SU Carburetor For a Harley Davidson Shovelhead

[@Johnny-df4di]

Thanks Mike came back to watch again American Prime Manufacturer in California he used to work at Rivera .Every part still available even whole Su eliminator II carburetor.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, we've been telling everyone. I don't put adds up for people yet, but I do tell them things like this. Glad you found Ben. He's got the stuff.

[@jdwond3673]

You have a good delivery on your videos. Love your handling of motor parts, no throwing things around and rough work . Thanks for the channel!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you very much!

[@JohnWilliams-bz6gt]

Pacific Mike, great video on the SU. I was redoing an ol Shovel that had puked and was given a SU by an old school biker friend that he had just “lying around” telling me I’d be sorry if I put a S&S on the bike (nothing against S&S as I’ve ran those too). BEST thing I ever did for that old scooter, runs like a striped ass ape to this day with over 60k miles and a few top ends. Thank you for this and all your videos. Guys with your knowledge are getting harder to find.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I love success.

[@davidfeinberg5599]

Always love watching your vids Mike. I've been running SU's on my genny and my 72 for years. Absolutely the easiest to tune and best running carbs on shovels. Stay healthy!!! We need you to keep tickling our brain cells !!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@garycarr6793]

Thanks for the info Mike , I recently bought a Japanese imported 2006 Heritage Softail to the UK and previous owner had put an SU carb on it, now I know exactly how it works and how to tune it !!! Great channel Mike , clever man and the you’ve got coolest voice on KZbin !!! 😁😁😁

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Enjoy your new bike.

[@1964hooch]

Mike, THANKS !! You are absolutely "Da Man". In as much as that you live in California and I in Florida, I hope and pray that someday our paths will cross. Stay safe sir.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I hope so too. Take care.

[@craigpennington1251]

I ran a number of MGBs and all of them had these carbs on them. Not one but two of them to get all synced up. The Jag has three. And like you said, they make power. I had to put the oil in mine for the car application. I used 20weight oil. Never had a single problem with any of them. There are different models of this carb. I do like them. Great video on a great carb that folks forgot about.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I've run them for over 30 years on Harleys. And, I , of course ran them on my 100/6 Austin Healey.

[@craigpennington1251]

@@pacificmike9501 Austins are cool. You don't see them any more. Once in a great while at a car show or a club rally.

[@Ytcoinshooter]

I had an SU on my first shovel 40yr ago and was everything you said. Took off the electric starter, kick only was no problem with the SU. This video is a true guide to those wanting to learn about an SU.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. They're available again from American Prime Manufacturing Inc.

[@d1andjetgettingoutdaily149]

I have a 76 FLH with Su carb it's been sitting 5 years I cleaned out the float Bowl bike runs good but idles a little fast I forgot about doing this maintenance good to see another Shovelhead Su guy I subscribed thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I think they're great.

[@michaelmitchell5909]

Fantastic video Mike!.... You have a most excellent voice for these videos. Love watching sir and can't wait to see what you do with the new bike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. It's going to be a slow proccess.

[@deanphillips8270]

Thanks for the video Mike, patiently waiting to watch that build....stay safe. The weather has finally given me a day to ride here in eastern Washington hoping to get out for a little ride on Saturday before they shut our state down

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Enjoy.

[@frill5240]

Hi Mike! I enjoy watching your programs. You are fun and humble, very nice. Im a bit ”old" myself, so I know what it means to suddenly lose words. Keep going dear friend. And we Keep going watching. Sincerely Peder in Sweden

[@pacificmike9501]

I appreciate that!

[@alexrobinson6355]

Hi Mike over the pond here in Scotland, lots of the older cars ran the SU carbs that were originally made here in the UK. I had one on an Evo sometime back and it ran good. I have one of the late Carls of Carls Speed Shop Typhoon carbs on an Evo chop and planning on working on my shovel this winter. I managed to find an old Rivera SU Eliminator Mark 1 to fit on the shovel. I know they run good but in my humble opinion look good too and in my case its getting mounted on the 70 degree elbow they made to clear my leg and you see more of the carb body. Mike thanks for video, been ages since looked at an SU carb and your video is both informative and enjoyable. Keep up the good work and stay safe over your side of the pond.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I really like my SU. I've run them for many years. The only problem I've ever had was trying to use that big "elbow" extension. It would "ice up." Don't be surprised.

[@jeffreypowell6494]

Great video simple and to the point , just like an S.U. I have been running a S.U. on my 82 shovel since I bought the bike When I bought my blockhead i got one and slapped it on that bike and have been running it ever since , just over 100,000 miles on the bike and not single problem. You just can't go wrong with the SU . Truly the "King Carb"

[@pacificmike9501]

And, there you have it.

