Triumphrat

tigerking · 07-31-2007

Hallo.
Bought a 2001 Bonneville this May. And it was running really nice until a couple of weeks ago. Then it started to behave strangelly: felt like it wasn't running on both cylinders, but it was. Also a bit of black smoke coming from the exhaust-pipes. Changed sparkplugs - but nothing improved. At the moment it barely starts running, and if it does the engine dies pretty quick. Now a Thruxton-rider on an internet forum told me it could be oil in the air-can (is that the proper word) and that this is a rather common problem. Anybody out there who knows anything about this problem?

Geoff · 07-31-2007

look at your air filter and see if it and the airbox are covered in oil.
G

amanger · 07-31-2007

It is possible for the crank case to build up enough pressure to oil up the filter as the crank case vents to the air filter box.Check the airfilter which behind the side cover.If the airbox is all oily then that maybe your problem.If you have to replace the filter,buy a unifilter or k&n so you can clean it and reuse it.

CAPTDON · 07-31-2007

Black smoke-says unburnt fuel. You changed plugs so I would think timing malfunction? Maybe coil?? Good luck!

CYNCRZR · 07-31-2007

I'm thinking you've a stuck float in the carb. Check the air cleaner to see if it's wet with fuel, clean the air cleaner and airbox & then tap the float bowls with the plastic handle of a srewdriver to dislodge the float.

Also be sure all the vacuum caps are in good shape & present.

bendavanza · 07-31-2007

my 01 had the oil in the airbox problem. check the airbox-air filter for signs of excessive oil or fuel. It's one or the other.
-Ben

CAPTDON · 07-31-2007

Yeah could be float problem or if the airbox is cloggeg(restricted) it might cause it as well. You said ca,me all of a sudden so floiat or ign sounds more on the mark?? Black smoke = too much fuel un unburnt fuel. Good luck!
I am pissed - lost my Bonne keys yesterday!! I hAVE never lost a key in my life. Dealer is sending a blank- says they dont cut keys?? Id think you could get 1 from triumph w/#s?

SuperMan · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Black smoke-says unburnt fuel.

Yep, that's correct. Black smoke has nothing to do with burning oil.

cdk80gs · 07-31-2007

Quote:

Yep, that's correct. Black smoke has nothing to do with burning oil.

Yes but, if the air filter gets contaminated with oil it cloggs thus causing the bike to run rich which can lead to black smoke
Could also be sticking choke, check it's returning OK
Chris

tigerking · 07-31-2007

Thanks everybody. It was oil in the airbox. Quite a lot. So I've emptied and cleaned it, and the engine now runs again. It shure feels good!