Hello,

I own a '87 Softail with a CV carb. I will change the actual hypercharger kuryakyn filter, with the retro style one : Breather Style Air Filter Chrome, for Harley - Davidson with Keihin CV - Carburetor | eBay

Does anyone use this retro filter? What jet sizes are you running? Currently I have 48 pilot and 175 main jets into my CV carb.

Thanks
BR
Marcel

 

Air filters don't affect jetting needs (on a CV) as much as some are led to believe. The exhaust and cam have far greater influence on jetting needs.

The jet needle and low jet are the most critical. Main jet will either starve or over fuel, altering performance only at large throttle openings. If your cam is stock and mufflers are less than totally open, the 48 low jet is too big. If it actually "needs" a 48, you have an intake leak.

You need to mount the air filter solid, so the carb won't "wiggle" around. If you alter the position of either, even the slightest, you must change the manifold-to-carb seal else you'll have an intake leak.

 

Thanks for reply.

I tought the air filter has the biggest influence on the air fuel ratio. The less restriction it has, the bigger jet size is needed.
I just bought the bike, no idea what cams are inside.
Yes, I will mount the air filter so it will not "wiggle". Currently I have a kuryakyn hypercharger, but don't like the look of it. That's why I bought that retro air filter, that I like a lot.

Marcel

 

That's somewhat true, but more so with a butterfly or mechanical slide carburetor. Because of the air flow regulation of the slide travel, the CV compensates for many factors, so much more than others. Before them, the SU with a vacuum slide was the go to for exotic an carburetor. Everything with a carb is a compromise at some rpm/load range.

Unless you go from a totally dirty paper filter to a super free flow and especially foam, re-jetting is seldom necessary with the CV. If your jetting was correct with the H/C, you'll be OK...

 

when you said retro, I got all excited thinking you were putting a ham can on that thing.

carl

 

Thanks

 

 

Those little retro filters are cute but let a lot of dirt in and try finding a replacement element when the foam one in it starts shredding. Couple farts or backfires through the carb they are gone.

 

Ah that's funny! We used to throw those things away as soon as we got a new bike home from the dealer and fit the round chrome ones, along with straight pipes. Most of them ended up used as parts trays. (Or mull trays.)

 

Yes.
I'm thinking to replace the foam, when the case, with some steel wool.
Need to check what material steel wool is made, is only carbon steel or there are also from stainless steel?