[@joelouis6106]

Hello mike, Always a pleasure to learn from your videos,thank you for your time and take care .

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@juconmc]

Minkuni on my 1995 Fatboy, but as always, love the video's!! You are the "Bob Ross" of my favorite bikes! I continuously rewatch the Evo rebuild should the need arise. Thanks guys!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@jaimebrown7986]

Thank you very much mike I need no answers you helped me immensely I'm a hands on guy really helped watching you work and hearing your stories...

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad to hear it

[@gearsbetweenears]

Mike your videos are helping me through this COVID 19 pandemic as well. Take care from Corona Virus central, Lynnwood Wa.

[@pacificmike9501]

Wishing you the best. Thank You.

[@gregfelty5227]

Thanks Mike for sharing your knowledge of the Shovelhead engine and the SU carburetor. After your generation is gone most of this knowledge would be forever lost if it were not for guys like you. Your know how extends way beyond a shop manual. Thanks again.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. I've been missing a bunch of people who taught me.

[@wdurazo22]

I'm dealing with the Coronavirus by watching all your videos 🤙🤙🤙

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. What a concept!

[@kevinholowka7294]

Thanks again Mike for the great info. You cleared up a lot of misconceptions I had with SU carbs. Keep going strong. Kevin

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@russellphillips1534]

Just recently acquired an su carb and I don't have any instructions. Your video helps me with some of the operation of it. I'm just wondering exactly what and how I need to hook up on my 1980 FLT.

[@pacificmike9501]

Sit tight. This stuff will be available again soon. I talked with a supplier yesterday. I can't really advertise, but again, sit tight for now. We showed some instructions and I'll see what I can do for you now.

[@prof.kennethharrisonsr.7679]

Viewing your channel from Changchun China, we had no new reported cases of the virus for 31 days now, but still taking precautions…

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. That's good news. Glad to hear it and glad to hear from you.

[@godfellas483]

And there it is....🙂 I always smile when Mike says that...

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Your comment makes me smile.

[@willhoggard645]

never been around the SU carb . Looks like the best way to go! Thanks Mike! Stay happy!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. That is the goal. That goes for you too. I happen to be an SU guy. Is it the best? I don't know. But, I personally believe it makes more power on a Shovelhead than anything else I've ever tried. I've run it below sea level and I've run it at about fourteen thousand feet. I leaned it out to go high and I richened it up to go low. I adjusted it with a screwdriver when I stopped for gas. It always has made great gas mileage, and my bikes always perform respectfully well. Okay, they got a bit of a 'tude! And you can here it in a bit of a raspy sound. Some things can't be helped.

[@Big.Ron1]

I always enjoy these videos. I awakens the memory part of my old foggy brain. The way back machine. You always mention something i had forgot. Such as the 2 turns either way and re needle the carb. It has been 25 or 30 years since i ran an SU on a 76 FLH that was a basket case when i bought it. The CV carbs are handy here where we have big elevation changes. The float bowl spacer is a great addition for the long pulls up a mountain. I know Rivera still sells the parts for these carbs. Just like Linkert, the parts are out there to keep them going. In fact isn't somebody building linkerts again? Somewhere in my foggy memory i seem to remember hearing about that. I was able to get a 30 mile ride in this afternoon. While they want us to stay home we are not on lockdown here in Arizona yet. A beautiful day for getting out and getting a clear head. I have to hustle and get my Heritage engine buttuned up and get her on the road. Pronto. People are getting crazy out there. Anyway, thank you, be safe.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Yes, V-Twin out of New York has brand new Linkerts. I've never used a new one yet. Rivera's stuff will get more available after things settle down a bit. Take care. We have to all cut each other a little more slack than usual.

[@97irishflyer]

The SU is simplicity itself. What a work of art.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. I am very fond of them.

[@97irishflyer]

@@pacificmike9501 I am starting a Shovelhead project, and I think I have found my carb watching this video. I am halfway between Omaha (1400' elevation) and Denver. I ride to both places, being able to adjust on the fly would be an elegant way to ride.

[@pacificmike9501]

Not too hard to do. Maybe we'll have to show that.

[@gasgas2689]

I love the way your videos aren't edited when you forget something, like the name of the 'enrichment' valve. You are the same as all of us sixty-somethings, and more. In the UK all the Austin/ Morris / British Leyland cars were fitted with SU carburettors. At motor vehicle college our lecturer said "If you are at the pub and are short of the price of a pint, just bet your buddy that you can out-accelerate his Jaguar in your Morris Minor. You go to your car, remove the spring in the SU, roar off up the road spinning the wheels and leaving burning rubber on the road, and collect £5 off your buddy who is still changing from first to second. The spring is there to modulate the rate of rise of the jet, and if it isn't there, the piston will shoot up the dome instantly and chuck a gallon of petrol (oops sorry I meant gasoline!) into the engine.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I've run SU"s for many decades. Great story.

