Triumphrat

eric nyc · 11-12-2012, 07:58 PM

So I've been doing some really hard riding in some areas with a ton if dust, sand, mud, and god knows what else over the last two weeks. My carbs are struggling. I basically have to run with the choke at at least 1/2 to even make a run right now. In the long term I know the air filter needs a change and the carbs probably need a thorough cleaning, but I grabbed some carb cleaning spray today and am trying to keep her running at least functionally for another 3-4 weeks before having a proper tuneup and teardown if necessary. Any suggestions?

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bonza · 11-13-2012, 05:57 AM

if you have been riding in a filthy dusty area and you suspect the air cleaner is clogged, then just change it. only takes 10 minutes and unlikely dust would have passed through it into the carbs.

SlowPocono · 11-13-2012, 06:27 AM

If the choke is required to make it run right, I'd look for an air leak first.

Check the connection between the carb and intake manifold.

My guess is that there isn't anything wrong with the carbs.

norton74 · 11-13-2012, 08:38 AM

I agree with SlowPocono. Check for air leaks.

If the air filter was plugged, your bike would run rich. Using the choke would only make things worse.

eric nyc · 11-13-2012, 11:55 AM

I dropped it at the shop today to get a new tube for the rear tire and they're going to take a look at it.

Basically what's happening is it's taking a long time to warm up and when I throttle it, even in neutral, it sputters and stalls without the choke basically all the way out. Once I get it moving the problem seems to go away after about 5-10 minutes and I can close the choke. But even this morning getting it to the garage I almost couldn't get it moving so whatever the issue is it's getting worse with time. It started on Sunday, was a little worse yesterday, and much worse this morning. Hopefully the garage can sort it out - whatever this particular issue is, the air filter also needs to be replaced so they're going to go ahead and do that while they're working on it. But yeah, the fact that it needs a lot more choke than usual would seem to suggest that there's not a problem with not enough air getting to the carbs.

luckyduck · 11-13-2012, 11:59 AM

Vacuum leak.

eric nyc · 11-13-2012, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luckyduck

Vacuum leak.

I had that thought, but then why would the problem go away as the bike warmed up? Wouldn't that be a constant problem?

Sheepdog · 11-13-2012, 12:30 PM

As the motor heats up, parts expand and reduce the leaks. My early Bonneville gave me fits with air leaks after pulling the carbs to rejet. I eventually took care of the problem with higher quality HD SS clamps for my intake boots. Place the boots/clamps carefully and avoid overtightening...

eric nyc · 11-13-2012, 01:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheepdog

As the motor heats up, parts expand and reduce the leaks. My early Bonneville gave me fits with air leaks after pulling the carbs to rejet. I eventually took care of the problem with higher quality HD SS clamps for my intake boots. Place the boots/clamps carefully and avoid overtightening...

Just so we're talking about the same thing, are you suggesting there's a leak at the carb air intake? I was thinking it could be a cracked diaphragm in the carb itself.

Sheepdog · 11-13-2012, 03:18 PM

Either are possible...and I've experienced both. The spigots on the engine side of the carbs are not very wide. If you are not careful when you reconnect, the clamp can actually slip off of the spigot and create an opening that will allow air within. Get a mirror and check completely around the connection...all it takes is a small misalignment. Also, Ive had problems with the stock clamps pinching the manifold rubbers and creating a leak. Lastly, its easy to unseat the diaphram when replacing the tops on your carburetors. If unseated (or torn), an air leak WILL occur.