Carbi Problem?

[ribbert]

seems to run a lot better with choke on than off.

I haven't (PULLED ) the carbis to bits as such. Thought I would try the pilot jets and a tin of carbi cleaner.. stupid me should know better.

Jeff, I think you just went a long way to finding your problem. The first one is a clue, the second one the answer.

Noel

[movenon]

seems to run a lot better with choke on than off. However even when its warm it still misses and pops a little which I thought may be a lean fuel mixture. Keep in mind that the bike has virtually done nothing in 12 months other than the odd start up and tank kremed . The bike has only been out for a month in this time. I haven't (PULLED ) the carbis to bits as such. Thought I would try the pilot jets and a tin of carbi cleaner.. stupid me should know better. Was more bothered to the fact if I pull them totally apart I would get in more than a bit of bother. I haven't taken the inlet manifold off at all. So I cant see why the gaskets would be an issue if untouched, however stupid things are known to happen. The guy in the bike shop suggested the gaskets as well....... Thanks Noel for the offer. Don't know if I can make it this weekend as got a few things on. I haven't yet pulled it apart again as to many other things going on. Was going to today but got distracted.

You are probably correct about the intake O rings. They have a small history of leaking and the best time to replace them is when the carbs are removed. Also inspect the inlet manifolds themselves. A little starting fluid sprayed in the area will tell you if they are leaking. They are a cheap and easy replacement when the carbs are off. Mostly a preventative thing to do. Seals are 21 years old.

I can understand your reluctance to taking the carbs totally off and going through them. But it's not that hard do. Might help to disassemble one at a time. I would at a minimum recommend you have a set of new needle and seat O rings handy. If you pull them out of the carb for cleaning they can get damaged easily. Again 21 years old. A complete rebuild kit is nice. RPM has them. http://www.rpmracingca.com/products.asp?cat=24&pg=2
But it depends on funds. Study the carb section in the "FILES" area.

Have you adjusted the fuel / air screws ? Does your engine respond to the adjusting ? If you remove them be-careful there is a small O ring in each one. The tips are easily damaged if you are not careful.  Look on page 1 of RPM's carb section for an example.  Noel is truly a "Super Hero" if he is offering to help or mentor then take him up on that.  

George

[Jeff0308]

Well, I set about finding the annoying bike issue today that's been giving me a bit of agro. so i decided to take it for a blast around the block. Still the same. What i did notice was a small pool of petrol under it when i got back. So removed the spark plugs one at a time. Got to number 3. And absolutely soaked in petrol. Anyway got the air lower and found the hose that had the petrol in it and blew compressed air through it to  try clear it. Yep it emptied the fuel bowl. Started it up it purred like a kitten until the fuel bowl overflowed. Then it started misfiring again. I think the needle and seat is buggered. Now my question is, can the needle and seats be replaced without a total carbi rebuild or whats the best plan of attack. I'm not comfortable doing the rebuild as such. What's a rebuild kit worth versus needle and seats or can you get partial rebuild kits. All help greatly appreciated

[simi_ed]

I'd bet it's not the needle and/or seat, but it's actually the o-ring behind the needle seat.  They go bad, and you get a flooding condition, just as you're describing.  I hate to tell you , but you're probably in for a total card rebuild, whether you do it, or a professional (such as Randy) does it.
Either way, it sounds like that's what you're looking at. 

[thunder1295]

Sounds like ED right on the money, but if I can make a suggestion, if its the one carb doing it and it was purrring like a kitten when you blew it out, hell get the O ring and the needle which will cost you less then a 6 pack. pop off the float bowl and replace the 2 parts and you'll be up and running. If it isn't broken why replace or rebuild all the carbs..

Good luck

Jim

[ribbert]

Jeff, Given the onset of this was from one ride to the next, admittedly with some time in between, I'd be looking at a stuck float first. It's also dead easy to check. My bike does this to me periodically, it splutters on the flooding cylinder and even at revs it is rough. I carry a 300 x 10 mm piece of steel rod at all times to tap the carby bowl when it happens. It can be 20 mins between episodes or 20,000km's. I just rap the bowl of the offending carby and it stops.