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing. Like these carb. videos. Watched and very much enjoyed. Stay safe my friends at your shop.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And you stay safe.

[@randallmcwilliams4966]

Welcome back bro! Much love! Kinda reminds me of my old Volvo carbs...

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Ver similar.

[@yardlimit8695]

mike, in 1973 i put an s.u, on my 72 shovelhead,,,,,,,,I LOVED IT....MORE POWER AND GREAT MILEAGE.,,,,,,,,,,,,i got the s.u. from a foreign car junkyard,,,,,,,,, rebuilt it and ran it,,,,,,,,,on your s.u., was it also from an old foreign car or does somebody make them for harleys? i wasn't quite sure about that from the video.........would greatly appreciate knowing .......thanks..........

[@pacificmike9501]

They were brand new units originally intended for Mark IV Jaguars. They were purchased by Rivera Engineering, then modified for use on Harleys. They came with full instructions and Rivera supplied a complete line of accessories for them.

[@yardlimit8695]

@@pacificmike9501 thankyou very much,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i don''t ride anymore but i love to watch your videos and you have a real nice style of teaching,,,,,,,it looks like you do nice clean work too.....thanks again;

[@rodgerbambauer123]

Yep....put an SU on my early shovel way back when, very nice setup.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep. Good stuff.

[@davidsnow2420]

I had one on my Shovel chop. Loved it! i like the racket it made with the piston while idling at a light. With the open belt on the other side and all the clutch chatter, people who didn't know HDs thought it was going to explode LOL!

[@pacificmike9501]

Just little musical instruments letting you know they're present and well.

[@johnleake708]

I like the Studebaker icon sign on your shop wall (I think that is what it is). Used to live in South Bend IN and our neighbor worked at the Studebaker Avanti plant there, just a few years ago.

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool! I really liked the Studebaker V8's. The Golden Hawk had a supercharger. Real oldies but goodies.

[@mikerapp8163]

Another great video explaining the SU carb. I have a Keihin carb on my 1970 Electraglide. Think at some point the original carb was switched out. I can’t find a reference for a 1970 Keihin being stock in 1970. Thanks for this video Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

I believe your bike came with a "Bendix" carb.

[@mikerapp8163]

@@pacificmike9501 yup, that's whats in all the info I could find. Thanks Mike!

[@vk7408]

excellent and thorough explanation which demystifies that carb. Love to see a video of a swap meet one rebuilt top to bottom and then put on bike and tuned by you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Good idea. I've been running the one that's on there for a looong time. I just clean it up once in a while.

[@MicahBell_1860]

Hi Mike I've seen a couple of your videos & had to smile when I saw this one. I have a 1946 U model Flathead Chopper built in a 1960s style. I can find nobody who knows anything about SUs & Harleys here in Australia. Mine originally had a Linkert M51, but was built from a basket case, with a Linkert from an Indian Scout. Hard to find a M51 here in Australia. So I was thinking about an SU. But I have no idea which one I should look at. My engine is stock with original 3 speed, though I have been thinking about upgrading to 5 speed

[@pacificmike9501]

A stock U model does fine with it's original 1 1/4 Linkert. We show how to rebuild a Linkert. Great carburetors. Using a carburetor with a choke plate makes those flatheads easier to start. I'm sure an SU would work. But, I generally use SU's prepared for use on a Harley by Rivera Engineering. They're intended for overhead motors which require a lot of carburetor. How to Restore Your Harley Davidson by Bruce Palmer III, has a complete listing of all the old Harley Linkerts. I'd look there and find out what you really need. If you have a 3 speed, you also have a reverse. What a cool trans. That motor makes so much torque, I'd just use a bigger trans sprocket and gear it up. If the Scout carburetor doesn't do it for you, it's great "trading stock" to get you what you want.

[@MicahBell_1860]

Cheers Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Backatcha.

[@MicahBell_1860]

Matter of fact the Scout Linkert has stuffed venturi & linkages are flogged out. I was looking for the M51 Linkert that the 46 U model originally came out with, but impossible to find here in Australia, & it looks like over $1,000 to source one from the States. (There are only about 18 U models in Australia). That is why I was looking at the SUs. I remember guys riding Pans & Shovels with them. We also had lots of English cars, including a few Aussie Muscle cars running SUs. So I was thinking that it would fit the 1960s style that my Chopper fits in. Yes, it's a 3 speed with reverse. It was originally a side car, but it was built from a basket case, with original frame, engine & gearbox, but sadly no sidecar. Again, thanks for the advice Mike

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure. Ebay is the answer for a carb. I've only used SU's that were prepared for Harleys by Rivera Engineering. They are pretty large (1 3/4). But, I did work on a U with an SU. It was very difficult to start. I finally fabricated a sliding choke plate. But, it seems, the bike had other more severe issues.

