Neverending story...

[stevewederell]

I'll cut this very short...

Same prob as always, bike running like box of arseholes! 1998 CB600 Hornet

Things already done,

New plugs
New air filter
Carbs drained (no crap or water)
Carb cleaner (Wynns) flushed through 3 times

Hampton Honda had a look and they,
Cleaned my new plugs,
fixed rusting electrical thing
Checked carb vacuum

I now use 95 as well as riding less like a nana.


Was all going well till I wanted to head home today and seeing as I need to be getting to this Magpie rally I was well pissed off.

So, came home and started looking at things I didn't know either the name of or what they did, this is what I've found.

Plugs are fouled again and as always #3 worse than others. It is blacker BUT wettish and will wipe clean whereas 1, 2 and 4 are less black but need a little 400 grit to clean.

Air filter is sweet. There is a little plastic envelope at base of unit with sludge in it. Is this normal? I'm assuming it's there just to catch odd shite sucked in.

There is a "thing" in the main fuel line I'm wondering if it's a filter, but the fuel level seems to vary alot, ie when I left work, was full but when I was looking at home it had very little flowing through. Tried on, off and reserve. No real difference.

Here's the potential kicker. Checked what I think is the "sub air cleaner element", or as I know call it, the "useless, old, fecked foam piece o' shite! It happens to disintegrate to the touch and maybe air.

If some kind, all knowing soul could lend an idea I'd be more than stoked and beer would be flowing your way!! I'll try and source a new foam filter thing tomorrow.

[cowpoos]

I'll cut this very short...

Same prob as always, bike running like box of arseholes!

Things already done,

New plugs
New air filter
Carbs drained (no crap or water)
Carb cleaner (Wynns) flushed through 3 times

Hampton Honda had a look and they,
Cleaned my new plugs,
fixed rusting electrical thing
Checked carb vacuum

I now use 95 as well as riding less like a nana.


Was all going well till I wanted to head home today and seeing as I need to be getting to this Magpie rally I was well pissed off.

So, came home and started looking at things I didn't know either the name of or what they did, this is what I've found.

Plugs are fouled again and as always #3 worse than others. It is blacker BUT wettish and will wipe clean whereas 1, 2 and 4 are less black but need a little 400 grit to clean.

Air filter is sweet. There is a little plastic envelope at base of unit with sludge in it. Is this normal? I'm assuming it's there just to catch odd shite sucked in.

There is a "thing" in the main fuel line I'm wondering if it's a filter, but the fuel level seems to vary alot, ie when I left work, was full but when I was looking at home it had very little flowing through. Tried on, off and reserve. No real difference.

Here's the potential kicker. Checked what I think is the "sub air cleaner element", or as I know call it, the "useless, old, fecked foam piece o' shite! It happens to disintegrate to the touch and maybe air.

If some kind, all knowing soul could lend an idea I'd be more than stoked and beer would be flowing your way!! I'll try and source a new foam filter thing tomorrow.


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[stevewederell]

LOL Poos, my baby is about as sad and scary as that guys hair after the big dog shat all over it!!:blink:

[cowpoos]

LOL Poos, my baby is about as sad and scary as that guys hair after the big dog shat all over it!!:blink:
so not as sad as the boys horse that drowns in the swamp??

[vifferman]

I now use 95 as well as riding less like a nana.

Use 91 - it's got less crap in it to soot up your plugs. My '90 VFR750 wouldn't run on 95 - the plugs sooted up very quickly. Oh - and don't add anything to the fuel.


There is a little plastic envelope at base of unit with sludge in it. Is this normal? I'm assuming it's there just to catch odd shite sucked in.
It's there to allow condensation in the airbox (caused by air being squished through the intake and then expanding again in the box dumping its moisture out) to collect and drain. It's normal.


There is a "thing" in the main fuel line I'm wondering if it's a filter
Yes, it's an inline fuel filter. It could be causing some obstruction to fuel flow, but that wouldn't cause any of the problems you've been experiencing. Someone's obviously added it in the past because of crap in the fuel tank.


Checked what I think is the "sub air cleaner element", or as I know call it, the "useless, old, fecked foam piece o' shite! It happens to disintegrate to the touch and maybe air.
Don't get one from the shop - they'll say "Sorry - we don't have one in stock. Four weeks, ex-Japan, $2,356,789; please pay up front.
The bike won't crap out without it, but if you're really worried, replace it with a piece of open-cell plastic foam.

The main thing is to work out what's wrong with #3 cylinder, and my knowledge of this bike is not that good, so I can't give you specific info. There's only three things: mechanical (least likely) - can test with a compression and leakdown test; electrical - it's not getting consistently good spark (also not that likely, although your "rusting electrical thing" is a worry); or fueling - it's running too rich, which could be a simple adjustment, or might need some remedial work on the carb, such as one or more parts replaced.

