
s&s super e carburetor manual
The S&S Super E carburetor, a performance staple, demands understanding for optimal tuning; resources like original manuals and online communities are vital for successful implementation․
Historical usage shows variations in possessive forms, like ‘SS’ markings, and pronunciation shifts – sometimes ‘ss’ sounds like ‘sh’ – impacting documentation and understanding․
Early documentation, potentially manuscript-based, utilized ‘SS’ differently than modern printed materials, requiring careful study of older guides for accurate interpretation and repair․
What is the S&S Super E?
The S&S Super E carburetor represents a significant leap in performance enhancement for Harley-Davidson motorcycles, and understanding its intricacies begins with recognizing its core function: delivering a precisely metered fuel-air mixture․ Unlike stock carburetors, the Super E is designed for increased airflow and improved throttle response, often requiring meticulous tuning to unlock its full potential․
Historically, S&S Cycle has been a prominent name in aftermarket motorcycle parts, and the Super E embodies their commitment to quality and performance․ The carburetor’s design often incorporates features absent in original equipment, necessitating a dedicated manual for proper installation and adjustment․ Variations in markings, such as the ‘SS’ designation, can indicate specific model years or modifications, further emphasizing the need for accurate documentation․
Furthermore, the evolution of possessive notation – from ‘s genitive’ to the ‘zero genitive’ using apostrophes – mirrors the evolving documentation surrounding these carburetors․ Accessing original S&S manuals is crucial, as pronunciation nuances and shorthand notations (like ‘SS’) may differ from contemporary guides, impacting accurate interpretation and maintenance․
Historical Context of S&S Carburetors
S&S Cycle’s journey began as a small motorcycle repair shop, quickly evolving into a powerhouse of aftermarket performance parts․ Their carburetor development mirrored this growth, initially focusing on improving existing designs before pioneering the Super E․ Early documentation, potentially existing only in manuscript form, reveals a period where notation – including the use of ‘SS’ – wasn’t standardized, impacting clarity․

The shift from traditional possessive forms (‘s genitive’) to simpler apostrophes, as noted in linguistic studies, reflects a broader trend towards streamlined communication, potentially influencing early S&S manuals․ Understanding this historical context is vital when interpreting older guides, as abbreviations and shorthand may differ significantly from modern documentation․
The Super E’s introduction addressed limitations in stock Harley-Davidson carburetors, demanding a dedicated manual for installation and tuning․ Pronunciation variations – like the common ‘sh’ sound for ‘ss’ – further complicate interpretation, highlighting the importance of referencing original S&S resources for accurate understanding and maintenance procedures․

Understanding the Components
Dissecting the S&S Super E, the manual details the main body’s airflow, the float bowl’s fuel delivery, and the crucial needle and seat assembly for precise operation․
The Main Body and Air Flow
The S&S Super E carburetor’s main body is meticulously designed to manage airflow, a critical aspect detailed within the original manuals․ Understanding the venturi’s role – its narrowing creating increased velocity – is paramount for proper tuning․ The manual emphasizes the importance of smooth, unrestricted airflow for optimal performance, noting potential issues arising from obstructions or improper port matching․
Variations in the ‘SS’ markings, as observed in historical documentation, might relate to subtle alterations in port shapes or sizes, impacting airflow characteristics․ The carburetor’s bore size, clearly specified in the manual, dictates the volume of air entering the engine․ Furthermore, the manual illustrates how the throttle bore’s shape influences throttle response and overall power delivery․
Even seemingly minor details, like the smoothness of the internal surfaces, are addressed, referencing the principle of “least resistance” in airflow, similar to how pronunciation simplifies sounds (like ‘ss’ becoming ‘sh’)․ Properly understanding these airflow dynamics, as outlined in the S&S manual, is fundamental to achieving peak engine performance․
Float Bowl and Fuel Delivery System
The S&S Super E carburetor’s float bowl maintains a consistent fuel level, crucial for reliable operation, as detailed extensively in the original S&S manuals․ These manuals emphasize the importance of a properly adjusted float height, directly impacting fuel mixture accuracy․ Variations in the ‘SS’ markings could potentially indicate different float bowl capacities or fuel inlet configurations, requiring specific adjustments․
The fuel delivery system relies on a needle and seat assembly to regulate fuel flow into the bowl․ The manual provides precise instructions for inspecting and replacing these components, highlighting potential issues like debris accumulation or wear․ Understanding the fuel pump’s pressure, as referenced in troubleshooting sections, is also vital․