[@itsapodcastrophe]

Hey pacific Mike, luv your videos and learn alot from them, I have a 71 Ironheads xlch (kick only) have a vm38 mikuni round slide carb on it...having trouble starting it n I'm almost certain it's the carb adjustments w the mixture screw..installed EI programmed for kick start but having issues getting it going but rides great once it is locked over..can you do a video on that carb??

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry, but, I don't have one around. I haven't seen one in years. If I could I would.

[@itsapodcastrophe]

@@pacificmike9501 gotcha.... thank you

[@artursviksna1302]

Thank you for another valuable lesson, Mike. Totally enjoyed it.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Thank You.

[@natel249123]

Just wanted to say thanks for all the videos. I’ve used them for countless things. Today was which way to turn the lean/rich screw.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.

[@tubsVR-if7rt]

Hay Mike good to see you. Your doing a good job on KZbin videos keep up the good work. My Steve You built my 71 shovel head in you shop in SLO just before you closed. me an Jose ran in to you at the David Mann chopperFest A few years ago.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes! Of Course! Thank You. I hope you still have that beautiful Shovel.

[@tubsVR-if7rt]

Yes I still have it I'll never sell it. Still working out bugs on it. I'm watching all your videos. Do you have an email I like to ask you questions about the motor.?

[@tomsmith1390]

Beautiful job Mike. Stuck in the shop also, Did I say stuck? It is not wet and cold getting ready for spring. It is dry and warm and there is always something to do on the machines. I find myself enjoying the time alone wrenching on things I had put aside for years, in the case of at least one machine. Good to see you taking the COVID-19 thing seriously. I have lost one friend back in NYC and another was very ill with a long recovery and she is only in her 30s. The daughter of a friend. Stay safe and I'll keep watching Thank You Tom

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. And you do the same.

[@jefftarver4777]

Excellent video on SU carb ! great bike run story !! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thank You

[@horsedood13]

Yeah I have had many a car with SU's... still own a Spitfire with dual SU's....great carbs. I've also in the past used one on a Triumph 650 bike as well (was popular in the UK for fuel economy on bikes in the olden dazeeee). Seen em on Harleys off and on, but never had one. Thanks for another great vid Mike! :)........... PS...I got my question answered...old school brakes rather than a modern upgrade...I AGREE!!! Good choice.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@matthewlennox1745]

Great teacher! No questions here. Thank you.

[@pacificmike9501]

Wow, thank you!

[@tedbudd7513]

Mike ,great video is it possible to get a copy of your instructions ...have a haynes manual but it's more for cars

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't know how to do that. But, I heard from a certain supplier, there's more SU stuff coming back. We did shoot a closeup during the video that will hopefully help you in the meantime.

[@caspar0777]

thanks for this great video Mike! I had a SU on a 883 sportster a year ago before I sold the bike. It ran realy nice. Great carburator! On my favorite shovelhead I have a Mikuni HSR42, also a good carburator. On a other shovelhead I have a good old CV, not bad it all. On my thirth shovel I have a shorty, also Ok. So as ou can see, a lot of different carburators, but all running great :-) Cheers from France

[@pacificmike9501]

Back atcha. I'm a big fan of "variety" myself.

[@DavidPerez-cd9tu]

Great info Mike i would like to find a 2 inch SU to run on my big inch shovel! See you soon !! On the road

[@kevindonohue9519]

I have run the same su carb on 3 different bikes, one sportster,n two shovels, approximately 175000 miles, from 84 to 2019,,,the only issue i ever had was worn air cleaners,and the rubber o ring on the float bowl,,,,,had a guy ask me what the heck is that,,,told and him it was a nuclear reactor supercharger

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@pacificmike9501]

That will be awesome.

[@arthurleino]

A buddy had a SU on his Shovel I had a 38 Delorto pumper on mine. Both were from Primo Rivera back in the day. I run a 38VM Mikuni on mine now.

[@pacificmike9501]

I did the same stuff. I'm still in love with all of them.

[@formegolf]

Hi Mike, hope you are having a good day sir. I noticed you use some type of white gasket grease maybe on your float bowl. What is that if you don’t mind telling me please. Thank you sir and have a great day! Great videos...

