s&s super e carb manual

This manual details the S&S Super E carburetor, a performance component often found in custom motorcycles․ Understanding its intricacies ensures optimal engine function and thrilling rides․

What is the S&S Super E Carb?

The S&S Super E carburetor is a high-performance replacement designed for Harley-Davidson and other V-Twin engines․ It’s renowned for its improved throttle response, increased fuel delivery, and overall enhanced engine performance․ Unlike stock carburetors, the Super E offers superior tunability, allowing riders to precisely dial in the air-fuel mixture for their specific engine modifications and riding conditions․

This carburetor is a staple in the aftermarket motorcycle parts industry, favored by enthusiasts seeking a significant power upgrade․

Brief History of S&S Cycle

S&S Cycle was founded in 1953 by George Smith and Stanley “Satch” Storz, initially as a small motorcycle repair shop․ Recognizing a demand for higher-performance parts, they began manufacturing aftermarket components, quickly gaining a reputation for quality and innovation․

Over decades, S&S evolved into a leading manufacturer of motorcycle engines, carburetors – including the Super E – and a vast array of performance parts․ Their commitment to engineering excellence and customer satisfaction has cemented their position as an industry icon․

Understanding Carburetor Basics

Carburetors blend air and fuel for combustion․ Mastering these principles – fuel delivery and the air-fuel ratio – is crucial for tuning the S&S Super E effectively․

Fuel Delivery Principles

The S&S Super E relies on a precise fuel delivery system․ Fuel is drawn from the tank and enters the carburetor’s float bowl, maintaining a consistent level․ From there, it’s metered through jets and passages․

This process is governed by Bernoulli’s principle, where airflow creates a vacuum, drawing fuel into the airstream․ The carburetor’s design optimizes this mixing process, ensuring a combustible air-fuel mixture reaches the engine’s cylinders for efficient power generation․ Proper fuel filtration, addressing 3SS concerns, is vital․

Air-Fuel Ratio Explained

Achieving the correct air-fuel ratio is crucial for S&S Super E performance․ Stoichiometric ratio (14․7:1 for gasoline) represents complete combustion․ A richer mixture (more fuel) provides more power but can cause black smoke․

A leaner mixture (less fuel) improves fuel economy but risks engine damage․ Tuning the carburetor adjusts this ratio via jetting and the idle mixture screw․ Utilizing an Air/Fuel Ratio gauge provides precise readings for optimal settings, avoiding issues like hesitation during acceleration․

S&S Super E Carb Components

The S&S Super E carburetor features key parts: the float bowl, main jet, needle, idle mixture screw, and throttle slide – each impacting fuel delivery and engine response․

Float Bowl and Float

The float bowl maintains a consistent fuel level, crucial for proper carburetor operation․ Fuel enters, and the float, rising with the level, restricts flow via a needle valve․ This precise control ensures a stable fuel supply to the main and idle circuits․

Maintaining the correct float height is paramount; too high causes flooding, while too low leads to lean mixtures․ Regular inspection for leaks or damage to the float and needle valve is essential for consistent performance․ A properly functioning float bowl is the foundation of reliable fuel delivery within the S&S Super E․

Main Jet and Needle

The main jet governs fuel delivery at higher throttle openings, dictating the mixture for wide-open throttle and strong acceleration․ Paired with the needle, which operates within the slide, they collaboratively manage the mid-range fuel curve․

Selecting the correct main jet size is vital for preventing lean or rich conditions․ The needle’s position—adjustable via shims—further fine-tunes the mid-range․ Understanding how these components interact is key to optimizing performance and avoiding engine damage․ Careful jetting ensures a responsive and powerful engine․

Idle Mixture Screw

The idle mixture screw precisely controls the air-fuel ratio at idle speed, influencing engine smoothness and starting ease․ Adjusting this screw alters the amount of fuel mixed with air before entering the engine at low throttle positions․

Proper adjustment is crucial for a stable idle and quick throttle response․ Turning the screw in restricts airflow, enriching the mixture, while turning it out increases airflow, leaning it out․ Finding the “sweet spot” requires patience and careful listening to the engine’s response․

Throttle Slide

The throttle slide is a critical component governing mid-range engine performance․ It’s a tapered cylinder within the carburetor bore, rising and falling in response to throttle input․ As the slide lifts, it exposes more carburetor bore area, allowing increased airflow and fuel delivery․

Different slide weights and tapers affect responsiveness․ A lighter slide reacts quicker, while a heavier slide provides smoother transitions․ Correct slide selection and proper needle adjustment are vital for eliminating hesitation and maximizing power throughout the mid-range․