[stevewederell]

Cheers Vifferman,

I had been running her on 91 since I got her but Jason at Hampton said that they suggest 95 on this type of bike - So confusing!!

Is it possible that the sub air filter, or lack of it would be letting crap into carbs, I know I'm clutching at straws:crybaby:

I just need her up and running for the Magpie, have got a lot of things ready just for this rally, I'll be pissed if I have to walk!:angry2:

I'll go to Hampton this avo and and see what they say.

[stevewederell]

Right, got some foam to replace the rooted stuff. Hampton couldn't really help me so into the shop she goes...

Hopefully later tonight I'll put her all back together and see if the plug cleaning has helped for now, still need to find out what the actual cause is though!!:beer:

[stevewederell]

Put baby back together but no change at all. Did notice some little floaties in the clear part of in-line fuel filter thing, that can't be good.

She can stay in the naughty shed till tomorrow and think about what she's done and maybe we'll be friends again.:blink:

[robinm]

Reading your post you mention running wynns carb cleaner thru your carbs, total waste of time, to clean the carbs they must come off and be stripped and cleaned properly.
Not a big job, although quite daunting the first time you do it. If you are seeing any foreign bodies in your fuel filter then I would lay money that the problem lies within the carbs. Also would suggest draining and cleaning out the fuel tank.

[FJRider]

When I got my FJ, it had "issues" with the fuel system. The inside of the tank was peeling. Got tank cleaned and lined. Carbs cleaned. Still didn't run right. Had an inline filter... (never been changed) replaced with a new one... matter sorted. I replace it at each WOF. A few dollars... cheap insurance...
Some gravity fed fuel systems in some bikes, have problems getting even amounts of fuel to all cylinders with blockages/restrictions (Includes fuel filters, clean or otherwise) in the fuel line...
I would remove said filter, and try it...

[hayd3n]

change the fuel filter while your at it!!!

[stevewederell]

Cheers guys,

I don't know if the Wynns would or wouldn't have helped but a much wiser person than me suggested it, so I took as I will with any (most) advice...

If I had the time she'd be apart right now and I'd be elbows deep in the carbs and manual by my side. Unfortunately I don't have that luxury and will just have to part with $$$:no:.

Not long ago I emptied the tank out and tipped the rest out as best I could. No idea how to clean one though, such a odd shape these things.

FJ - Connie isn't gravity feed. Thinking that even if I change in line filter, is it probable that shite has already got in and fekked carbs? Plan then being clean carbs and then get groovy new filter?

Hayd3n, do you mean the inline filter or filter in the tank? Might be another visit to mates at Budget MC Spares.

I think the up shot folks is that cos I'm away for next week plus, and I just HAVE to get to the Magpie, she'll just have to go to shop.

How much do you think it should cost for filters? In line and pet cock tank filter? Me finks dis gunna be costly.

Really do appreciate all your help guys
Beer for all those that help if we meet up at the Magpie:jerry:

[hayd3n]

change the fuel filter while your at it!!!
the in line filter!! like 5 bucks at repco /super cheap etc ask for a wee motorcycle one

[stevewederell]

Sweet, I'll see if I can get the in line jobbie tomorrow, should be quick as job.

Cheap, quick and easy - what else can a guy ask for...

[stevewederell]

Right, so new inline filter and I did notice specks and lumps o' black shite, pretty sure that can't be good.

Prob is still totally #3, had her running for a while and #3 pipe was noticeably cooler than the rest. I guess even if shit is coming from tank, or fuel line wouldn't it effect all four carbs/cylinders/plugs.

Off to the shop tomorrow, so hopefully when I come back Connie will be sweet again and then I can share with you all what the prob was, maybe help someone else if they have same prob

[Rob Taylor]

Before you take it to the shop,are the plugs the correct heat range for the bike??? :cold::sunny:Sounds like it has killed a plug..Check they are the right plugs,buy another set and fit:yes:.The shop will do this anyway so nothing to loose...It could have a dud coil which will make it hard to start and not give a good hot spark.Shop should check that as it is a problem with your model..:bash:.Anyway new plugs and see what happens..Good luck:wari:

[FJRider]

Cheers guys,
Not long ago I emptied the tank out and tipped the rest out as best I could. No idea how to clean one though, such a odd shape these things.

FJ - Connie isn't gravity feed. Thinking that even if I change in line filter, is it probable that shite has already got in and fekked carbs? Plan then being clean carbs and then get groovy new filter?

Really do appreciate all your help guys
Beer for all those that help if we meet up at the Magpie:jerry:

Washed pea gravel in the tank (when you tip them out, if you miss any...it rattles) give it a good shake (remove fuel tap/filter first) will clean the tank out.

Neither is the FJ. cleaning the carbs out is good insurance, fucked the carbs... I would say NOT. New inline filter is a good idea. There is usually a filter on the fuel tap/outlet, it does stop some shit...not all.

Do the easy bits first...then go from there...