[@pacificmike9501]

And a good day to you sir. It is white lithium grease. It's wonderful for sealing carburetors, oil pumps, an lubing the parts inside drum brakes. I show it in several of our videos. You can find it in any auto parts store.

[@formegolf]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you kindly sir and have a wonderful day! Ride Safe...

[@formegolf]

Hi Mike, sorry one more question sir. So no gasket needed? Seals with no leaks? Thank you in advance Mike.

[@kb7.62]

Thanks mike keep it up, we appreciate you and everything you are doing

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@eligrimes1533]

Just got an su carb and intake for my evo chopper I'm building. Don't know a thing about it other than it looks awesome. This video is a big help.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. I looked and found for you, SU instructons online. Look up SU carburetor for Harley Davidson Instructions. You'll have to look for a minute, but you'll find it as produced by Rivera Primo. That's what you want. There's been some reorganization going on and I don't know what's available yet.

[@eligrimes1533]

@@pacificmike9501 thank you! I've already found the instructions and downloaded them. JP cycles had them. Haven't had any luck tracking down the float bowl extension yet. Not that it's 100% necessary but after seeing you're video, I want one

[@sasquatch1985]

Nice to see you're using this carburetor too! I love it!!!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. I've run SU's for literally hundreds of thousands of miles.

[@walterthompson9841]

I have a question on a 79 Shovelhead with an 84 ci motor. It has an S &S Super E model carb. It runs fine on the road but in town when you come to a stop anywhere it dies most of the time. It starts right up but does it again at the next intersection. Dies in town at idle all the time. Any ideas?

[@pacificmike9501]

Sure, it's either too lean or too rich at idle. Is it smoking from an over rich condition, or does it hick up or spit, like a lean condition. Go step by step through S&S instructions. Should be available online.

[@ozzie444]

I had a Rivera SU on my '74 FX 84" stroker. Very good carb. Had a tendency for the piston to get sticky sometimes riding in the rain too much. A quick fix was usually a shot of WD-40 and it was good to go again.

[@pacificmike9501]

Yep. Thank You.

[@richs7362]

Have a CV on my kick only shovel, works great. Back in the day would see a lot more SU's on Harley's. Had them on MG's great carb's!

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes. The late model Rivera units were originally made for Mark IV Jaguars, then modified for use on Harleys.

[@jonz5978]

Super cool. Never had one. Similar to CV, but much prettier. Thanks Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Remember, the piston is lifted by vacuum only.

[@urbanburner]

What's your favorite year for Harley Davidson?love your knucklehead bro 👍

[@pacificmike9501]

My favorites are the ones I own. Thank You.

[@johnbrady1211]

@@pacificmike9501 Great answer!

[@alanmcclusky]

Good carb and they polish up nice I like them regards Alan from the UK

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. They are pretty.

[@matthewschuman]

Think these are awesome. Have a super e right now and I like it. Always wanted to give one of these a try. Thanks for posting and the tips.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@loddude5706]

Hello Mike & greetings from The Greenwood. Here in middle England we're on lockdown too, in fact Robin & the lads have even declared a temporary ceasefire in the forest; they figure that people brave enough to go out to work at the moment are certainly not to be sneezed at. Sue Carbs eh, precision maid from Birmingham, know her well, thrives on steady suction, good kit : )

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet. Hello and give my best to "Robin and the Lads."

[@JoeHatesItHere]

Thanks for the great content, as always! Stay safe, Mike!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@jackwilliams3343]

Hey Mike I think I'm in love with the knuckle ,on my SU the mixture screw backs out all I see to keep it set is an oring

[@pacificmike9501]

Sounds right. 1/8th of a turn should affect it. Bottom the screw, back it out six full turns, now you are in the neutral position. It will get richer as much as two full turns from where you're at. It will get leaner two full turns from that position. . Richer, screw it in (clockwise). Leaner, screw it out (counter clockwise). Happy Motoring!

[@55ip]

I purchased a gold plated 85 super glide and it has a SU awesome video!!

[@pacificmike9501]

Very nice!

[@josephfrench5377]

Hey Mike, had one on my 78 1/2 shovel loved it ,thanks for the video.

[@pacificmike9501]

Very cool! Thank You.

[@howder1951]

Good video Mike , that carb has a lot of similarities to the Mikuni on the bike I had as a youngster ,easy to service and you could really tune the heck out of it if need be. Cheers and stay healthy bro!

[@pacificmike9501]

It's true. But, the Mikuni lifted it's slide mechanically. The SU has a throttle plate (mechanical, operated by cable) and the piston and needle raise from vacuum sucked in by the engine through the throat past the plate.

[@howder1951]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks for the free lesson, and keep on wrenching'.

[@stefanknutsson4684]

I realy Enjoy your videos. Stefan . Sweden.

