Something has taken a giant shit and it sounds expensive

[SNF]

Thoroughly bloody disappointing. Was having a great little ride on the FZR. Leading up to this it bogged down once taking off at a set of lights, came right and ran fine with tons of power and didn't do it again the rest of the day.
Today it did the same thing, bogged down. Then riding it, it gradually lost power and sounded like it was on 3 cylinders. The fuel pump makes a racket and when it does run it sounds..... well nothing like a smooth running 4 cyl sport bike should, runs and sounds like crap and dies. Can anyone suggest what it could be?

My guess is/was plugs and leads but it sounds really sick, like it could be something else I have no idea what. Thank you for rescuing me Glowerss. Would be keen to ride again, next time without breaking down.

[bogan]

Well if the fuel pump is making a lot of noise, could be a good place to start. What sort of pump is it? just a low pressure one to allow the fuel level to fall below the carb bowl level?

[FJRider]

Well if the fuel pump is making a lot of noise, could be a good place to start. What sort of pump is it? just a low pressure one to allow the fuel level to fall below the carb bowl level?

A good place to start ... and check any fuel filter in the lines between the pump and the tank. Including the filter in the tank that is (should be) attached to the tap.

If they/it is clear ... disconnect outlet line off the pump and turn key on to check its pump flow. A temporary line into a container is a good idea.

And look for kinks and leaks in the line between pump and carbs.

With the engine off but key on ... is the pump still trying to pump .. ??? (it should get to pressure and stop)

[mossy1200]

My fzr1000 fuel pump died if that helps.

get a gravity feed fuel line onto your carbs with your tank up high and try that (bypass the fuel going through the pump).

[bogan]

My fzr1000 fuel pump died if that helps.

get a gravity feed fuel line onto your carbs with your tank up high and try that (bypass the fuel going through the pump).

he can probably get away with just filling the tank up (and bypassing the pump), commmonly done on bros's to check for the same fault. Then we just upgrade to mikuni vac driven fuel pump :)

[SNF]

All good got it home. Now running fine. The problem? Fuel blockage, guess all the hills and corners stirred up some crap. Changing the fuel filter and getting for fuel system cleaner

[mossy1200]

he can probably get away with just filling the tank up (and bypassing the pump), commmonly done on bros's to check for the same fault. Then we just upgrade to mikuni vac driven fuel pump :)

If 3/4 full will work. Might not keep up when revs are higher.

vac pumps can be a hassle on bigger fzrs not sure about 250s. there would be a few jetski pumps that would work if a second hand fzr250 pump is hard to find.

[mossy1200]

Anyone out west with a van or trailer that can tow it to my place? Can offer $50 for the trouble. I parked it at a dairy in Woodlands park and need to get it home. I think you guys are right the pump is dying. Its got 1/4 tank or so of gas and there's no gas station nearby, once home I can try fixing it.


take a 10litre fuel can with you and it will most likely get home on low revs even with the pump still connected.

[Glowerss]

All good got it home. Now running fine. The problem? Fuel blockage, guess all the hills and corners stirred up some crap. Changing the fuel filter and getting for fuel system cleaner

Glad things worked out OK for yah mate, and it wasn't anything serious.

[tigertim20]

Well if the fuel pump is making a lot of noise, could be a good place to start. What sort of pump is it? just a low pressure one to allow the fuel level to fall below the carb bowl level?

what he said. start with the funny noise at the pump.

[McFatty1000]

Be very keen to see what becomes of this - my bike hates starting off from any incline and I get the feeling the fuel pump is on its way out on mine too, no real noise yet though, just the bogging when looking uphill without a bagillion revs.

And as for a ten litre can, that'd mean carrying around a second tank for these bikes?

[FJRider]

Be very keen to see what becomes of this - my bike hates starting off from any incline and I get the feeling the fuel pump is on its way out on mine too, no real noise yet though, just the bogging when looking uphill without a bagillion revs.



Read post # 6 in this thread.

[McFatty1000]

Read post # 6 in this thread.

Meh, heck, shows I'm only skimming through.
Cheers

On another note, has the noise settled?

[FJRider]

Meh, heck, shows I'm only skimming through.
Cheers

On another note, has the noise settled?

He did say "All good" so I assume that's a yes.

As for your issue ... check all your filters. Including the air filter. (Even if it was last week you cleaned it)

Then check your plugs ...

[SNF]

Pump works, it makes some noise at first when its purging all the air out, its a vac one and they all do it from what I hear since it was rather low when I broke down it kept purging and making noise for ages which made me think it was dead/dying.