Installation and Setup

Proper installation is key for peak performance․ This involves securely mounting the carburetor, connecting the fuel line, and carefully adjusting the throttle and choke mechanisms․

Mounting the Carburetor

Securely attaching the S&S Super E carburetor to the intake manifold is paramount․ Ensure a proper, airtight seal using quality gaskets – often supplied with the carburetor kit․ Verify the carburetor is aligned correctly to prevent air leaks and maintain optimal performance․

Tighten the mounting bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque settings; over-tightening can damage the carburetor body or intake manifold․ Double-check all connections before proceeding to fuel line installation, guaranteeing a stable and reliable foundation for the entire setup․

Fuel Line Connection

Connecting the fuel line to the S&S Super E carburetor requires careful attention to detail․ Utilize fuel-grade hose specifically designed for gasoline, avoiding any that may degrade or leak․ Ensure the fuel line is routed away from hot engine components to prevent vapor lock․

Install an inline fuel filter to protect the carburetor from debris and contaminants, crucial for maintaining optimal fuel delivery․ Securely clamp the fuel line to the carburetor inlet, preventing disconnections during operation․ Verify no kinks or restrictions exist within the fuel line․

Throttle Cable Adjustment

Proper throttle cable adjustment is vital for smooth operation and preventing binding․ Begin by ensuring the cable is securely fastened at both the handlebar lever and the carburetor․ With the engine off, verify free play exists in the throttle lever – typically around 1/8 to 1/4 inch․

Adjust the cable via the adjuster barrel on the carburetor, tightening to remove slack but avoiding excessive tension․ Full throttle should open the carburetor slides completely; check for a smooth, unrestricted movement․ Incorrect adjustment can lead to poor performance or a stuck throttle․

Choke Operation

The S&S Super E carburetor’s choke enriches the fuel mixture for cold starting․ Locate the choke lever, typically on the carburetor body․ When engaged, the choke restricts airflow, increasing fuel concentration for easier ignition in cooler temperatures․

Gradually disengage the choke as the engine warms up to prevent a rich running condition․ Avoid prolonged choke use, as it can foul spark plugs and reduce performance․ Proper choke operation ensures reliable starting even in challenging weather conditions, optimizing initial engine operation․

Tuning the S&S Super E Carb

Precise tuning maximizes performance․ Adjust idle speed, mixture, jetting, and needle position for optimal air-fuel ratios, ensuring smooth operation and peak power output․

Idle Speed Adjustment

Adjusting the idle speed is crucial for a smooth, stable engine at rest․ Locate the idle speed screw on the carburetor – typically a recessed screw․ Turning it clockwise increases the idle, while counterclockwise decreases it․ Use a tachometer to achieve the manufacturer’s recommended RPM․

Ensure the engine warms up fully before adjustment․ A too-low idle causes stalling, while a too-high idle results in rough engagement and potential wear․ Fine-tune for consistent performance․

Idle Mixture Adjustment

The idle mixture screw controls the fuel-air ratio at idle speed․ Carefully turn the screw clockwise (lean) and counterclockwise (rich) in small increments․ Listen for the engine to reach its highest RPM and smoothest idle․ This indicates the optimal mixture․

Avoid excessive leaning, which can cause overheating and engine damage․ A rich mixture results in black smoke․ Fine-tune after idle speed is set for best results and responsiveness․

Main Jet Selection

Choosing the correct main jet is crucial for wide-open throttle performance․ Start with the manufacturer’s recommendation based on your engine displacement and modifications․ If experiencing bogging or hesitation at full throttle, increase the jet size․ Conversely, if the engine feels flat or runs lean, decrease the jet size․

Always make small changes and test ride after each adjustment․ Monitoring spark plug color provides valuable insight into the air-fuel ratio at high speeds․

Needle Position Adjustment

The needle controls the mid-range fuel delivery․ Adjusting its position alters the fuel mixture as the throttle opens․ Raising the needle enriches the mixture, ideal for correcting a lean condition in the mid-range, often manifesting as hesitation․ Lowering the needle leans out the mixture, addressing a rich condition;

Typically, adjustments are made in steps, observing the engine’s response․ Careful tuning here significantly impacts throttle response and overall drivability․

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Diagnosing carburetor problems is crucial for peak performance․ Common issues include hard starting, poor idling, hesitation, and excessive black smoke from the exhaust pipe․