[@pacificmike9501]

Glad you like them!

[@ajkylen]

Hello Pacific Mike extremely happy with the information from this video my question is what size needle are you running thank you again for the great information.

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't remember. If you find the info online, it will tell you how to pick the one you need.

[@robertsoriano9441]

I have a 51 Pan with a SU carb, I was trying to figure out if it is a Eliminator 1 or Eliminator 11, how can I tell the difference? Your videos are awesome!

[@pacificmike9501]

I'm not sure. I'm hoping we'll have literature one of these days.

[@robertsoriano9441]

@@pacificmike9501 I was looking to install a front brake on my springer front end and I have a star hub, do you have any videos on how to do this?

[@tomlim1153]

Great video on ASU I’m gonna put one on my fan didn’t see you at Swap Meet have a good one

[@pacificmike9501]

Sorry I missed you. I was there.

[@miguelgarcia3771]

Hey Mike great video. Just got a 1983 shovel head with an SU carb, when I turn on the fuel why does fuel come running out of the tickler. Thanks Miguel Garcia

[@pacificmike9501]

Because the float valve needs cleaning and the float is stuck. The tickler is also the "float vent." When you put your finger on the plunger of the tickler, your blocking the air and forcing the fuel up the main jet. That's how it functions. But if the float valve is stuck, that's where the fuel will escape.

[@miguelgarcia3771]

@@pacificmike9501 Thanks Mike, Got it.

[@garryhorton9105]

Really enjoyed this video Mike👍🏼 Would it be possible to have a look at the tuning of a Mikuni hsr 42 in a future video? I have one on my tc88 which is running stock pistons but has SE 203 cams. I’ve never been quite sure if I have the carb tuned correctly for my setup. The heads are stock and the motors done 174000 km. Cheers🙂

[@pacificmike9501]

We'll do it when it comes up. It's really simple. Get the book that comes with the carb. There's one paragraph that tells how to figure the pilot jet. That's really the thing to do. Easy.

[@AbbandonLOD]

Do these carbs require the same phenolithic spacer blocks that the super e's use to prevent heat from getting to the carb?

[@pacificmike9501]

No, but they use a pretty heavy gasket. They used to make a "gasket stack" that went in there. But, I have no problem with a single gasket.

[@AbbandonLOD]

@@pacificmike9501 Thank you For the response. I've seen a few of the phenolithics for MGs and was wondering.

[@onlyhereonce7290]

A great video. And I'm sure it will help our fellow motorcycle enthusiasts.

[@pacificmike9501]

Hope so! Thank You.

[@williamquire2115]

I had one on my 84 evo fxrs and loved it but every now and then I would have to remove the nut on top and drop 1 or 2 drops of light oil in or the slide would stick. But if I was out and it stuck I could push the enricher up and it start working until I got her home to oil it up it did have a little rattled at idle but man that bike ran after I but that on I would love to have on my old shovel I ride now. Thanks for the memory

[@pacificmike9501]

You bet. I usually take the dome and piston off and wash and lightly oil it every couple of months. I'm gonna have to do a little research and see if we can find some of those carburetors.

[@scottblackwell5789]

Love the videos....new sub here! Looking forward to more as one day I'm going to rebuild a retro Harley I hope. I've owned a Vrod and now a Street Glide and absolutely love them both. Harley gets a bad name from time to time, but they're amazing motorcycles. My vrod was bulletproof and fast as you would ever want. My SG is pure, blissful comfort and I love it. It's color is Crushed Ice Pearl, so I'm kind of like you with the non-traditional colors.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool. Thank You.

[@KennethDinapoli]

thank you for the information on the su carb. my shovelhead is running lean no matter how i adjust the screw. I figure I need to change the needle for more fuel. It is a 1982 re done 20 over and I had an s&s carb. and had to adjust it way rich to get it to run. My exhaust turned blueish and plugs are white. with the su in it now. I don't have the book so i'm trying my best. after watching your video I can now take it apart and try to tune with new needle. one other thing I get a little drip from my tickler and don't know how to repair that. help appreciated. thank you

[@pacificmike9501]

Call American Prime Manufacturing. Ben can fix you up with nice factory instructions sheets.

[@truethought369]

On the early SU Carburettors due to the fact they work on a vacuum principle. In order to get fuel the engine/Motor has to make vacuum in order to lift the throttle valve before the main jet can release some fuel to the Motor. This one had a problematic fuel tube from flote to carb, which got blocked if you did not run a small inline filter, which cured the problem! I see on the one you are showing with an accelerator pump to give the Motor what it needs to burst into action. Also the carb pump is great for cold starting. I worked for a hole lot of years on older cars with SU's fitted, as you say they do give the right amount of fuel when adjusted properly. Anyway, I am not teaching grandma to suck eggs, if you pardon the pun. Just thought you my not have come across the early type of SU? P/S I love the way you take care of your work, not like some people who think because the motor is relatively easy to work on, it is simple! As we know: simple is not always as simple as one may think. Happy cruising.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank you. The pump is not an accelerator pump. It is just a tickler which is operated by hand.