I called Kevin (Motorcycle Recovery Specialists). Great guy he got me and the bike home definitely recommended. Turns out it was probably low gas and possibly a fuel blockage from riding around in all the hills. I drained the tank, what came out seemed clean. Got a new fuel filter and changed the plugs while I was at it. Rode around the block a couple of times last night and it seems fine now.

Crap I completely forgot about the air filter. Will change that soon, the guy before me did stuff all maintenance. I had the oil and filter changed when I first got the bike.

[FJRider]

Pump works, it makes some noise at first when its purging all the air out, its a vac one and they all do it from what I hear since it was rather low when I broke down it kept purging and making noise for ages which made me think it was dead/dying.

I called Kevin (Motorcycle Recovery Specialists). Great guy he got me and the bike home definitely recommended. Turns out it was probably low gas and possibly a fuel blockage from riding around in all the hills. I drained the tank, what came out seemed clean. Got a new fuel filter and changed the plugs while I was at it. Rode around the block a couple of times last night and it seems fine now.

Crap I completely forgot about the air filter. Will change that soon, the guy before me did stuff all maintenance. I had the oil and filter changed when I first got the bike.

Check the vacuum valve itself. It may get shit in it. Either wont open or wont close. If the same thing happens again, set the tap (if there is one) to prime. This will open the vacuum valve manually. It may help.

[SNF]

Check the vacuum valve itself. It may get shit in it. Either wont open or wont close. If the same thing happens again, set the tap (if there is one) to prime. This will open the vacuum valve manually. It may help.

Actually now you say that, Kevin turned the fuel tap and that's what originally got it started.... eventually. Seemed to be okay today although I didn't ride far, maybe 25 odd km's. It still seems to be still getting fuel when turned upwards at 12 o'clock position which should be fuel cut off, which is strange. 9 o'clock means on I presume and so 6 o'clock (pointing down) Must mean prime or is it the other way around?

I'm laughing that's actually a pretty funny mistake and here I was thinking something serious had gone wrong. Glad I changed the plugs they were filthy! The fuel filter wasn't bad didn't see anything come out of it. Next time if I want to venture into the hills it's gonna need more than 1/4 of a tank.

[FJRider]

Actually now you say that, Kevin turned the fuel tap and that's what originally got it started.... eventually. Seemed to be okay today although I didn't ride far, maybe 25 odd km's. It still seems to be still getting fuel when turned upwards at 12 o'clock position which should be fuel cut off, which is strange. 9 o'clock means on I presume and so 6 o'clock (pointing down) Must mean prime or is it the other way around?

I'm laughing that's actually a pretty funny mistake and here I was thinking something serious had gone wrong. Glad I changed the plugs they were filthy! The fuel filter wasn't bad didn't see anything come out of it. Next time if I want to venture into the hills it's gonna need more than 1/4 of a tank.

Is I recall ... most vacuum taps do (may) not have an "off" ... as the "vacuum" means it shouldn't allow fuel to flow with the engine off. Some bikes may not even have any tap they can alter the position. (mine is one)

The main part of the tap down should usually be "on/run" ... with it up to "prime" (refer to owners manual to confirm)

Or ... in hindsight .. it may be a reserve. (and prime)

Next time you find yourself with nothing to do ... (with a near empty tank) pull the lines off the tap and test this theory. The vacuum valve will open with a line from the tap to your mouth. (takes bugger all)

[bogan]

Is I recall ... most vacuum taps do (may) not have an "off" ... as the "vacuum" means it shouldn't allow fuel to flow with the engine off. Some bikes may not even have any tap they can alter the position. (mine is one)

The main part of the tap down should usually be "on/run" ... with it up to "prime" (refer to owners manual to confirm)

Or ... in hindsight .. it may be a reserve. (and prime)

Next time you find yourself with nothing to do ... (with a near empty tank) pull the lines off the tap and test this theory. The vacuum valve will open with a line from the tap to your mouth. (takes bugger all)

Some (like my VT250) have an off instead of a prime, bit annoying when you just want to drain a bit of fuel out for the mower...

All the taps I've seen have it written on them what the positions are for.

[FJRider]

All the taps I've seen have it written on them what the positions are for.

That would be going on the assumption it is the original un-barstardised tap ... owners manual or workshop manual (or google) may confirm.

[bogan]

That would be going on the assumption it is the original un-barstardised tap ... owners manual or workshop manual (or google) may confirm.

Well the tap and vacuum valve are the same part, so the prime or off tags will still apply.

