Triumphrat

sjalex · 08-30-2007

ok, I have a '06 scrambler that has 3k miles now; they've been trouble free miles until today. I was on my way to school when I hit an unexpected rain storm (that's the kind that happens when you're not carrying rain gear) and I rode for maybe 3 miles through it when the engine started acting like it was out of gas - 65 miles since the last fillup, but I flipped the lever and nothing; I pulled over to the side of the freeway (fortunately by this time I was at least out to the edge of the storm and it wasn't a total deluge anymore)... I didn't have much time to speculate or troubleshoot so I just stared at it a few seconds and hit the starter and it fired up again. So I don't know what to think - could it have been an ignition issue? I wouldn't guess so; I've put on a couple hundred miles in the rain with no problems - the only thing I can't rule out it maybe some water got in the gas cap and vapor locked it? I don't know. In the past I've had a tank bag on, today I didn't. So I was thinking on the way home what it could possibly be else and not really coming up with anything good (I don't want it to be the ignition...) when I looked up at this scrolling LED marquee sign on a baptist church I was rolling past... it said "...it is a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away." No kidding! So I guess it's not the ignition, then, right? Thanks, James!

Anyway, does anyone have any input, aside from "the good word", as to what is up with my motor?

singring · 08-30-2007

Most likely water got sucked up into your fueltank vent tube, which causes an air-lock, which will prevent fuel flowing into the fuel line, thus starving the engine.
if you look under your bike, you will see the three rubber tube ends. Use you fingers to wiggle the rubber tube at the bottom of the tip-over valve, and watch to see which of the three tubes is moving. Now that you have found the inlet of your fueltank venting system, here's a way to prevent puddlewater from plugging up that inlet. Cut about 1/2 inch off that rubber tube, and angle your cut at 45 degrees so that the sharp end, of the remaining portion of the tube, is pointing to the front of your bike. This angled cut prevents a bubble of water from forming onto the tube-end, which can be drawn up the tube, form an air-lock, and starve your fuel flow.

sjalex · 08-30-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by singring

if you look under your bike, you will see the three rubber tube ends. Use you fingers to wiggle the rubber tube at the bottom of the tip-over valve, and watch to see which of the three tubes is moving. Now that you have found the inlet of your fueltank venting system, here's a way to prevent puddlewater from plugging up that inlet. Cut about 1/2 inch off that rubber tube, and angle your cut at 45 degrees so that the sharp end, of the remaining portion of the tube, is pointing to the front of your bike. This angled cut prevents a bubble of water from forming onto the tube-end, which can be drawn up the tube, form an air-lock, and starve your fuel flow.

not sure what you mean by tip-over valve, but I took out my AI last weekend so I think I know the tube you're talking about. awesome information!! thanks!

gusman · 08-31-2007

man this thing happens ALL the time!!!! why can't they fix the problem before the bikes roll of the production line!!! its not like its a hard one.

my vent. sorry but i too was stuck in the pouring rain at rush hour on the freeway with guard rails either side. had to push the bike 2kms to get off. man i was furious. only had the bike 1 month!

hans · 08-31-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by gusman

... its not like its a hard one.

..said the actress to the bishop.

pigpen955 · 08-31-2007

Definitely the problem and there is an easy work-around when it happens. Just loosen the gas a cap a trifle to let some air in the tank and the bike will run until it locks up again. This way you can get yourself to your destination without actually having to stop in the rain. Once home, take the precautionary measures with the tube as described.

Fred

Iceseven · 08-31-2007

I had the rain problem with my Bonnie but it turned out to be electrical. I called customer service and they said that they have never heard of any issues!

I have said this before here but Triumph should really address the issue of venting and also the electrics should have better waterproofing from the factory. This is way too common and I keep reading about how Triumph listens to customer feedback which is total garbage, they are quite out of touch with the customers.

Thanks Singring for the info, I will do this to my Scrambler when I have the tank off applying dielectric grease to all of the electrical connections.