Hard Starting

Difficulties starting often point to fuel delivery problems․ Check the fuel level in the float bowl; a low level restricts immediate fuel access․ Ensure the choke is functioning correctly, enriching the mixture for cold starts․
Verify proper spark plug condition and ignition timing․ A lean mixture, caused by a clogged jet or incorrect idle mixture screw setting, can also hinder starting․
Inspect fuel lines for kinks or obstructions, and confirm the fuel tap is fully open․

Poor Idle

An unstable or low idle typically indicates an improper air-fuel mixture․ Begin by carefully adjusting the idle mixture screw – small adjustments can make a significant difference․ Inspect for vacuum leaks around the intake manifold and carburetor base․
A dirty or partially clogged idle jet restricts fuel flow, causing a lean condition․ Ensure the throttle slide is moving freely and seating correctly․ Verify proper float level, as an incorrect level impacts fuel delivery at idle․

Hesitation During Acceleration

Hesitation often points to a lean condition in the mid-range․ Check the needle position; raising the needle enriches the mixture․ A partially clogged main jet restricts fuel flow when the throttle opens quickly․ Inspect the accelerator pump circuit for proper function – it delivers an extra fuel shot during throttle opening․ Ensure the throttle cable isn’t binding, allowing smooth operation․ Verify proper float level, impacting fuel availability during acceleration․

Black Smoke from Exhaust

Black smoke indicates a rich fuel mixture․ This commonly stems from an oversized main jet or a needle set too high․ Lowering the needle or installing a smaller main jet will lean out the mixture․ A stuck or malfunctioning float can also cause overfueling․ Confirm the choke isn’t partially engaged․ Inspect for air leaks after the carburetor, as they can create a lean spot requiring more fuel․ Ensure proper float bowl level for optimal fuel delivery․

Advanced Tuning Techniques

Refining performance involves utilizing an air/fuel ratio gauge for precise jetting․ High-speed jetting adjustments are crucial for optimal power at higher RPMs and sustained speeds․

Using an Air/Fuel Ratio Gauge

An air/fuel ratio gauge is invaluable for precise carburetor tuning․ It displays the ratio of air to fuel entering the engine, allowing for adjustments to the main jet and needle position․ A lean mixture (high air/fuel ratio) can cause overheating, while a rich mixture (low air/fuel ratio) results in black smoke and poor performance․

Monitoring the gauge during various throttle positions—idle, mid-range, and wide-open—reveals areas needing refinement․ Aim for a stoichiometric ratio (around 14․7:1) for optimal combustion and efficiency, adjusting jets accordingly to achieve this target across the RPM range․

High-Speed Jetting

High-speed jetting focuses on fuel delivery at wide-open throttle․ This is crucial for maximizing performance and preventing engine damage during sustained high-RPM operation․ Begin by selecting a main jet size based on engine displacement and anticipated altitude․

Observe spark plug color – a light tan indicates a correct mixture, while white suggests a lean condition requiring a larger jet, and dark brown/black indicates a rich condition needing a smaller jet․ Incremental adjustments are key to finding the optimal high-speed jetting configuration․

Maintenance and Cleaning

Regular inspection and cleaning are vital for consistent performance․ This includes checking for debris, ensuring proper float operation, and meticulously cleaning all carburetor passages․

Regular Inspection

Consistent performance relies on frequent carburetor checks․ Examine fuel lines for cracks or leaks, ensuring a secure connection․ Inspect the float bowl for sediment or water accumulation, as this impacts fuel delivery․ Verify throttle cable smoothness and proper return action․

Look for any signs of external damage to the carburetor body․ A visual assessment of jet sizes and needle position can reveal potential tuning adjustments needed․ Don’t overlook the air filter; a dirty filter restricts airflow, affecting the air-fuel mixture․

Carburetor Cleaning Procedures

Thorough cleaning is vital for optimal function․ Disassemble the S&S Super E, carefully noting jet and needle positions․ Use carburetor cleaner, avoiding harsh abrasives․ Pay close attention to tiny passages within the main body and jets; compressed air is essential for clearing obstructions․

Inspect the float and float needle for wear or damage․ Ensure all components are completely dry before reassembly․ A rebuild kit with new gaskets is highly recommended after cleaning to prevent air leaks․

Parts Replacement

Regular inspection dictates component replacement․ Worn float needles, deteriorated gaskets, and corroded jets significantly impact performance․ S&S offers comprehensive rebuild kits containing essential replacements for the Super E carburetor․

Always use genuine S&S parts to ensure compatibility and quality․ Replace the diaphragm during a rebuild, even if it appears undamaged․ Document replaced parts for future reference, aiding in troubleshooting and maintaining optimal carburetor health․