[FJRider]

Well the tap and vacuum valve are the same part, so the prime or off tags will still apply.

My curiosity has been aroused ... so I googled.

From a FZR250 forum ...

the ON position is marked at 6 o'clock, OFF at 9 o'clock and RES at 12 o'clock


An interesting link to said forum for the OP.

http://www.fzr250.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2007

[SNF]

Interesting. When putting in the new fuel filter, I tried to turn the fuel tap off and it still flowed out. Maybe on my one the off position is prime?

[FJRider]

Interesting. When putting in the new fuel filter, I tried to turn the fuel tap off and it still flowed out. Maybe on my one the off position is prime?

Does fuel flow at the ON position ??

Four positions possible ... top, bottom, left and right. Try all of these.

What positions does fuel not flow without vacuum valve being activated ??

[bogan]

Does fuel flow at the ON position ??

Four positions possible ... top, bottom, left and right. Try all of these.

What positions does fuel not flow without vacuum valve being activated ??

Left is generally a bit tricky on the common three position taps :lol:

Could be gunk in the seals, makes fuel flow in all positions. Is it large flow or just a trickle? My tap used to leak fuel onto the engine in reserve until I cleaned the seals.

[FJRider]

Some fuel taps object to being pulled apart (but welcome to try) .. and may well be a buggered tap. If the OP has it working as it should at the on position, and has a reserve that he knows he can use ... win win.

And would be more than he knew before .. :lol:

[Sable]

If those little ones are anything like the thousands, one of these is a good buy even if only for peace of mind. Wires straight in. http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/parts-for-sale/performance/auction-547151082.htm

[SNF]

Some fuel taps object to being pulled apart (but welcome to try) .. and may well be a buggered tap. If the OP has it working as it should at the on position, and has a reserve that he knows he can use ... win win.

And would be more than he knew before .. :lol:

Too true. I don't really want to pull it apart just yet but if it really does fail I'll give it a shot. It was only leaking (flowing) because I had the fuel filter off while fitting a new one.

There's 4 positions? Never knew that, probably why it was leaking when I thought it was off.

I guess because I went on that other ride when I didn't have a lot of fuel and so it basically ran out when I got to the hills and the fuel was away from the carbs and I was all noobish and thought wtf its broken? Its broken! I didn't see any dirt in the fuel when I drained the tank but who knows there may have been some.

Had I mucked about with the tap I could have got it going, but for how long? Don't think it would have got out of Huia road easily though.

Seems alright, been riding around South Titirangi beach and French bay today as well as going to the airport and back, did about 102 km. Went all along those hilly narrow winding roads and it was fine. Needs a few (5k) revs if starting from a steep hill but it doesn't seem to bog down. Spluttered once while decelerating on the motorway but apart from that its good as gold.

[FJRider]

I guess cos I went on a ride when I didn't have a lot of fuel and so it basically ran out and I was all noobish and thought wtf its broken? Its broken!



Trust me on this ... the GREATEST fear of any biker ... is the fire going out. Silence is not THEN golden.

When it happens (for ANY reason) it seems like the end of the known world has arrived. When you're a NOOB ... (been there .. done that) it feels even worse.

Check list if it dies in future ... 1. Reserve on. (or it's NOT already on) 2. Check kill-switch is NOT on. 3. Recite small prayer to the motorcycling god .. that it will be a simple fix.

[Spuds1234]

Heh if you do need to switch to reserve, for the love of God make sure you switch it back to on when you fill up. Else you may find next time you just flat out run out of gas as I found out many years ago.

[JustNick]

My curiosity has been aroused ... so I googled.

From a FZR250 forum ...

the ON position is marked at 6 o'clock, OFF at 9 o'clock and RES at 12 o'clock


An interesting link to said forum for the OP.

http://www.fzr250.com/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=2007

These positions here are how my FZR petcock was plumbed and what I assume to be the factory positions. The fuel pump on these bikes will be noticeably louder if running without fuel e.g. turn the petcock off and turn ignition on. Are you sure you didn't just run out of petrol and get it running again when the position was changed to reserve. From memory I was getting approx 170ish kms to reserve and an additional 30kms max to bone dry.

[SNF]

Could have been the case. Still having problems, it runs rough and now bogs really badly after take off. I'm hoping it doesn't need a whole lot of carb work but its looking that way, going to have to do a complete flush and drain of the fuel system. Its been a little hesitant here and there and would occasionally bog down but now its nearly un-rideable. I can do my scooter's carb easy as but I'm assuming the ones on the bike are a lot more difficult?

