Just been searching thru and finding service manuals for this carb that was on the bike when I bought it (Super E with blue thunderjet). What is the typical life span 'till it needs to be torn down and gone over? Is the complete rebuild kit needed, or are there significant weak points that would need addressed?
Reason asking is, I've been getting an occasional "pop" thru the intake when I'm slowing down for a stop, downshifting and hitting the throttle. This just started over the last couple of weeks. Today, at a stop sign when I gave it a twist to start out, it popped and stalled in the intersection. My thoughts are high float, as I can smell fuel after the pop. Other things to note is that I have straight 1 3/4" drag pipes and everything else is stock to my knowledge.

Next question is on the filter - this has a stock foam S&S filter that is looking old. Any recomendations on type for replacement?
Advantages of K&N, Amsoil, or others?

 

Could be an exhaust leak.

 

Aren't the S&S filters cleanable?

 

Yea, but last cleaning, you could tell it was getting old...

 

I bought my S&S new and it had a paper element. It couldn't hurt to put a new element in. Check for and intake leak by spraying WD40 or starter fluid around the intake manifold, if the engine rpms change, there's a leak. Running lean will cause it to pop like that also, try adjusting your air/fuel ratio. If the carb is dirty or gummed up, it will run a little leaner because the jets are restricted, if doing the above doesn't help, take in apart and clean it. A rebuild kit couldn't be all that expensive, there aren't that many seals and gaskets in that carb.

 

Drained the float bowl and cleaned the chunks outa the nut, and added cleaner to the fuel. Seemed to do the trick.
Back to the air filters - I saw knock-off K&N type filters on eBay for about half the cost. Anyone had experiences with these?
How about experiences Amsoil filters?