Triumphrat

MikeinLA

Hi Guys,
I've been dealing with a shoulder issue since last fall which would not let my right hand reach the bars. So Bonnie has been sitting patiently since about October. Felt better today, so I thought I'd go for a ride. Started fine with the choke, but when I reached the point (and beyond) where I would put the choke in, she just dies. Basically, won't run without the choke. I get that I should have at least started her from time to time even if I couldn't ride, but what have I done and how can it be fixed? I thought I would tap the collective wisdom for any ideas.....oh and yes, I'm an idiot.
Thanks, Mike

derek985

I'd try changing the plugs.

TrumpetPlayer

If you didn't use fuel stabilizer, or drain the float bowls before letting it stand that long, then there's a good chance the pilot jets are clogged.

The enrichener circuit (the "choke") is separate from the pilot (aka "idle") circuit. It runs with the "choke" on because sufficient fuel is delivered via the enrichener circuit. As soon as you push the knob in, and close that circuit, the carb will rely on the pilot circuit to provide fuel for idling. If the pilot jets are plugged, no fuel is available for idling, and the engine stops.

You can try a fuel system additive. One that gets good reviews is Chevron Techron. Another possibility is Yamaha carb cleaner. To use the Yamaha product, however, you need to be mechanical enough to remove the fuel tank.

If chemical agents are unable to clear those jets, then they should probably be replaced. Pilot jets are difficult to clean, because the orifices in them are quite small. Even when they are perfectly clean, you can barely see a pinpoint of light through them. That's why they clog easily. Replacing jets requires carburetor float bowl removal.

Dukester

Did you by chance leave the fuel tap in the "On" position.

My dealer went through a checklist with me when I bought my bike. He said that when you are off the bike, the fuel tap is off. He told me that if you leave the tap on, over time, fuel will seep into the carbs, evaporate, and the additives and what not will be left behind and gum up the works.

Just my two cents, YMMV.

Dukester

[ This message was edited by: Dukester on 2005-07-24 01:04 ]

MikeinLA

Thanks for the responses so far, guys. No, the fuel tap was closed, however that wouldn't stop whatever was left after the last ride from evaporating and leaving said gunk behind. I'm wondering, since she will run at speed with clutch in (just won't idle), is there a chance of "blowing out" whatever may be clogging the jets? Just a thought.
Mike

PAAS

Before you start taking the bike apart have you tried a fresh tank of petrol? Apparently it can "go off" if left for a long time. Also, if you are storing the bike it isn't a particularly good idea to periodically start the engine without taking the bike out for a run.

__________________
Paul.

Herts. UK
Opal & Tangerine 05 T100 (865cc)
(Previously Ducati Monster S4 and numerous UJMs)

MikeinLA

Well that's what I thought when I didn't start it up. I remembered something about the most wear occurring at startup. BTW, when she was running rough today, I did stop in & fill er up with 91. I'm going to try running her tomorrow and hope that the clog melts, dissolves, blows out....something!
Mike

Wooly

Just the thoughts of a mechanical klutz, but why not remove the pilot jets and soak them in a nice bath of carb cleaner overnight.
Even better yet, if you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner give them a blast in that with a bit of carb cleaner in the bowl.

Phil.

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Phil.

Clifford

All good suggestions, I've had this kind of think happen before, not just with motorcycles but all kinds of smaller engines. The bonus is that it is smaller and easier to work with.

I have a standard routine for dealing with this, basically it hits all of the points these guys layed out. I check the battery and give it a quick charge as necessary, clean the battery terminals as well. Pull the sparkplugs and clean them. Crank the engine a couple times to make sure I'm getting a spark, then on to the fuel system.

Pull the fuel line and make sure fuel is flowing through it, then drain the tank and replace with new fuel. Pull the carbs off, clean out the float bowls, squirt carburetor cleaner through all of the jets, blow high-pressure air through all of the jets then do a visual to make sure you really got them clean. Do a visual inspection of the vacuum hoses and plugs to make sure there are no cracks from dryrot. If you see anything questionable, plug one end and blow through it to see if it leaks anywhere. Make a note to replace anything that is leaking or looks like it will be soon.

At this point you've eliminated almost everything that could have gone wrong while it was in storage. Reassemble it and crank it over. I know it sounds like overkill, but it eliminates things that would cause you problems once you get on the road. Two hours in your garage on a weekend could save you many hours on the side of the road somewhere, trying to troubleshoot a problem.

__________________
"It was like that when I got here..."

tysonlaneIII

If the bike runs on choke it's getting spark-wouldn't you say?