[tigertim20]

carbs arent hard to remove and clean.
remove carbs with basic tools, photograph as you go so you have a reference for when it goes back together.
clean all the parts, soak the needles in carb cleaner for a while. take them down to the service station and blow out with compressed air.

I suggest you put up a post offering good company, a box of beer, and an hour with your missus to anyone with a manometer who can come and over see you removing and cleaning the carbs, then balance them for you with the aforementioned tool.

[unstuck]

Whats the air filter like????

[McFatty1000]

Could have been the case. Still having problems, it runs rough and now bogs really badly after take off. I'm hoping it doesn't need a whole lot of carb work but its looking that way, going to have to do a complete flush and drain of the fuel system. Its been a little hesitant here and there and would occasionally bog down but now its nearly un-rideable. I can do my scooter's carb easy as but I'm assuming the ones on the bike are a lot more difficult?

Have you done anything of note to it since or is this happening just with being ridden? I'd def check the air filter to start, I know my one runs a little more boggy when crud from the tank goes through the line, starves it slightly, so cleaning out and lining the tank is the next big step for me, it seems worse on some fuels from some individual service stations too, is it just this tank now or the last few?

[FJRider]

Could have been the case. Still having problems, it runs rough and now bogs really badly after take off. I'm hoping it doesn't need a whole lot of carb work but its looking that way, going to have to do a complete flush and drain of the fuel system. Its been a little hesitant here and there and would occasionally bog down but now its nearly un-rideable. I can do my scooter's carb easy as but I'm assuming the ones on the bike are a lot more difficult?

Take it (or get somebody else to take it onto a closed and private road :innocent:) ... and fucking ring it out. Learners seldom get it up to the revs/speed it was designed to do.

[SNF]

Air filter is next on my list, by the looks of everything I've replaced I'll say it'll clogged. All I have done is change the spark plugs, given it a new fuel filter (it is on the right way). Was going to say fuel system cleaner but I cant find the bottle.

First tank of fuel, after I changed plugs/fuel filter it was alright, bogged only once, hesitated once or twice literally at higher (12,000 + ) RPM at motorway speeds.

This tank its done it more often and at lower speed. Revs easily at idle but at about 11-14,000 it gets a little rough/fluttery and then comes right. To take off it needs at least 5,000 RPM otherwise its just bogs and stalls/wanks about/makes cagers want to hit me. I gave it red line in second gear out of anger and it seemed okay. On the motorway once I also wound out third I think (not anger just pushing limits ;p). Wasn't speeding but yeah it got up to speed pretty quick!

Its a bit of a bastard really. Its brilliant WHEN it works. Also discovered the temp gauge jumps around if i rev it out it goes higher, if I turn the lights on it'll rise and lower if I dip them. Starts easy cold but I think it needs a battery too, if it stalls while hot it acts like the battery is flat, can see the tacho moving in time with the indicators etc.

Stuff it. I should do this properly - I'll get a new air filter and battery and get the tank flushed out once I use all the fuel.
If it still does it it'll be carb cleaning time I guess.....

[McFatty1000]

I'd go with cleaning the carbs, air filter, everything all at once, saves you the hassle of taking everything apart again.

Yeah, I found that when I went over to the coast, some tanks of fuel had bits of hesitation in them and it bogged more easily, others were fine - I think it might be the more fresh fuel/or when its go a little gunk in it going through the system from some of the smaller less busy stations, on top of other things like needing to clean out the tank entirely :wacko: - had one tank where it was bogging all over the place, filled it up at my usual station (was only half empty) and its been sweet since

Also, when was the last oil change? I know it seems out there but mine does much better all round with clean oil

[FJRider]

Its a bit of a bastard really. Its brilliant WHEN it works. Also discovered the temp gauge jumps around if i rev it out it goes higher, if I turn the lights on it'll rise and lower if I dip them. Starts easy cold but I think it needs a battery too, if it stalls while hot it acts like the battery is flat, can see the tacho moving in time with the indicators etc.



Signs of electrical issues. (A bad earth) Check for obvious shorts by starting and running in the dark. It sounds silly I know .. but shorts will be then obvious. Failing that ... take to an auto sparky.

Also check the tank again ... if it is flaking on the inside ... the tank may need relined. Fit an inline filter if you haven't already. They are small and easily fitted. And save many issues.