S&S SuperSpeed USB (SS USB) Relevance

SS USB, or SuperSpeed USB (USB 3․0), is unrelated to the carburetor; it’s a data transfer standard for computers and peripherals․

USB 3․0 and Data Transfer

While seemingly disconnected from carburetor function, SuperSpeed USB (USB 3․0) represents a significant leap in data transfer technology․ It offers substantially faster speeds compared to its predecessor, USB 2․0, enabling quicker file transfers and improved peripheral performance․ Often identified by a blue connector interior, USB 3․0 facilitates efficient communication between devices and computers․

Manufacturers sometimes differentiate further with color-coded ports, but the core principle remains – enhanced data throughput․ This technology is entirely separate from the mechanical and fuel delivery systems of the S&S Super E carburetor․

Suspended Solids (3SS) and Carburetor Fuel

3SS, or suspended solids, in fuel necessitate robust filtration․ Impurities can clog the S&S Super E carburetor’s delicate passages, impacting performance and longevity․

Fuel Filtration Importance

Maintaining clean fuel is paramount for the S&S Super E carburetor’s reliable operation․ Suspended solids – including dirt, rust, and debris – can severely compromise performance․ These contaminants obstruct tiny jets and passages within the carburetor, leading to inconsistent fuel delivery and potential engine damage․

Effective fuel filtration prevents these issues, safeguarding the carburetor’s precision components․ Regularly inspect and replace fuel filters to ensure a consistent supply of clean fuel, maximizing the S&S Super E’s potential and extending its lifespan․ Ignoring filtration invites costly repairs and diminished riding enjoyment․

Seasonal Collections (SS) and Carburetor Updates

Spring/Summer (SS) often necessitates carburetor adjustments due to temperature and humidity changes, impacting fuel density and requiring fine-tuning for peak performance․

Spring/Summer (SS) Carburetor Adjustments

As temperatures rise during spring and summer (SS), fuel expands, potentially enriching the air-fuel mixture․ This often requires leaning the mixture slightly using the idle mixture screw for smooth operation․ Increased humidity can also affect tuning; monitoring exhaust color is crucial․ A slightly leaner setting generally improves throttle response and prevents black smoke․

Consider adjusting the needle position if experiencing hesitation during acceleration in warmer weather․ Higher altitudes, common during summer rides, demand further leaning of the main jet․ Regular inspection and minor adjustments ensure optimal performance throughout the season․

Gaming & Macros (SS) ⏤ Irrelevant to Carburetor

“SS” can refer to gaming macros or speed, unrelated to carburetor function․ This context, found online, has no bearing on S&S Super E tuning or repair․

Brief Mention of unrelated “SS” context

The abbreviation “SS” appears in diverse fields, often unrelated to motorcycle carburetors․ Online searches reveal “SS” denoting SuperSpeed USB (USB 3․0), a data transfer standard․ Furthermore, historical contexts reference “SS” as an abbreviation with entirely different, and sensitive, meanings․

Within gaming, “SS” can signify speed or specific macro commands․ Even in fashion, “SS” denotes Spring/Summer collections․ It’s crucial to distinguish these unrelated usages from the S&S Super E carburetor’s context to avoid confusion during research or troubleshooting․

German History (SA/SS), Irrelevant to Carburetor

Historical references to “SA” and “SS” relate to Nazi-era organizations and have absolutely no connection to the function or operation of the S&S Super E carburetor․

The abbreviation “SS” appears in diverse contexts, notably including “SuperSpeed USB” (USB 3․0) and within gaming macros for World of Warcraft, as seen in player-created commands․ Additionally, “SS” denotes seasonal collections in the fashion industry (Spring/Summer)․ These instances are entirely separate from the S&S Super E carburetor’s function․

Furthermore, the German Eszett (ß) character also utilizes “SS,” but remains irrelevant to carburetor mechanics․ Understanding these unrelated uses prevents confusion when researching the carburetor․

Eszett (ß) Character — Irrelevant to Carburetor

The German letter “ß” (Eszett), visually resembling “SS,” has no connection to the S&S Super E carburetor’s design, function, or tuning procedures․

The abbreviation “SS” appears in diverse contexts, notably referencing SuperSpeed USB (USB 3․0) for faster data transfer, and, unfortunately, historical associations with the Schutzstaffel (Nazi SS)․

Furthermore, within the fashion industry, “SS” denotes Spring/Summer collections․ In gaming, “SS” can represent specific macros or output strategies․ However, these usages are entirely separate from the S&S Super E carburetor, a mechanical component focused on fuel-air mixture control for internal combustion engines․