Do you tune your engine for higher performance? Do
you ever change intake tract or exhaust components? Do
you sometimes need to remove the idle mixture screw to
clean the idle circuit on your carbs? Do you have trouble
adjusting it while the bike is assembled and running?
Then you are in the market for an idle mixture screw
adjuster.
There are a few on the market already, but none of them
could work on my bike, a Kawasaki KLR 650. Two problems:
- The idle mixture screw points directly down at the
starter motor, not an inch below.
- The best access is across the high exhaust pipe,
so no short tool can save me from burning my hands,
if the bike is at operating temperature.
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Click for larger image. (Opens a new window.)

Idle Mixture Adjuster Tool
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Click for larger image. (Opens a new window.)

Detail of the hook engaging the adjuster wheel.
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The !!!MANIC Salamander
Idle Mixture Adjuster solves
these problems and more, with
these features:
- 10" of extension past your hands, to reach
way in there.
- Clear indication of screw slot angle, visible
to the user, for duplicating factory settings,
or documenting your own. (exclusive)
- Only 0.840" tip-to-tail, the shortest profile
made. Fits between carbs and starters, alternators,
etc. (exclusive)
- Purpose-built precision at a modest price.
- Super lightweight Aluminum with Nickel plating
for smooth action and long life.
Price
Idle Mixture Adjuster $59.99
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How it works:
The main part is a small screwdriver bit with a special
toothed wheel, which has a position-indicating slot machined
into it. It is on the end of a long stick, and of course
it can rotate. The other long stick has a hooked end,
to turn the wheel by the teeth.
You just engage the idle mixture screw with the screwdriver
bit with the hook, determine the starting angle of the
slot, and use the hook to adjust by any fraction of a
rotation that is called for.
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Click for larger image. (Opens a new window.)

Detail of the screwdriver end with toothed wheel.
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Special warnings for idle mixture adjuster:
Caution: This is a precision
tool. It is not designed or built to break loose a
stuck idle mixture screw. If your carb is that gummed
up, it deserves to be removed, cleaned, and rebuilt,
with a real screwdriver. An idle mixture screw that
is in shape for fine adjustment will turn fairly easily.
This tool is lightweight for ease of use and carrying.
But it is also more delicate than your average steel
tool. Do not pry, or use as a striking tool, screwdriver,
or anything else. Such use voids the warranty.
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Technical Details for determining
compatibility and scale.
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