Triumphrat

JBarn3 · 10-10-2007, 11:11 AM

I just got my Scrambler brought down to New Orleans from SoCal. It sat in the garage in Cali for about 2 months. My dad rode it once in that time.

When I got it unloaded here, I started it, and it fired up with full choke, but when I tried to ride, the bike won’t idle properly.

At first, the bike would just die, even when warm, if I wasn’t giving it choke or throttle. I could get it to stay running by turning up the idle knob, but no way of knowing the rpm’s without a tach (add to shopping list).

Next day, I poured in some carb cleaner hoping that it was just from gas sitting in the carbs for 2 months. I then took it on the interstate and ran it up to 100 (It seems to be lacking a bit of power at the top, it didn’t want to push past 100, but I’ve gotten it up to 115 indicated). Now when I come to a stop, the bike will idle steady for a couple seconds, then the revs will slowly taper off until it dies.

Another symptom, not sure if it’s more a cause or effect though, the 2nd day I tried to start it, the battery was too weak to turn the motor over. I tried push starting, didn’t get it to catch, but then I thumbed the starter again and it cranked over and started up.

My theories (guesses) are clogged idle circuits in the carbs, or weak battery/charging system that isn’t generating enough current at idle.

Stats: TOR’s, de-snorkeled, UNI filter, AI removed, 120 mains, 1 shim.

Was running great when I left Cali. It has 5,825 miles, so I’m almost due for service anyway. If I can get away from the office during the day, I’ll go drop it at the dealer and let them sort it out, but I’d like to get it straightened out myself, or at least have a better idea of what needs done when I take it in.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions/opinion.

RedBird · 10-11-2007, 12:43 AM

What I would do...
1. Disconnect the battery and examine the connections and reconnect and tighten firmly.
2. Buy a quart of Marvel Mystery Oil (MMO) and put it in the fuel tank, and fill the tank with fresh fuel.
3. Adjust the idle high enough to keep it running at idle most of the time.
4. Put new spark plugs in the motor.
5. Put some miles on the bike...I like to ride 50 miles each time I start my bike before turning off the engine. I tend to ride conservatively until I get all problems sorted...in other words, no need to push it to the limit.
6. If it is not idling better when you burn the fuel out of the tank with the MMO, put MMO in the next tank.

JBarn3 · 10-11-2007, 11:05 AM

Thanks,

I did all of those except the new spark plugs (I need to get some tools, didn't have room to bring most of mine with me).

It's running much better. I'm not sure if its 100% right yet, but its close.

AAAANDYK · 10-11-2007, 04:50 PM

Are the (4) vacum caps on the manifolds intact

CYNCRZR · 10-11-2007, 04:58 PM

More 'n Likely bad fuel and/or clogged pilot jets.

Drain the fuel, float bowls, remove and inspect/clean/replace the pilot jets.

If you're gonna store a bike be sure and use a fuel stabilizer and drain the float bowls.

P.S. - The Marvel Mystery Oil can't hurt nad may disolve whatever is cloggin the idle/pilot circuit, but it'll take time.

CAPTDON · 10-11-2007, 05:02 PM

Check the vent tube. Maybe some little critter decided to make a home there in the 2 mos?? Seen it happen before. Run a wire up the tube & see? Worth a try??

bendavanza · 10-11-2007, 05:27 PM

Also check your air filter, pull the snorkel out and see if there's crap in there. I found a ton of birdseed in my friend's when he over wintered it in a barn, must have been a mouse or who knows, but it made a big mess in there.
-Ben