more notch richer a couple days ago has made a big difference in the performance and feel of the engine, so I'm guessing that where I had it wasn't rich enough for this colder weather. I may have a #46 somewhere, but I had to go to the 50 last summer to get an idle. It had me checking out everything including gaskets and rubbers.

I have found a shortcut to changing the needle! Remove the crank breather bolts, leaving air cleaner and everything on. Tilt the carb out enough to remove the screw that holds the cable mount, then just remove the carb cap. I didn't have to loosen the cables a bit, or remove anything else - bam - back together and running.
Oh, and put an old speaker magnet below the carb to catch the breather washers that ARE gonna fall down when you pull the bolts back! You'd have to pull the stock football if you still have that on.

 

The only thing I have NOT tried with my cv is...

removing, completely disassemble, let soak in carb cleaner for a few days.


I cant stay off of it that long so I just riiiiide. Once it snows Ill try that cleaning method

 

I know how ya feel. Are you having the same sort of problems I was? What are your jets?
When I pull the float bowl or slide, everything looks pristine, and I run Star Tron in the gas now and then, so I doubt cleaning will do for me.

 

Carb farts.

Its been so long I cant remember the jets but i think 45 and 180. I have an adjustable needle and when pulled it had 3 washers on the top side...Why would the washers be on top? My needle was adjusted to the 3rd notch from the bottom.

Playin with it now

 

The washers on on the top for storage, that way they can't get lost.