[unstuck]

Yeah, sounds like there could be electrical issues as well as fuel/air issues.:Punk::Punk:

[SNF]

Found the short! Its the fan. Tugging on some wires made it come on. Looks like someone's had a go at fixing it and now and it runs permanently on and the connection is loose. Tacho now doesn't flash with indicators etc, but needs a proper fix, think the temp sensor is stuffed.

Looked in the tank and its generally okay, smallest ever flake of rust at the bottom and a few tiny bits at the bottom, which could be why its doing what its doing. Getting it flushed once its empty I don't want chance it.

Going get an air filter today.

Someone asked me when I did the oil, I had a mech do it about 500 odd Km ago when I first got the bike. Thank you guys very much for being patient and helping me out.

[unstuck]

orsum..........:2thumbsup

[McFatty1000]

Awesome, its nice to hear when things actually start going well.

Let me know if you manage to get the air filter for a cheap price, last I was quoted was ~$150 from a number of places, ended up going aftermarket while using the original surround

[SNF]

$150!? Holy fuck! Getting a genuine Yamaha one ( I think, I can remember the guy saying there was nothing aftermarket) From Red Baron for about $72. Hopefully it'll be in this afternoon. Not holding my breath that it will fix everything but if it does I'll be happy.

[SNF]

New filter in - seems alright. Somewhat hesitant at low revs, but then again it was cold and I wasn't pushing it hard. Seems like it starves of fuel at random, especially on hills but also does it on the flat too. Still haven't managed to empty this tank of fuel. I read somewhere about fuel pick up lines around the petcock/fuel tap getting clogged so once I run dry I'll have look at them. Also read about carb balancing - rev it to 4,000 and hold it steady, so I tried it and they seem fine.

[bogan]

New filter in - seems alright. Somewhat hesitant at low revs, but then again it was cold and I wasn't pushing it hard. Seems like it starves of fuel at random, especially on hills but also does it on the flat too. Still haven't managed to empty this tank of fuel. I read somewhere about fuel pick up lines around the petcock/fuel tap getting clogged so once I run dry I'll have a decent look.

Full clean out of the carbs, petcock, and lines sounds like the order of the day...

[SNF]

Full clean out of the carbs, petcock, and lines sounds like the order of the day...

Its looking that way :( I don't really want to pull the carbs myself - scooter ones are easy mine look like a head fuck. Would it cost heaps for someone to do it, obviously I am expecting it'll be a few hundred

[frogfeaturesFZR]

also let the fuel pump fill up the carb bowls
mine wouldn't rev over 8-9 k if the tank ran low and I had to switch to reserve.
Turn the key on, let the pump run, and turn the key off. Then repeat a couple of times.
Always worked for me. After doing thar she'd rev out to 14 k

[The Reibz]

I owned a FZR250 for 5 years (Still got it actually) and I can tell you that this is a pretty common problem.

Replace all fuel lines and Fuel Filter (Super Cheap Auto) Get a can of carb cleaner from them too, CRC if you can.

Remove Tank, Airbox, Throttle cables and then lift the carbs off the engine, Tape up the ports or stuff rags in them so you don't drop anything down there and have the rip the head off to get it back, if you drop something (m4 bolt) down there and start bike then your as good as fucked.

Take off the float bowls, remove the plastic floats and check the o-rings aren't damaged. If they are, replace them. Also look for rust in the bowls, if they are orange around the gaskets, your tank is fucked and will need to be resealed. Take the diagram covers off and slide them out with the needles. Keep all the parts from each carb together and dont mix them up or else your fucked.
Now spray that shit with the cleaner (clean EVERYTHING), you can even take the jets and tubes out and soak them over night if you want. Find the mixture screws and turn them all the way in, then out 3 turns. DO NOT FORCE THEM IN, USE FINGER PRESSURE ONLY.
Now put it all back together and make sure you don't forget anything.
Put 98 in the tank and never run 91 again. Have had nothing but problems with 91 in these bikes.

While you got it apart, clean and gap the plugs and do a oil and filter change.

Start her up and take her for a ride, she should be all good, if not you will need to check the float levels in each carb and take it from there.

I got pictures galore on how to do this. Let me know if your keen or else you can take it to baron and take out a 2nd mortgage to pay for it.


Take it (or get somebody else to take it onto a closed and private road ) ... and fucking ring it out. Learners seldom get it up to the revs/speed it was designed to do.
Do this as well, can show you a few roads around your area. You will find most of the problems will sort themselves out hahhaha

[SNF]

I never run 91 in this, it always gets the good stuff. Its had new spark plugs, new fuel filter, new air filter, oil and filter done 500 odd km ago.

