California vs. 49er's

[83elite]

Interestingly enough, the 90 FJ I bought last week turns out to be a California-spec bike. Other than the weird one-way valve in the tank (it makes some very interesting noises after the bike's shut off; sounds like a cat), what else is different? I assume most of it is pollution control, is it easily removed and how would one go about it? Any input?

[threejagsteve]

I have a CA-spec '91, and I've never heard any cat-like noises coming from the tank, so that makes me wonder if yours is working properly and/or if it is hooked up properly.

That said, all that stuff is merely a fuel vapor recovery system. Assuming it's working properly, the only effect on performance is the ~2 lb. weight gain.

How it would affect performance if it wasn't working properly, I couldn't say - mine has been fine since new.

HTH

[andyb]

The meowing tank isn't a CA specific issue.  Open the cap assembly, take a pair of fine pliers, and rip one of the orange things out.  Reassemble.

-Lubricate it when you assemble it, it probably needs it anyhow and will work better.
-Don't lose the little ball into the tank when you take it apart.  Plug the tank with a rag and work carefully.

[andyoutandabout]

yep -it's an easy job - stops fuel starvation. Somewhere Klavdy has posted fine pictures on how the cane toads fixed his fuel cap. I did mine in the car park of grand Canyon National Park while traveling route 66. Problems solved.
Andy

[RichBaker]

I have a CA-spec '91, and I've never heard any cat-like noises coming from the tank, so that makes me wonder if yours is working properly and/or if it is hooked up properly.

That said, all that stuff is merely a fuel vapor recovery system. Assuming it's working properly, the only effect on performance is the ~2 lb. weight gain.

How it would affect performance if it wasn't working properly, I couldn't say - mine has been fine since new.

HTH

My '90 has been singing since I got her in '94..... never had a fuel starvation issue and the caps innards are still intact. I wouldn't cut the flapper unless I actually had the starvation issue.  IIRC, the 2nd Gen bikes were the ones that had problems...