Bike won't start after winter

[scarylarry]

Hi Guys,
I have an '87 FJ1200 that won't start.  It cranks OK, but acts like it's not getting any fuel.  I tried to flood it on purpose, but nothing, I can't even smell any gas and yes, there is gas in the tank.   Both Haynes and Clymer's manuals don't have the same petcock config that I have, mine has a pigtail on it, they have a manual valve.  How can I check to see if the valve is working?  Or could it be another problem?

Thanks in advance,
Larry

[Fred]

Remove the tank apply a vacuum to the place you removed the vacuum hose and fuel should come out of the other end.

[weymouth399]

Hi Larry
try draining the float bowls, take a flat blade screw driver to the bottom of the carb bowl if that don't work.
start by taking the tank off. take a small hose and put it on the small end on the petcock suck on the hose, EXPECT fuel to run out big hose outlet (no ciggs around while doing this) if it flows fuel it's probably OK.
it is a very expensive petcock .hope this helps
Bob

[Arnie]

Pigtail?  Is that a wire or a tube that is supposed to connect to manifold vacuum?
In any case, I think your bike does NOT have an electrical fuel pump.  Correct?
Then, to see if fuel is flowing from the tank all you have to do is disconnect the fuel hose from the petcock and see if fuel flows (use a can to catch it).  If nothing, the put a separate tube on that "pigtail" and suck.  IF fuel now flows you've found the problem, replace that vacuum hose.
If not, then dis-assemble the petcock and see if the diaphram has any tears, cracks, or holes.  If any of these are present, then you'll either have to repair it, or replace the whole petcock.

You can also use a "shop tank" to get fuel to the carbs and see if the engine starts then.

Cheers,
Arnie

[scarylarry]

The pigtail I'm referring to is an electrical connector.  The manuals don't have it pictured, but if I go to a parts site, it's listed.  I don't have a fuel pump and the models before mine do not have this connector.

Larry

[Arnie]

The pigtail is part of the Yamaha fake fuel reserve system.  When the fuel level gets low and the "low fuel" light on the dash comes on, the petcock will shut off fuel flow.  Switching to reserve will allow the fuel to flow again.

IF you only have a small amount of fuel in the tank, that might be the problem.

Cheers,
Arnie

[scarylarry]

Arnie,  the tank's 1/2 full or 1/2 empty, depending on your point of view 

Thanks, guys for the help!!  You've given me alotta good ideas to check.

Larry

[RichBaker]

 The solenoid may be stuck in the closed position, it's controlled by the pigtail connection.....

[scarylarry]

I found what the problem was...it was a pinched vacuum line.  I had to replace the choke cable and when I put everything back together, i musta pinched it.  I'm glad it was something easy!!

Thanks for your help.
Larry

[Fred]

congrats on finding the problem, glad it wasn't the petcock, they ain't cheap.