I'm not going to Red Baron for a carb clean on a 24 year old beat-to-shit Yamaha with missing fairings, I'd get laughed out the door.
I just need to psych myself up and get off my arse and clean them myself. It's not hard. I did my scooters carb and it wasn't hard. I'm just very fucking lazy. Hopefully after a good coma I'll get up and won't mind fixing this old beast.

[Katman]

Also read about carb balancing - rev it to 4,000 and hold it steady, so I tried it and they seem fine.

Say what???

[Maha]

Say what???

carb balancing = eat less potatoes.

[SNF]

carb balancing = eat less potatoes.

Heh, shouldn't be a problem I'm not much of a potato fan


Say what???

Read too many things and got mixed up I think. Anyway tank is basically empty now, so time to start cleaning.

[SNF]

Back together and running again! Ever slightest hesitation once or twice below 5,000 rpm but no bogging/stalling.

[Sliver]

Thoroughly bloody disappointing. Was having a great little ride on the FZR. Leading up to this it bogged down once taking off at a set of lights, came right and ran fine with tons of power and didn't do it again the rest of the day.
Today it did the same thing, bogged down. Then riding it, it gradually lost power and sounded like it was on 3 cylinders. The fuel pump makes a racket and when it does run it sounds..... well nothing like a smooth running 4 cyl sport bike should, runs and sounds like crap and dies. Can anyone suggest what it could be?

My guess is/was plugs and leads but it sounds really sick, like it could be something else I have no idea what. Thank you for rescuing me Glowerss. Would be keen to ride again, next time without breaking down.

i had the same problem with my 1992, i replaced the fuel pump and it went good after that.

[kiwi cowboy]

Back together and running again! Ever slightest hesitation once or twice below 5,000 rpm but no bogging/stalling.

If you need to clean the carbs the best stuff is white vinager.
search this site and you will find post on how and works a treat.

[FJRider]

If you need to clean the carbs the best stuff is white vinager.
search this site and you will find post on how and works a treat.

If you need to clean the carbs ... you need someone that knows what they are doing.

[SNF]

I cleaned my mates carb on his scooter and managed to get that going again. But yeah the bike ones would need a lot more work being 4 of them loll. I rode well over 100 km today and the bike seems fine. Funny thing is I hadn't pulled the carbs apart, merely drained the float bowls so that may have been the problem.

[SNF]

FUCK this thing! Seriously - I fix it - it fucks up. Yesterday it was fine today it runs 3 cylinders. Its either coils or fuel solenoid/pump. Next week its going for diagnostics, all 'basic' maintenance items have been put on/done. I half want to sell it but I don't want to unleash the curse of the yamacunt onto someone else. Burning it means no insurance. Fuck. Hopefully soon it will just work properly.

[Glowerss]

:no: Sorry to hear about your ongoing troubles mate. Hopeing that it'll finally be sorted for you! Nothing worse then great riding weather and a broken bike ruining plot.



I'm fully going to bookmark this thread, however, and link it anytime people claim old IL4s are "fine" :rolleyes:

[SNF]

:no: Sorry to hear about your ongoing troubles mate. Hopeing that it'll finally be sorted for you! Nothing worse then great riding weather and a broken bike ruining plot.



I'm fully going to bookmark this thread, however, and link it anytime people claim old IL4s are "fine" :rolleyes:

Old inline 4's CAN be fine. This one is not of them as everyone can see its a bit of a dog.

Well I am calmer now. Had a mint little ride up to Orewa planned and yesterday it was fine and then today when I really really wanted to go someplace it says "no get stuffed" and does something like this. I was so up for a ride, that would have made the day, Instead I am now partially drunk and broke from being a passenger in a friends car. Not bad either that said but nothing beats a great ride!

I am sticking with it. It will be fixed. Don't know exactly when or how but it will be fixed. Even if it means a mechanics I guess.

[SNF]

Its coming apart today, carbs out, everything. The reason why it was on 3 cylinders was because the plugs within a week are sooty black. Running too rich.

[FJRider]

Its coming apart today, carbs out, everything. The reason why it was on 3 cylinders was because the plugs within a week are sooty black. Running too rich.

Running rich shouldn't make it run on 3 cylinders surely ... ??

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Sorry, have not read thread from the start, but does your model have the Exup?

[SNF]

Yep it has Exup.

A mate who has had a few bikes and has done carbies before came over, he gave it some revs before we started and said it wasn't very responsive. It was running on 4 cylinders since I cleaned the spark plugs. This is the first bike I've ever ridden + noob so I really have no idea. He watched me take the carbs out (piss easy now) and clean them. I can do it, I just find it better with guidance of some form.