[tri boy]

I'd be checking for high resistance in the spark plug cap. MHO

[stevewederell]

Cheers lads,

Rob, FJ, Tri, Plugs are right temp range. Replaced ones in with new ones maybe 2 months ago and checked against service manual. Hampton checked the electrical side of plug leads and spark and "stuff".

Didn't have time to rip out the tank filter. Thought about doing it tonight but if I buggered it up I would have had no way to get it to shop tomorrow before I shot away.

I kinda hope/think that maybe they just need to clean out carbs, possibly nay enough air getting in and making it too rich. Perhaps caused by previous shite getting in from tank/dirty fuel that filters couldn't handle.

Guess it will cost a few hundy, but I just want my baby going and Jason and the Hampton team "seem" reasonable and not wanting to rip anyone off.

Anyhoo I'm off to Routeburn and Hollyford:cold:, so lets hope I have better luck down there!

[stevewederell]

Started her up, still not running well, let her warm up then hit the road heading to shop. Only got around first corner when she came back to life...God be playing games with me:devil2:

[FJRider]

Choke not fully opening after warm-up...

[stevewederell]

Thanks to all helped out with my baby. Just picked her up today after being bush for a week. Friendly crew at Hampton Honda in CHCH she's up and running again.

She does sound and feel a little different but that may just be me getting used to the idle set lower. Anyway, here is what he lads did to her...


Checked (and adjusted) carb balance and mixtures.
#3 was two turns too rich.

Replaced missing inlet manifold clamp screw, tightened all other clamps.

Also cleaned plugs (although they should have been not too bad after I had already done it) and adjusted the idle speed

Now I just need to find out why my front brakes are soft - I think I need to take them apart and clean them - I replaced the pads and fluid a while ago.

All going well I'll be at the Magpie with the rest of the Crazies!

[SDU]

Thanks to all helped out with my baby. Just picked her up today after being bush for a week. Friendly crew at Hampton Honda in CHCH she's up and running again.

All going well I'll be at the Magpie with the rest of the Crazies!

:woohoo:Will see you at the Magpie :crazy:

[Bren_chch]

and when u get back go see Duane at Duanes bikes, they have an ignition testing gizmo.

[stevewederell]

and when u get back go see Duane at Duanes bikes, they have an ignition testing gizmo.

...a free testing gizmo? The fix although quite reasonable was still a chunk out of the pocket!

[stevewederell]

Right, so had a good ol' ride to and from the Magpie and was running sweet. Back and forth to work and all good except today when I switched to reserve. Seemed a few less K's than normal before the switch but I am rising her a little harder (really just less like a nana).

All good for a few k's then she would get all grumbly again, but just on and off. Kept riding, no other option really, the closer I got to home the grumpier she got. :crazy:

Got home and let her and me cool down before I did anything. Noticed when I took the tank off that Hampton hadn't put all the plug leads back on fully :angry2:

Didn't look at plugs - tomorrow for that, this time I went to fuel line. My new in line filter has some little floaties in it, didn't think that was a good thing, then thought FUCK IT and tipped fuel out into some things from kitchen (don't tell Kate) and attacked the fuel strainer and petcock (i think that's what it's called.

I'll post pics tomorrow maybe, all sorts of crud, albeit dry, hard crunchy crud. In the process of picking it all out and I'll try to flush in all out tomorrow and assemble it all again. Then I'll check feckin plugs again and switch her on. One thing to note (2 actually) she started well once I got her home AND fuel level varied considerably in the in line filter:bash:

Time for bed, maybe I'll wake up and it'll be just a funny wee dream

[Conquiztador]

Take tap off and cap too. Then use water hose with full blast and spend 5 min flushing. When you have finished shake all round and try to get all water out. Then put tank in sun or on top of heater element. That will dry the water out. Waste approx one litre of petrol by pouring in and splashing around. If you are worried that the water will not come all out (never had that problem and have washed heaps of tanks) you can pour in some Methyleted Spirit that will soak up all water. Then pour out and leave to evaporate. Tap back on and your tank problem is out of the equation.

Does the weather make a difference to the running? Does she run worse when damp or when raining? CDI...

Good Luck

[stevewederell]

Take tap off and cap too. Then use water hose with full blast and spend 5 min flushing. When you have finished shake all round and try to get all water out. Then put tank in sun or on top of heater element. That will dry the water out. Waste approx one litre of petrol by pouring in and splashing around. If you are worried that the water will not come all out (never had that problem and have washed heaps of tanks) you can pour in some Methyleted Spirit that will soak up all water. Then pour out and leave to evaporate. Tap back on and your tank problem is out of the equation.

Does the weather make a difference to the running? Does she run worse when damp or when raining? CDI...

Good Luck


Cheers for that, I'll be on to it this avo. I can't think what the hell is going on in the tank or what would cause it. I decided there's no point fixing carbs and shit if they just keep getting bunged up from shite in the fuel.

I'll keep you all posted on my dramas:wacko: