Triumphrat

Tsunami68 · 06-30-2012, 02:01 PM

Hi-
I have a 2001 T-Bird with about 24,000 miles on it. At about 22,000 I started to notice that during the first 5 to 10 minutes of run time the engine would sputter a little bit. After the 10 minutes, it seemed to run fine. In the event that I was in stop and go traffic, the bike would stall out when stopped. It starts right up again when I hit the starter. I thought that the carbs just needed adjustment. I brought the bike in for its 24K service in the hopes that would correct the issue.
After getting it back after the 24K service, the bike is doing the same thing.
Is this a known issue and/or a known fix?
Thanks.
Tom

tommyturbo2 · 06-30-2012, 04:59 PM

Tsunami: It sounds like some sorting out is needed. First, who did your 24K mile service? Did it include cleaning and syncing of the carbs, were the plugs replaced, was the petcock cleaned, are the coils the original Gills, were the valves set properly, and was the air filter/airbox replaced, and lastly is the bike stock? As you can see there are many possibilities. Your description could be diagnostic of: bad coils, dirty low speed carb jets, worn spark plugs or wires, partially blocked petcock, an exhaust or intake valve too tight, and /or shoddy service, just to name a few! Theres a lot of knowledge on this forum, so Give us more info. tommyturbo2

Tsunami68 · 07-03-2012, 10:36 PM

Hi. I had to do some checking. I local mechanic did the 24K. They were supposed to have cleaned and adjusted the carbs. I looked over the check list for the service and I did not see the carbs on it. The coils were replaced 4 years ago, the plugs are new, the air filter was serviced, the valves were listed within specs, and the bike is stock.
Would riding it until warm with the choke on a little be detrimental?
Thx,
Tsunami68

IrlMike · 07-04-2012, 05:45 AM

TT2 has given you the list of possibles. Out of that, given your description, most likely imo is partially blocked pilot jets. If the bike is stood for any length of time, fuel leaves a residue which hardens & settles on the jet internal surface. Being small, the pilots can become blocked over time.

It wouldn't be part of normal service to clean them - a simple blow thru isn't enough. Probably the best thing is to replace them. And as US bikes were set a bit leaner on the pilot screws from new (for US emissions regs, with the screws 'plugged' afterwards), it's an opportunity to change that & go up a size for easier starting & running whilst warming up. (Choke shouldn't be needed much past initial starting generally, esp in summer.)

Stock size is 38. I'd suggest fitting size 40. They are located inside the float bowls, so the carbs need to come off. But don't remove the throttle cable, rather slide them out to the right side & set them down on a 'workmate' or similar. While you're there, inspect the throttle cable end for any sign of fraying of the inner cable near the nipple. Slight distortion of the cable is expected. Any more than that, or corrosion & it +will+ break. (Choke cable is easy to remove/refit.)

You could also check the airbox for the 'service' the mechanic performed. The stock filter is officially non-serviceable - the whole box must be renewed. Tho' imo, if you can separate the two halves without too much trouble, I don't see why a stock foam filter couldn't be washed (soapy water) & lightly re-oiled. (K&N offer a replacement element, as do Pipercross & some others.)

The jet type you want for the pilots is Keihin type N424-25B-040 (040 is the size). I beleive Sudco in the US have them, probably other suppliers & maybe on ebay too.

Tsunami68 · 07-04-2012, 03:13 PM

Thanks for the info. I will give that a try.

tommyturbo2 · 07-04-2012, 05:00 PM

Tsunami: I agree with IrlMike, your pilots are probably gummed up from sitting, and stock is #38's like he said, go to at least 40's or even 42's. However you'll have to adjust your fuel mixture screws to fewer turns open to compensate for the bigger pilots. Since the carbs weren't listed on the work order, and the stock airbox makes them a pain to work on, they probably didn't do it right. In my opinion, the stock airbox on these triples is junk, designed for mounting of the side panels, and muffling of the intake moan. I've switched to pods with the stock carbs, and now to FCR flat slides and pods, but with the stock carbs, re-jetted your bike should run really great. Cheers, tturbo2

Tsunami68 · 07-05-2012, 10:24 AM

Thanks! I have two questions. Would running carb cleaner through the system be of any help? Also, why would the problem go away after the engine is hot?
Tsunami68

WSC · 07-05-2012, 10:31 AM

Try running a double dose of sea foam through the system. Some folks swear by it.

Hot (warm) engines are more tolerant of lean mixtures.

Tsunami68 · 07-05-2012, 02:23 PM

OK. That makles sense. I will try the $10 solution first.

denny · 07-05-2012, 05:37 PM

Yes, a couple of tanks with a strong mixture of Seafoam can work wonders.

StarTron is also good.

Techron also has a good reputation, but I have not tried it yet.
I bought some a few weeks ago, I'll probably need it for the Husky since I've been lazy and not ridden it yet this year.