Found the main jet on carb #2 was loose! Like a few turns and it would have been sitting in the bowl. Was pretty dirty in there in there, no wonder why it ran like crap the poor old thing.

Also found my accelerator cable is holding on by 2 stands of wire and it could snap at any second so I'm glad I got stuck into the carbs today. I am getting a new cable/seeing if I can get this one fixed tomorrow, so for now my bike is sitting in a state of deconstruction.

Because I haven't messed with the back of the carbs, I just undid the bowls, took out the floats, main and pilot jets and sprayed with carb cleaner he recons it shouldn't really need balancing, so hopefully not but if so, so be it.

So once I get a new cable I hope that it will run properly for quite some time. I should have done this earlier it really isn't all that hard. Didn't even swear once and even had a couple of nice cold beers while doing it.

[ducatilover]

You removed the floats, I assume you set the heights again?
If you need some help, I'll be in Aucks within the next three weeks and may be able to spare some time (no promises though!)

[SNF]

Yeah we double checked everything before pulling it apart and re-assembling. Hopefully I'm riding it in about 3 weeks lol, thanks for the offer.

[FJRider]

Yeah we double checked everything before pulling it apart and re-assembling. Hopefully I'm riding it in about 3 weeks lol, thanks for the offer.

It pays not to repair throttle cables. Less future issues if you buy new. Get it back together and take it for a ride. A good ride. Dont look for issues that are not evident during that ride.

Enjoy that ride.

[SNF]

It pays not to repair throttle cables. Less future issues if you buy new. Get it back together and take it for a ride. A good ride. Dont look for issues that are not evident during that ride.

Enjoy that ride.

I shall enjoy. Really want to ride as much as I can before I have to start work again, will be hunting bike shops for a new cable tomorrow.

[nzspokes]

You removed the floats, I assume you set the heights again?
If you need some help, I'll be in Aucks within the next three weeks and may be able to spare some time (no promises though!)

Really? Will you bring your bike?

[ducatilover]

Really? Will you bring your bike?
Delivering a car for a mate, so sadly no bike for me.

[SNF]

Fuck my entire life; past present and future. Well its fucked anyway but let's not get into that.

Somehow I have broken the fuel tap switch off the side of the tank. I nearly had it back together, once the gay tank was in I was going to (try) and start it! How the hell did I break the fuel tap? I'm a skinny white guy with no strength at all. Why did I even wake up this morning? Why can't this cuntercycle just fucking well work? Excuse me while I cry like a little bitch for half an hour until my balls come back and I start looking into getting a replacement fuel tap.

[ducatilover]

I'll give ya $300 for the whole bike :bleh:

Breaking the fuel tap though, that's impressive

[ducatilover]

Double fucking posts

[SNF]

I'll give ya $300 for the whole bike :bleh:

Breaking the fuel tap though, that's impressive

Hmmm tempting, 30 mins ago I may have said yes. I might try and fix (break) it some more. Almost want another one and keep this for parts.

[SNF]

Its back together mostly, still need to put tank covers and plastics/seats back. It starts and runs fine, but wont idle. I never touched and air/fuel or idle adjustment screws so wtf? Guessing it may have something to do with the cable.

[ducatilover]

If it doesn't run, my offer may still stand :bleh: Good luck bro

[SNF]

If it doesn't run, my offer may still stand :bleh: Good luck bro

Haha yeah I'm going to need that luck. I'm not so keen to sell it since its going somewhat lol. Rode it to the shops to get dinner. Tons of power went well no hesitation stuttering or bullshit, but it just will not idle which is a bit of a pain. Tomorrow it shall be fixed.

[The Reibz]

There should be a large phillips screw attached to a cable thats connected to the clutch cover. Give that a few spins clock wise and try idling it again

[SNF]

There should be a large phillips screw attached to a cable thats connected to the clutch cover. Give that a few spins clock wise and try idling it again

Thanks guys. Did this and now its idling again, I did wonder if if I had to play around with it since I got that new cable. Went for a run and it seems good, a mate adjusted the clutch for me too, not so much a problem I just didn't like it engaging right at the end. So the problem was basically dirty carbs apart from me breaking/replacing maintenance parts along the way lol. Overall fun, apart from thinking I'd fixed it and then finding I hadn't. Bright side is I can do this stuff again on my own now.

[Akzle]

but it just will not idle which is a bit of a pain. Tomorrow it shall be fixed.

air pilot circuit on carbs.