[@josephkielbasa302]

Another good one friend. I love SU carbs

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Me too.

[@fireball1322]

FWIW the SU company's two letters stands for Skinners Union. The original company first began trading in animal furs, and they never changed the name. Found this tidbit of info in a SU carb.booklet I got for working on old Volvos

[@pacificmike9501]

Fun Stuff! Thank You.

[@99dave1]

Mike thanks for this info! I have an iron head with that same S.U. carb the difference being I dont have the float bowl extension. My question is do you make your own gaskets or do you buy them? If you buy them,where at?!?! If you make them do you have any recommendations what I should use to do so? These are brand new to me but I absolutely love the look and the iron head runs perfect with this carb. Thanks again for you videos!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. Rivera Engineering closed their doors a while back. I need to do some research. Stay tuned.

[@99dave1]

Copy that. I got the same story from Billy at Billy's motorcycle shop here in Sacramento. Thank you for taking the time to respond and yes sir I will stay tuned!

[@karen10sonia]

Burlen fuel Systems , Spitfire House, Castle road , Salisbury England SP1 3SA tel no. 01722 412500 they have stocks of spares for su's mate.

[@marksteen14]

I am really glad I have discovered your Chanel. I was thinking of buying a Road King, would you have any advice you could offer me? Thanks.

[@pacificmike9501]

Go for it!

[@garymmarich4265]

Hello Mike, nice job, thank you for your videos. I have a 68 FLH with a SU carb (Eliminator I), I noticed that you dome cap has no plunger. I just want to verify that the plunger is not need or if removed do I have to make some other kind of change?

[@pacificmike9501]

It is not needed. Nor do you put more oil in there. You just clean the dome and piston and wipe it with some light oil.

[@paulbecket7399]

I have a classic mini (998 motor) which uses a 1.25 in su carb and so I of course have a box in my garage of su carbs I've bought at swap meets (several sizes from mg and jags) I've often thought of getting a sportster and adapting one to fit it. I found it interesting to hear you say you don't put oil in the piston in the slide as this is one of the ways you tune the carbs on a car (thicker oil slower piston movement etc the cap on the dome has a dampener rod with a small piston which goes into the tube in the top of the carbs piston)

[@pacificmike9501]

I understand. I too, have run them on cars. May years ago, we hopped up my Austin Healey 100/6. Extremely fast. It ran SU's. Not enough money for Webers. With no oil in the damper, that piston flies up for an amazingly fast throttle response. The SU on a Harley (prepared by Rivera Engineering) was completely tuneable by changing the needle and the piston spring. It confused me at first, then I got it.

[@mickparsons85]

GDAY Mike, love your videos they are very informative. IM building a 1984 shovelhead FLH and was wondering if one can still get a SU Eliminator carburetor kit ? I have been searching and so far the are no longer available at two places that had listings for them?

[@pacificmike9501]

The only one I can think of, and if he didn't have them, he would know who would, would be Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing Inc. Phone [phone].

[@cheftush]

Pretty Cool...I’m pretty familiar with SU’s as I’ve got a couple old Triumph Sportscars that use dual SU’s.

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.Thank You.

[@johnbrady1211]

Yep, I remember them on the British cars. Triumphs and MG's. That's where a buddy of mine got one for his Panhead back in the early seventies. From a trashed MG.

[@lanesummers5689]

As usual, super helpful vid! Thank you for sharing your knowledge, opinions, thoughts, and stories. It makes my day! I have an SU carb I just went through and cleaned up for a panhead project I am working on (e-start '65). The cap I have has still has the damper rod and brass pieces on it. On one of your SUs I saw you running a chrome cap with no damper. Do you know if I can just pick up a chrome cap and skip running the Damper? I mean, on the HD unit, the Damper would be useless anyway since we do not fill it with oil. I would think I can go without. Any ideas?

[@pacificmike9501]

For running an SU on a bike, you can keep the plastic cap and throw away the rod away. It will pop right out of the plastic cap. For parts (such as a chrome cap) contact Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing Inc. Phone [phone]

[@deadheadlights]

Cheers for another cool vid. Stay safe out there!

[@pacificmike9501]

Thanks, you too!

