Idle problem

[montmil]

Something to consider when setting idle RPMs:

The cam chain and sprockets receive the necessary oiling in a rather crude design. A short bit of tubing is aimed in the general direction of the tension-guide side of the cam chain.

At too low revs -and I consider below 1100rpm for my three Airheads- the "oil spitter pipe" becomes an oil dribbler pipe. Minimal oil reaches the bearing, sprockets and chain. For frequent urban stop & go traffic, accelerated wear of these PITA to replace parts is a real possibility.

[JJH]

As I commute on my bike through town, I really appreciate the advice on idle speed.  Also I did set my idle so it does not stall at stop light, but I still have the higher idle when the engine is warm.  I guess my next step is to try the "spray and pray" on the advance unit.  Thanks,  John

[jonathanrowley]

when coming to a stop the idle will be 2000 rpm.

Have you checked that the Cables to the Carbs are free and you have a little slack at the Carbs - could be Cables sticking.

Failing that, maybe some dirt or crap in the Idle jet - you'd need to take off bottoms of carbs - check for crud, clean and put back on.

Beyond that - mechanical advance in Bean Can sticking.
Bean Can - PITA IMHO.
I've just binned mine and replaced with a Siemens electronic unit - Bike is much better behaved.

[montmil]

The idle air adjust screw -which is outside of the float bowl- controls, well, your idle rpm. With the engine fully warmed, turn the screws -no more than a small screwdriver's blade width- one way or the other. You'll likely notice an immediate change in revs. You might then need to tweak the topside idle stop screws.

I'll first use a pencil to mark the carb body as to the original position of the jet's blade slot. Working upside down, I'm even more easily confused!

[JJH]

Update... I fixed the problem!!!!  There was an airleak/ vacuum leak,  I sprayed solvent around the airtubes and no change in RPM.  I then started to perform the tune up.  I removed the front plate and happened to look at the bottom of the carburetor and noticed the vacuum take off screw is missing.  A quick trip to get a screw didn't work (smallish town 3.5 mm not too common), but the auto parts store had rubber caps.  No more problems with high idle!!!  Now onto that timing issue...