...told you it was fucken hilarious.

[SNF]

Its still being a slut. WTF? I don't understand it. It fucks about hesiitates, wanks and bogs when you need the power, taking off, on a hill, wanting to power out of a corner etc, When you don't need the power, it comes on like a freight train half way through a corner. Fucking thing, I've done pretty much everything I can DIY. The carburetors are all clean, I made sure of that. Could this be a tuning issue? Would the carbs need balancing?

[Akzle]

Could this be a tuning issue? Would the carbs need balancing?

you had the carbs off to clean and you didn't sync them :facepalm:

now you get to take them off AGAIN.

(or, if your bike has nipples, buy a vacuum gauge.)

[bogan]

Its still being a slut. WTF? I don't understand it. It fucks about hesiitates, wanks and bogs when you need the power, taking off, on a hill, wanting to power out of a corner etc, When you don't need the power, it comes on like a freight train half way through a corner. Fucking thing, I've done pretty much everything I can DIY. The carburetors are all clean, I made sure of that. Could this be a tuning issue? Would the carbs need balancing?

If it's fucking about at the top end it suggests a more serious problem than carb balancing. When you had then off did you check the float level? Have you checked for air leaks on the intake manifold? Have you checked the mechanical side of things, valve clearances, compression etc?

[SNF]

Not so much the top end, I notice when riding its more the mid range anywhere between 8 -12,000 - its good after that. It was better for a while after the clean but now its like I never touched it. Its not totally un-rideable, it does have a slight miss right through the rev range while off the bike, steadily increasing throttle. Its not huge but its enough to take the fun out of riding.

[Banditbandit]

Its still being a slut. WTF? I don't understand it. It fucks about hesiitates, wanks and bogs when you need the power, taking off, on a hill, wanting to power out of a corner etc, When you don't need the power, it comes on like a freight train half way through a corner. Fucking thing, I've done pretty much everything I can DIY. The carburetors are all clean, I made sure of that. Could this be a tuning issue? Would the carbs need balancing?

Have you thought (I would be about now ...) that you have bought a lemon???

[ducatilover]

Has it got a standard exhaust and intake?
Have you correctly gapped the plugs?

8-12krpm suggests you need to raise the needles, or look at going up a jet size
After doing a carb sync, build a manometer, no need to take the carbs off to sync them (bench sync without a vac guage/manometer doesn't sync them properly)

[SNF]

Has it got a standard exhaust and intake?

Have you correctly gapped the plugs?

8-12krpm suggests you need to raise the needles, or look at going up a jet size
After doing a carb sync, build a manometer, no need to take the carbs off to sync them (bench sync without a vac guage/manometer doesn't sync them properly)

Bike is 100 Stock. Plugs are 2 weeks old but good point I'll check them. Just ran it before and its missing right through the rev range, I seem to notice it heaps at 8-12 rpm. Carbs may need an ultrasonic clean?


Have you thought (I would be about now ...) that you have bought a lemon???

Yeah I have had that thought for a little while now.......

[Banditbandit]

Bike is 100 Stock. Plugs are 2 weeks old but good point I'll check them. Just ran it before and its missing right through the rev range, I seem to notice it heaps at 8-12 rpm. Carbs may need an ultrasonic clean?




Check the leads to the plugs are not shorting out on something ... What kind of plug ends do you have? It's a long shot, I know, but I had metal caps on plug leads - they had got wet and rusty ... gave me an intermittent spark - I replaced the metal caps with NGK ones and the problem disappeared ...

Also, if you have been working ont he biek check all the vital electircal wires .. I once broke the copper wiring in side the insulatin sleeve ... couldn't spot it from looking at it ... gacve me an intermittent problem ...

[imdying]

Love the title of this thread, cracks me up :laugh:

[nakedsv]

My worker had a bandit 250 with a similar sounding problem, missing and no balls in the mid rev range 8000 to 12000, was a 93 with original ht leads and probably the spark plugs too, replaced them and it made a huge difference. Something to do with current being too much for the old worn out leads was only running on three cylinders half the time until we put the new cables in.

[SNF]

Should update this. Bike is going, have been riding to work for the last 5 or so weeks. Its not too bad over all. Has developed an exhaust leak (partly why it was running like crap maybe?) Anyway that's the reason it backfires. Also noticed the clutch slipping if/when I change at higher 15-16 RPM, usually in first and second. Saving up to get them fixed, going to get carbs balanced as well might as well have it running mint while I ride it for the next few years.

Had more than its fair share of teething problems but I quite like it now despite all the headaches.