[@joshuaatkins5197]

I appreciate this video just like all the rest. The basket case I got had three carburetors included in the baskets. I'm doing research to try to figure out which one is the clear winner. A S&S shorty e, brand new cv or this SU. Each one seems to be the right one to use. Can you point me in the right direction? Its a 76 fxe and the 74 is a 93 now.

[@pacificmike9501]

Every mechanic has his preferences. Personally, I love my SU. More power, better gas mileage, better tunability. You just need original instructions. People who can't adjust them have a "reading" problem. Call Ben Kudon at American Prime Manufacturing. (562)-889-8665

[@ElectraWillem]

Who needs Wikipedia? We got Mike! Great video again.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You.

[@bastiendambacher6965]

Hi Mike. I need your knowledge one more time. My su carb is leaking gas from the tickler pump. What could be wrong? The float level? Thanks for all your videos✌✌✌

[@pacificmike9501]

Yes, it is either the float level or the "needle" valve not seating. The float chamber is overfilling (flooding) and the fuel is escaping through the float vent. In the case of an SU, the float vent is the tickler pump, which is why you put your finger over it to pump. It's merely flooding and going out the "vent."

[@bastiendambacher6965]

@@pacificmike9501 thank you Mike. It is not leaking any more🙏🙏🙏

[@pacificmike9501]

Cool.

[@hoagie2011]

have not seen this yet but did work for Jaguar rebuilder that would not let me near them.I did know alot about carbs he was just ,no one could touch his jag carbs,a lot of years ago ,different sizes i suppose

[@pacificmike9501]

These were originally intended for Mark IV Jaguars. They are 1 3/4"

[@garynardelli9981]

Not a comment but a question. Mike do you think an SU Carb would be a good choice for an late model EVO like a Heritage. I know CV Carb is a good carb and easy to tune but have always liked the look of a SU. I'm 70 yrs young and planning to ride to San Diego from Florida at some point so I'll be riding from sea level to higher elevations in California and who know where.

[@pacificmike9501]

It would be my personal preference. When on vacation in the Colorado Rockies, I would lean out or richen the mixture an eighth of a turn when I stopped for gas, either going up or going down. So easy to adjust. Anyone who ever couldn't tune one was also incapable of reading very well written instructions from Rivera Engineering. And, gas mileage is superb. There used to be a lot of distance sometimes, between gas stations. Sounds like a great road trip.

[@pacificmike9501]

Forgot to tell you. I put bunches of SU's on Evos.

[@jimmccoskey8253]

Hey Mike, just wondering if you are related to the folks at Kaplan Cycles in Rockwille Connecticut?

[@pacificmike9501]

If we're related, it's so distant we don't know each other. But, they look like fun.

[@jimedward8908]

Mike: were you a career, professional Harley mechanic? You seem to have massive knowledge derived from a lot of experience doing this.

[@pacificmike9501]

I worked on bikes for a living for a lot of years. I had my own shop for a lot of years. I'm what you could call "high mileage."

[@MrMcbuck48]

How about a video on redoing a CV carb and improving it ? I've always bin afraid of the SU for lack of knowledge and cost

[@pacificmike9501]

You can do a lot to improve the CV. But, it's a lot of work. If you really like it and want to improve it, it's called a Mikuni HSR 42. I don't mean to be rude, but it's such a similar but much improved version. That's really going some, because the CV is a nice carburetor.

[@garrysteven1675]

Hey Mike , had a SU on my 57 panhead and loved it . I have one on the panhead I am building now but just cant seem to get it right you wouldnt happen to know where I can get a copy of that instruction sheet you show ? I would appreciate it , Garry

[@pacificmike9501]

This would be a good place to try: Ben Kudon at American Prime Mfg. 562-889-8665

[@PeterSmith-or3pq]

Twin SU. S on my 69 triumph spit fire . Lots of tunes! . Never had a bike with one . , marconi mireille now .

[@pacificmike9501]

Okay. I just enjoy carburetors. I'm still playing with the ones I've always wanted.

[@mikaldene7146]

Stay Safe Mike.

[@pacificmike9501]

Thank You. You too.

[@rolfheussner4539]

Mike, you do fantastic videos. I have a 70shovel and doing well with your videos. I am just missing a vid about overhauling and adjusting a tillotson HD2D which is installed on my shovel/Electra glide...... 🤔😎

[@pacificmike9501]

I don't have one. I replaced a lot of them with different carburetors for people a long time ago, because we couldn't get parts for them. I know a lot of people way back when really liked that carburetor and parts are now available. Sorry, I have very little experience with those.

[@rolfheussner4539]

@@pacificmike9501 Hi Mike, thanks for the super fast reply..... oh well, so I have to find it out for myself...... let's see what the outcome will be...... ;-)