Hello from Brooklyn

[FJ_Hooligan]

I used a full can of Seafoam to cure a plugged idle jet on my FZ (on a full tank of fuel).

If you're concerned, try a half can.

[Dphokcheong2000]

Ok fellas,

Quick update and a couple of questions as I continue to try to get this bike tuned up. 

Changed the oil and filter - stuck with the stock setup for now.  Oil was pretty dark and I used a Castrol synthetic to replace.  Noticed as I was doing the oil that the petcock has been set to prime position during the carb sync and the brief rides after.  Not 100% sure if it has been that way since I got the bike or if I got it mixed up when I had the tank off.   

It runs quite differently now but unfortunately I only set it right after changing the oil and filter so I'm not sure which to attribute the change to. Maybe both?   My experience thus far has only been with 2 stroke engines so I'm not totally sure how to gauge how the engine is supposed to sound. \

It's a deeper and quieter sound now when it runs and seems to have less power esp. at low rpms.  No oil is leaking from the bike. 

My thought for now is to re-sync the carbs with the fuel switch now in the right position and see how that goes. Figured to try adjusting the air/idle mixture screws as Pat suggested at the same time.

I'm considering taking the bike on a longer ride (120 miles) and am curious to know if anyone sees any cause for alarm.  On my RD350 I'm always paranoid about overheating and engine seizure and am wondering if anything like that is an issue on this big 4-stroke.  Are the signs of overheating while riding similar?

Thanks for any thoughts - Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

D

[PaulG]

If everything is nominal, the only real concern re overheating is in heavy stop'n'go traffic.  I've melted the choke cable because of that. The carb setup can have a substantial influence on how cool the engine can run - according to what I've read on the site. I'm not an expert in this area so I couldn't explain why.

Like any 4stroke air cooled engine it likes the open road. I think it was balky who just posted recently that the spin on adapter can also help cool the engine by a few degC.

If in an overheated condition you will notice the engine getting noisier, clutch action might change. The only other real concern re overheating is how hot your nuts get.

Living in Brooklyn you probably know this:
If you find yourself in a traffic jam with no end in sight it's better to take a left/right and take a another route to keep moving. Even if it will take you extra time. Living in Toronto I am usually confronted with the decision of which route to take out of/into the city primarily due to this.  When in the car it's not such a big deal, but on the bike I have 1/2 dozen routes up my sleeve in case things go sideways.

[Dphokcheong2000]

duh... also just realized the vacuum hose had come disconnected at the fuel switch

[FJmonkey]

You should not notice any difference with the two positions of the petcock while riding. Both positions provide fuel, one, only with vacuum from the engine (a good safety feature), the other (PRI) will flow free till empty regardless of engine vacuum. If you have a leaking needle valve/seat then PRI will empty the tank. Possibly into the crank case. Not good. So it is good that you know about it and will pay attention going forward.