Like the simplification of ‘ss’ to ‘sh’ in pronunciation, the fuel system aims for efficient delivery with minimal resistance․ The manual stresses the importance of clean fuel lines and a properly vented fuel tank to prevent fuel starvation or flooding, ensuring consistent performance․
Needle and Seat Assembly
The S&S Super E carburetor’s needle and seat assembly precisely controls fuel entering the float bowl, a critical function detailed in the official S&S manuals․ These guides emphasize meticulous inspection for wear or damage, as even minor imperfections can disrupt fuel delivery․ The manuals often illustrate variations in needle and seat designs, potentially indicated by subtle ‘SS’ markings, requiring specific replacement parts․
Proper seating is paramount; the manual outlines procedures for verifying a complete seal, preventing fuel leakage․ Like the historical shift in pronouncing ‘ss’ as ‘sh’ for ease, the assembly aims for smooth, uninterrupted flow․ Troubleshooting sections address common issues like fuel dribble, often caused by a worn seat or a damaged needle tip․
The manual stresses the importance of using the correct needle and seat combination for your carburetor model, avoiding generic replacements․ Maintaining this assembly ensures consistent fuel metering, vital for optimal performance and preventing engine issues․
Tuning the S&S Super E
Precise tuning, guided by the S&S manual, optimizes performance; adjustments to mixture, jetting, and pump calibration are key for responsiveness and efficiency․
Idle Mixture Adjustment
Achieving a stable idle with the S&S Super E carburetor relies heavily on meticulous mixture adjustment, as detailed in the original S&S manuals․ Begin by ensuring the engine is fully warmed to operating temperature; cold engines require richer mixtures that will be incorrect once heated․
Locate the idle mixture screw – typically positioned on the carburetor body – and gently turn it in or out while monitoring engine RPM․ The goal is to find the position that yields the highest, smoothest idle speed․ Small adjustments are crucial; quarter-turn increments are recommended․
Pay attention to how the engine responds․ If the RPM drops or the engine stumbles, you’ve likely leaned out the mixture too much․ Conversely, if the engine smokes or runs rough, it’s too rich․ Remember that slight variations in atmospheric conditions, like altitude, can necessitate further fine-tuning, referencing the manual’s jetting charts․
Proper idle adjustment not only ensures smooth operation but also contributes to fuel efficiency and reduces emissions․ Consistent reference to the S&S manual is paramount for optimal results․
High-Speed Jet Selection
Selecting the correct high-speed jet for your S&S Super E carburetor is critical for maximizing performance and preventing engine damage, as outlined in the official S&S manuals․ This process is intrinsically linked to engine displacement, intended use, and crucially, altitude․

The manual provides detailed jetting charts based on these factors․ Start with the recommended jet size for your engine configuration and then observe the spark plug color during extended high-RPM operation․ A light tan or chocolate brown indicates optimal jetting․
A white spark plug signifies a lean condition – requiring a larger jet – while a black, sooty plug indicates a rich mixture, necessitating a smaller jet․ Remember that even subtle changes in jet size can significantly impact performance․
Altitude plays a significant role; higher altitudes require leaner jetting due to reduced air density․ Always consult the manual’s altitude compensation charts for precise adjustments, ensuring reliable and efficient operation․
Accelerator Pump Calibration
Proper accelerator pump calibration is essential for smooth transitions from idle to full throttle on the S&S Super E carburetor, as detailed within the original S&S manuals․ The pump delivers an extra shot of fuel when the throttle is rapidly opened, preventing a lean stumble․
Calibration involves adjusting both the pump’s volume and duration․ The manual outlines procedures for selecting the correct pump cam and adjusting the linkage to control fuel delivery․ Too little fuel results in hesitation, while excessive fuel causes a momentary rich condition and potential fouling․
Observe the engine’s response during quick throttle openings․ A slight richness is preferable to a lean stumble․ Fine-tuning involves experimenting with different cam profiles and linkage adjustments, always referencing the manual’s recommendations․
Remember that variations in ambient temperature and altitude can affect accelerator pump calibration, requiring periodic adjustments to maintain optimal performance․ Careful observation and methodical adjustments are key․
Troubleshooting Common Issues
S&S Super E carburetor issues often stem from fuel delivery or mixture imbalances; consult the manual for diagnosing leaks, stalling, or hesitation, ensuring proper operation․