If it is the needle and seat, it's not a biggy and my offer to help still stands. Randy could no doubt have one winging it's way to you before you even hit the send button for a few bucks or if you have the time it would not be hard to find one at a shop locally. A bit of research will probably show it is the same as many other bikes.

Try giving the bowl a few sharp raps with something metallic first. It's free, only takes a second and works for me.

Noel

[movenon]

Glad you found it  Simple to fix. Thanks for the follow up !! Hate unsolved mysteries.
George

[Jeff0308]

Took the carbis off today. Took the bowl off number 3 carbi to find a totally jammed open needle and seat. Delicately removed the float, the needle was stuck fast. got it freed up. the cause of it seemed to be stale fuel that had given it a lacquer like coating that had stuck the seat and needle together, the end of the needle was in perfect condition. I think these have had a rebuild at some point. Put them all back together and fired her up and it purred like a kitten. I think it may also be time to change the plugs. Im going to do that tomorrow. So Im really happy at the outcome so far. Just got to make a few adjustments and test rides and hopefully we're right for a coffee somewhere Noel /Arnie and whoever would like to join in. Ive learnt more about the FJ carbis in the last week than ive ever known, and as far as removal and refitmet, I could just about do it blind folded. Thanks guys fo all your help, advice and support,it was greatly appreciated

[movenon]

"Sorry about the bum time. You can fix it, trust me. And when you do it will probably be simple (hopefully lol)."

I am just glad you got her fixed and you that kept everyone informed as to the problem and out come. You never know enough about the carburetors 

You just got one step closer to bonding with your FJ  She gave you shit and you showed her who was boss.............
George

[Jeff0308]

You gotta laugh or you would just go mad..... With all the time spent on the FJ recently my car must have a jealous streak in it........ Literally a day after I got the bike going my car thought its now its turn... Unfortunately it's a bit worse than a carbi issue.... The thermostat jammed shut , no warning or symptoms, it cooked the cylinder head..... Didn't realize until it was to late..... Old cars (27yrs old) only have the gauges no lights or warning alarms. Head gaskets blown big time. A replacement is $997 unfitted plus a gasket set$65. HOLDEN  with a Nissan motor. Whats annoying is i am so concious of all my vehicles in respect of mechanical needs and servicing....obviously not in this instance..... the magical fuck up fairy waived her magic wand again. Think its time it visited god..... No sarcasm meant.... On the upside I now have the FJ to get around on if I have to.... Using my brothers car for now. He's got a spare......... I just shook my head in disbelief....always something to try ones patients....

[fj11.5]

commodore by chance 

[Bones]

I've had things like that happen to me. You'd swear they were human, not machines.

[Jeff0308]

Yep. VL commodore. Only done 180000km original to.  Now it's looking very sad in the garage awaiting its next life as a boat anchor. On the upside. I took the FJ for a ride yesterday 150km round trip. Rode beautifully. Only thing is I think it needs a carbi tune as it wants to stall a lot when you deaccelerate to a stand still suddenly. Idles a bit off. Once its running its smooth as but you can hear it hunting around . Any suggestions?

[FJmonkey]

Yep. VL commodore. Only done 180000km original to.  Now it's looking very sad in the garage awaiting its next life as a boat anchor. On the upside. I took the FJ for a ride yesterday 150km round trip. Rode beautifully. Only thing is I think it needs a carbi tune as it wants to stall a lot when you deaccelerate to a stand still suddenly. Idles a bit off. Once its running its smooth as but you can hear it hunting around . Any suggestions?

If it sat for more than a few weeks it might be clogged idle jets. I run my bike every 2 to 3 weeks just the keep the fuel and additives flowing and the jets clear. If idle is rough and higher revs are good then it is your idle jets needing a cleaning...