Hello everybody - I am new to the forum. I have been looking for a 73 RT3 for a couple of years now and was just able to get my hands on one. Super nice bike that has been sitting and it shows, but in a good way. Overall the bike is pretty well preserved - has a couple of issues with plastic parts, carburetor, etc.. I took the carburetor apart and cannot remember if the needle jet goes below the throttle cable washer that locks in place or if it sits on top of it. Any help would be great.

The washer does double duty . It goes over the needle and clip fixing that firmly
into position , and secondly retains the throttle cable .

Hey Mike...hope that's the hardest thing you come across while getting her running again

Swoop has your answer.

RT3 Mike, I'm RT3Sam..... This is great place for information. These guys have helped me out allot. Enjoy your RT3 and getting it up and running!

Drop the needle into the slide complete with clip on whatever notch you desire--'middle' for a start. Then drop the locking plate in bit sit it to one side of locking. Then spring onto the cable & pull it back with your thumb. Then fit it down into the slide hole & pull back into the nipple hole recess. Then manipulate 'shake' the locking plate into the slot. Pretty much how i do it. Frustrating at times lol.

Thanks everybody - RT325 advise is similar to what I did so I may just have it right. We'll find out when i get it back from paint and fired up. I appreciate all the good wishes.

RT325- I opended up the carburetor again to ensure I followed your instructions completely. The way I currently have it set up is the needle jet and "c" clip rest in the very bottom.  The locking washer thing is on top of the needle jet with the top tip of the needle jet poking through the center of the locking washer, then the cable and spring, etc.. My question is: If I put the needle jet in first and then put the brass locking washer over it, how does the needle jet move up and down?  The cable is only connected to the locking washer, Originally I had the needle jet going through the locking washer - C clip sitting on top of the locking washer which allows the needle jet to move up and down.  I change it following your instructions and just need to confirm I have it right.  Mike

Ok, Cclip fits in a recess down in the slide & plate holds it down--not tight but with a bit of wriggle room so its not rigid & floats in the needle jet down below that the slide pulls it up & down in. I say floats but is only running clearance but as it's tapered it gets looser as you lift the slide opening the throttle. Can sometimes be difficult to get the needle entering the jet down the middle but you'll know when its in & no pressure required. Also has a guide pin for the slide to get it pointing so the cutaway of the slide is looking back at the aircleaner not towards the motor. Best to have the bike vertical as even having it on the sidestand can be enough for the needle to miss the jet but you'kk know because with the needle striking beside the jet you'll feel pressure because then the needle is doing its best to lift the plate against the spring as you put the slide further in. Bit of a juggle--or can go right first try.
Having internet issues here but will keep up when its operating.

 

The cable must attach to the large round slide.  The whole slide moves up and down, not just the retaining washer and the needle. 

If you post a picture of the slide, needle, and retaining washer so I can see what type you have, I can explain it better.