my first FJ, loving it

[southozzybiker]

I am from South Australia and have just picked up my first  Fj1200 86 model and have been loving riding with power and comfort and a great a 4 into 1 sound. I am having a niggle though, with it feeling like it is running out of fuel after about 1/2 an hour riding. I have been scouring the forum and have just tried the fuel cap mod so looking forward to trying it on a ride tomorrow. Overall both my wife and I love to sitting position and the aggressive look and it is reassuring that everyone is so loyal to them. Cheers Roger

[fj11.5]

Welcome mate,, also check for a kinked fuel line ,or   blocked filter

[southozzybiker]

Cheers, will do

[oldktmdude]

Welcome mate,, also check for a kinked fuel line ,or   blocked filter

Add the petcock to that list. Been a couple of problems on here recently  (FJ Monkey) with  petcock malfunctions.
   Welcome to the Forum Roger. Be sure to check-out the posts on the Snowy Mountain FJ Rally next March. You'll find them in the Yamaha FJ1100 & 1200 Rally information section on the home page of this site.  Regards, Pete.   

[southozzybiker]

Thanks Pete, I will check it out, cheers Roger

[The General]

Thanks Pete, I will check it out, cheers Roger

Welcome Roger. It`d be terrific to have  South Aust represented at the Rally. Could be a few West Aussies coming through your way if You`d like an escort. Phone Lisa at the Banjo Patterson - there`s still a spa room or two available so wifey can relax in style.
reservations@banjopatersoninn.com.au
Cheers,  Doug Mc

[FJmonkey]

Welcome Roger, our 86's are gravity feed so fuel delivery depends on having all the planets in alignment. If you still have your air box then it should have a decal showing the fuel line routing. It is not as intuitive as one would think. The line that comes out of the petcock goes under the two down lines, not over. Going over the line near the petcock will have them fighting for space due to the location and angle of the fitting on the petcock. It is also easy to check your petcock. Follow the vacuum line to the intake header and disconnect it. With the fuel line still connected or routed so you can safely flow fuel, suck on it. It should feel like sucking on a drinking straw that has been plugged or pinched off. If you can keep sucking air then the diaphragm is leaking. Mine was leaking and causing me all kinds of grief. I chose to replace it with an 84/85 style petcock. No reserve function, costs less and has a Prime function to fill the carbs with the engine off.

[movenon]

Welcome ! I note the phantom FJ factory in OZ must be back up in business ! You are in good company here.

As noted by "fjmonkey" the fuel line routing is critical also next time it happens, crack open your fuel cap and try to run it. IF that fix's it let us know. fjmonkey can tell you how to fix that    In the search feature look for the word "flapectomy" All said and done it is an easy fix and you have a lot of support here.

Gravity fuel feed systems:

Vacuum petcock: Check the vacuum line for condition / leaks / pinched
                          Test vacuum control value in petcock. (suck test)
                       

Fuel Hose Routing: Follow factory diagram. Check for no kinks or soft deteriorated fuel line.

Fuel tank Vent: As fuel is pulled out of the tank, air has to come in through a fuel tank vent to keep positive pressure on the fuel. At the same time the factory doesn't want fuel to slosh or vent out so they installed a one way check valve in the fuel cap area. This fails occasionally and will remain shut causing a vacuum in your fuel tank after running for a while (cracking open the fuel cap will re pressurize the fuel to atmospheric level). Occasionally when the FJ is shut down you will here a whistling or "singing" sound, that's the vent sucking in air.
You can clean and, or replace the valve or remove the flap. If you decide to open that system up ask some questions first. There are a few tips that will make the job easier

Also seeing how the bike is new to you make sure the previous owner (PO) did not install a fuel filter in the line. The gravity feed system has a difficult time feeding fuel through some aftermarket filters.

Hope this helps.  
George

[FJscott]

Welcome to the group! you will find there are a lot of very knowledgable guys here that will help you get thru any issue your FJ throws at you.

The only thing I would add to the good advice given so far is consider replacing all your fuel hoses now with hoses made for use with Ethanol blended fuels. the stock FJ hoses are not. they will dry out get brittle and send hard rubber chards thruout your fuel system. it happened to me and it was ugly.

enjoy the ride

-Scott

[southozzybiker]

Thanks for everyone's help, it is all fixed with rerouted fuel lines, goes like the clappers now. Also I have just figured out the ambulance rider reference, I thought it meant I was going to end up riding in one, didn't help that ambulances are not that colour in Australia, have to learn the lingo I guess.

Cheers