Fuel Leaks and Their Causes
Identifying fuel leaks within the S&S Super E carburetor is crucial for safety and performance․ The manual emphasizes checking several key areas․ First, inspect the float bowl gasket – deterioration leads to seepage, especially after prolonged storage or ethanol-blended fuel exposure․
Next, examine the needle and seat assembly; wear or debris prevents a complete seal, causing fuel to overflow․ Tighten the fuel line fittings, ensuring they are snug but not over-torqued, as damage can occur․ Also, scrutinize the carburetor body itself for cracks, though these are rare․
Remember that variations in possessive forms, like the ‘SS’ markings, don’t relate to leak causes, but understanding documentation is vital․ Pronunciation shifts – ‘ss’ sounding like ‘sh’ – won’t help diagnose leaks either! Always refer to the S&S manual’s diagrams for precise component locations and recommended torque specifications․ Ignoring leaks can create fire hazards and severely impact engine operation․
Poor Starting and Stalling
Difficult starting and stalling with the S&S Super E often point to fuel delivery or mixture issues․ The manual stresses checking the float level; an incorrect level disrupts fuel supply․ A clogged main jet or pilot jet restricts fuel flow, particularly noticeable during starting and low-speed operation․
Inspect the accelerator pump; a malfunctioning pump delivers insufficient fuel during initial throttle opening․ Verify proper choke operation – a stuck or improperly adjusted choke can cause rich starting conditions and subsequent stalling․ Remember, possessive forms like ‘SS’ markings are irrelevant to these mechanical issues․
Pronunciation quirks – ‘ss’ sounding like ‘sh’ – won’t aid diagnosis! The S&S manual’s troubleshooting section provides detailed procedures for jet cleaning and choke adjustment․ Ensure all fuel lines are clear of obstructions and the fuel filter is clean․ Consistent stalling often indicates a lean mixture requiring jetting adjustments․
Hesitation and Flat Spots
Hesitation and flat spots during acceleration with the S&S Super E typically indicate a lean condition in a specific RPM range․ The carburetor manual emphasizes the importance of proper jetting for optimal performance․ A common cause is an incorrectly sized main jet, failing to deliver sufficient fuel at higher speeds․
The accelerator pump plays a crucial role; improper calibration results in a temporary lean spot when the throttle is opened quickly․ Check the needle and seat assembly for wear or debris, as this affects fuel flow consistency․ Don’t confuse mechanical issues with stylistic points like possessive ‘SS’ forms․
The manual details procedures for adjusting the accelerator pump and selecting the correct main jet based on engine displacement and riding conditions․ Remember, pronunciation variations (‘ss’ as ‘sh’) are unrelated to carburetor function․ Thoroughly clean all fuel passages and inspect for vacuum leaks, which can exacerbate lean conditions․

