floods after running in hot weather

[scarylarry]

Hi Guys!

I'm having a problem with starting my '87 FJ1200 after a ride in hot weather.  It runs fine when I'm riding, but if I stop and try to start it, the carbs flood, raw gas pours out the overflow tubes.  It doesn't happen when it's cool outside only in hot weather.  Floats sticking?.  If I wait overnight, it usually starts fine, if the plugs aren't too wet.  Any ideas?

Thanks,
Larry

[Arnie]

Yeah, it sounds like either the floats or the float needles are sticking.  This is pretty common on the fuel pump bikes but I didn't think the '87 had a fuel pump.

You can check the fuel height with a piece of tubing attached to the float bowl drain.
However, you might as well take the carbs off, and clean them thoroughly.  It'll give you a chance to be certain of the problem and set everything properly.  You may want to install one of David Raforth's carb kits at the same time as you are cleaning.  It replaces all the stock soft screws with SS socket screws and includes the O-rings holding the float jets in place and has a very detailed set of instructions on cheaning.

Cheers,
Arnie

[racerrad8]

Since you say it is only doing it during hot weather, after a ride, it sounds like the fuel is percolating in the carbs bowls due to heat.

There is a aluminum backed rubber heat shield that is supposed by be between the carbs and the hot engine. It drapes down over the case to block the heat from rising. It it or any parts of it is missing it might be the cause of you problem.

Randy - RPM

[scarylarry]

I never thought of that!  I'll have to check it out!  Hopefully that's the problem, so I don't have to tear the carbs apart and whatnot.

Thanks, Larry

[racerman_27410]

you can also try cracking the throttle a bit when hot starting the bike.... sometimes mine can be a bit grumpy when its hot out and that usually does the trick.


KOokaloo!

Frank

[scarylarry]

Just an update.  It started up right away after cooling down and when I got it home (it was at my parents) I took the tank off and lo and behold, no heat shield!  Easy fix for once!

Thanks for the help!!
Larry
'87 FJ1200