Indiana Hayseed

I too suffered this problem. Here's what solved mine. Take the carb drain screws all the way out. Inspect the screw tip, it's probably rusted and needs replaced. But what really solved it for me was the rubber o-ring on that screw. It was rotted and cracks galore. Replaced them and no more gas smell.

Been a long time since I've seen one of these. They really are a precursor to the Venture. I always thought it was cool that Yamaha gave each exhaust valve its own exhaust pipe. If you research these you'll find that the engines have a ton in common.

Funny you should mention that. It happened to me this very day. Riding and wrenching on Ventures for 30 yrs and first time I've even heard of it. Curt

Yes

Had a similar problem with mine last year. Replaced fuse block and problem solved, along with a couple other problems.

I also have something that I think is unique but is not an accessory. A couple months ago I picked up this set of carbs off of fleabay. The seller stated that he acquired them from a vocational tech school. Yamaha donated a Venture for them to work on. I belive the bike must have been a test mule. On the first photo you can see a top brace that connects the left and right banks. Note also that they used only a single pull system with no return cable. Slides are metal. Different routing to deliver gas to all carbs. 2nd photo note the heavy duty rod that connects left bank to right bank. It has a screw and lock nut on the fat end. Elimiates any confusion when sinking carbs, you don't have two screws side by side. 3rd pic notice coasting enricheners have been deleted. Much different brace connecting left bank to right bank. Also notice the drain ports are dramatically larger than the plastic port we have now. Much easier to get rid any size piece of crap in your carb. 4th pic better view of coasting enrichener delete and larger drain port. 5th pic close up of screw and lock nut. Also note vacuum port like all 83's had. I forgot to take a picture of slide covers which pilot circuit screw is just below. On our production bikes you will see a steel ball that is next to the pilot screw. It seals the bleed pipe circuit. On these carbs there is a screw next to the pilot screw, remove it and I believe that would be the bleed pipe circuit that you can adjust. I'm debating on putting them into service or keep them as a momento. Then I can look at them and remember when. After I get too old to ride. Sorry for being long winded. Well, finally figured out the pictures, they are out of sequence to my comments, but you can figure it out. http://s1261.photobucket.com/albums/ii586/curtdennin/

:fingers-crossed-emoI'm betting there is little or no whine. Who could ride a bike 53k miles if the whine was serious?

You might want to reconsider using just the bar with the sticker on it. The vin # is stamped on the steering neck of the frame. For legal purposes that is the vin they go by. In a wreck resulting in legal action it could be a real problem. Just sayin'

I too will take one. Paypal for me also. Thanks.

ditto, "maybe" depending on the $$$