Advanced Techniques
Mastering the S&S Super E involves altitude jetting and performance modifications; the manual guides these, acknowledging variations like the ‘SS’ markings and pronunciation shifts․
Jetting for Different Altitudes
Adjusting jetting for altitude is crucial for maintaining optimal S&S Super E carburetor performance․ As elevation increases, air density decreases, requiring leaner jetting to avoid a rich fuel mixture․ The original S&S manuals provide baseline jetting recommendations, but these serve as starting points․
Understanding the impact of atmospheric pressure is key․ Higher altitudes mean less air, so the same amount of fuel will create a richer mixture․ This can lead to poor performance, fouling plugs, and even engine damage; Conversely, at lower altitudes, a richer mixture may be necessary for maximum power․
The manual details how to systematically decrease main jet sizes as altitude increases․ It also emphasizes observing spark plug color – a light tan indicates proper tuning, while black signifies a rich condition․ Remember that variations in ‘SS’ markings or even pronunciation (affecting documentation interpretation) shouldn’t deter methodical adjustments based on observed results․ Careful documentation of changes is vital for repeatable results․
Modifying the Carburetor for Performance
Performance modifications to the S&S Super E should be approached cautiously, always referencing the original manual as a foundation․ While the Super E is highly tunable, exceeding its design limits can compromise reliability․ Common modifications include porting the intake manifold to increase airflow and optimizing the accelerator pump for quicker throttle response․
The manual cautions against drastic changes to the float bowl or needle assembly, as these components are critical for consistent fuel delivery․ Altering jetting beyond recommended ranges requires careful consideration of engine specifications and intended use․ Remember that subtle changes, like adjusting the ‘SS’ markings’ influence on fuel flow, can have significant effects․
Experienced tuners often experiment with different cutaway angles on the venturi to improve mixture atomization․ However, the manual stresses the importance of precise measurements and thorough testing․ Pronunciation nuances in older documentation shouldn’t overshadow the need for methodical adjustments and careful observation of engine performance․
Understanding the ‘SS’ Markings & Variations
The ‘SS’ markings on the S&S Super E carburetor aren’t merely a brand identifier; they often denote specific jetting configurations or internal component variations․ Early manuals detail how these markings correlate to fuel flow rates and optimal settings for different engine builds․ Understanding these codes is crucial for accurate tuning and troubleshooting․
Variations in the ‘SS’ designation can reflect changes implemented over the carburetor’s production run․ Some sources suggest the ‘SS’ evolved from a manuscript-style notation, potentially influencing its initial form and legibility․ Pronunciation shifts, where ‘ss’ sounds like ‘sh’, might have contributed to inconsistencies in documentation․
The original S&S manuals provide detailed charts cross-referencing ‘SS’ codes with jet sizes and needle profiles․ Ignoring these markings and relying on generic settings can lead to suboptimal performance or even engine damage․ Careful study of the manual, alongside online community resources, is essential for deciphering these subtle but significant variations․

Resources and Manuals
Locating original S&S manuals is paramount; online forums and communities offer invaluable support, deciphering ‘SS’ markings and variations for optimal carburetor performance․
Locating Original S&S Manuals
Finding authentic S&S Super E carburetor manuals can be a rewarding, yet challenging, endeavor․ Due to the carburetor’s age and the company’s history, original printed manuals aren’t always readily available through standard retail channels․ Online auction sites, like eBay, frequently list vintage motorcycle parts and related documentation, including these sought-after manuals;
However, verifying the authenticity and completeness of these listings is crucial․ Motorcycle parts suppliers specializing in vintage components may also stock reproduction or original manuals․ Dedicated online forums and communities focused on classic motorcycles and S&S carburetors often serve as hubs for information sharing, with members occasionally offering scans or copies of original documentation․
Be aware that early documentation might utilize different conventions, such as the ‘SS’ marking, and potentially manuscript-based formats, requiring careful interpretation․ Understanding historical possessive forms, like the use of apostrophes, can also aid in deciphering older texts․ Patience and diligent searching are key to successfully locating a genuine S&S Super E carburetor manual․
Online Forums and Communities
Engaging with online forums and communities dedicated to vintage motorcycles and S&S carburetors represents a valuable resource for owners and enthusiasts․ These platforms foster a collaborative environment where members share knowledge, troubleshooting tips, and often, digitized versions of original manuals or related documentation․
Specific forums focused on classic Harley-Davidson motorcycles, given the S&S carburetor’s common application, are particularly helpful․ Searching within these communities using keywords like “S&S Super E manual” or “carburetor tuning” can yield relevant results․ Remember that pronunciation variations – like ‘ss’ sounding like ‘sh’ – might affect search terms;
Be mindful of differing opinions and advice; cross-reference information and prioritize guidance from experienced members․ Discussions often cover historical usage, possessive forms (‘SS’ markings), and modifications, providing a comprehensive understanding beyond a simple manual․ Active participation and respectful interaction are encouraged within these online spaces․