hose disconnects *first post*

[theLeopard]

hey I just bought a '92 1200; runs beautifully, i'm drooling at the power-band, and it's not a gashog as a commuter either.

here's the problem.

the bike overheated the first day I bought it. my assumption was the oil pan was dry - turns out the battery was dead. replaced the battery, took it to the sellors shop the next day for an oil change (thought I had burned up the oil reserves) and inspection.

guy said everything was fine, changed the oil, bought a few bonus items (gas additive and chain lubricant), paid and went on my way.
the ride home was good, didn't overheat, parked it in my driveway and saw a leak. A LEAK! sampled the fluid on the driveway, fuel/oil mixture. well, shit.
called the guy, wasn't very imformative, figured he wants me to learn how to do some basic repairs myself. no problem, probably a great idea anyway.
so I took some photos. need some advice.

first photo: the leaking hose
this hose only drips when the bike is stood upright, doesn't leak on the kickstand. leaking fuel.


second photo: another disconnected, wet hose
not sure what this is for, but it may be where the oil leak is?


third photo: empty post?
this is on the piece above the motor, not sure what it's for. but the post is dirty which leads me to believe it hasn't had a connection for quite some time.


fourth photo: another disconnected hose
this is in the same cluster of disconnected hoses. there are three in the cluster and one additional hose I found


fifth picture: last visible disconnect
this hose is behind the others, between the motor and the wheel. the other three are located near the heatshield, this 4th hose is located further towards the rear of the bike behind all the big parts


the mechanic, ivan, said it might be a fuel vent (I have no idea) but i'm pretty sure leaking fuel, or oil, or (even worse) the fuel/oil mixture is bad. like, really bad. like, catch on fire or explode on the freeway going 130 at 4am bad. so I need some advice: identification of my disconnects, where to reconnect them, how serious this is (maybe i'm overly-concerned?), and how to complete the fix. there are some other stuff I can get too later, for example one of the 5 posts on the back of the motor is rusted and split, but I think that's relatively minor compared to leaking fuel so help me out! please and thanks !! 

[andyb]

Float needle seats need new orings holding them into the carbs, most likely.

[theLeopard]

can I handle that myself?
how many tools would be required, if so?

I have a reliable mechanic but it might be best to learn how to maintain this bike personally considering it's aged (like a fine wine).
still considering contracting him for some engine repairs when the money's right.

[aviationfred]

Photo #1. In the Upper left corner is the fuel line from your tank connected to the fuel pump.

Photo #3. Looks like the drain port for the #4 carb bowl.

The rest of your photos are carb overflow lines.

Go to the 'Introduction' section and tell us a bit about yourself and your FJ, and what part of the world you are from.

Fred

[theLeopard]

posted an introduction, fred.
do you think I should buy a manual? I think I should buy a manual, what's your opinion on purchasing a manual?

[movenon]

posted an introduction, fred.
do you think I should buy a manual? I think I should buy a manual, what's your opinion on purchasing a manual?

Best 20 bucks you will spend or save, depends on how you loo at it...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-FJ-1100-1200-L-B-Genuine-Service-Manual-and-1986-FJ1200-Dealer-Brochure-/131178961788?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item1e8ae01b7c

[theLeopard]

why would my carburetor overflow?
is that the reason replacing the O-rings was suggested? (I would presume so but, hey, i'm still a novice here)
if the old O-rings aren't sealing properly would that create an overflow/leak in the fuel-pump system?
how much labor is required for a DIY job? is it suggested or discouraged (based on difficulty)? how many tools do I need to complete that type of service? is it fatal to postpone this maintenance (if this, in fact, is the problem)?

so pumped to be riding again, share my joy SHARE IT!

seriously, share it

[simi_ed]

Did you read the info on carb cleaning and o-ring replacement? The o-rings prevent fuel from bypassing the needle/float system, allowing free flow of fuel from the pump into the float bowl then out the vent tubes onto your rear tire, or worse.  If you want to risk a crash ( gas in front of rear tire) or fire (gasoline leak) then I guess you could delay or ignore this problem.  

There aren't too many tools required, and they're tools you'll need.  
Carb o-ring and cleaning info http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=655.0.  You should read & digest this before proceeding.  Get Randy's screw kit & some #40 pilot jets.

[theLeopard]

read, somewhat digested, and bookmarked.
from the looks of things i'm going to need a shopping list, here's what I have so far:

• manual
• punch kit (whatever that is, is this similar to a tap&die set?)
• carb cleaner
• new rings
• screwdrivers
• spare gastank & fan
• metric sockets
• metric wrenches
• metric allans

let me know if i'm missing anything.
also, I could really use an estimated cost here since i'll be on a lean budget for a month (which probably means i'll be spilling gas for at least a month)

thirdly, what are the pilot jets for? is the only reason to clean&polish original parts to save money?

[simi_ed]

 

My at bat is complete. Next batter up.

[theLeopard]

guys, seriously what am I looking at price-wise here? i'm not cheap but I am a student, I cant shell out 2-3grand at the moment to get this thing safely operational and the guy offered to buy it back for the price I paid if I changed my mind. lets be realistic here. I prefer to beat things with a blunt object until we mash out all the parts than nitpick details for hours while major questions remain unresolved so please just give it to me straight: is my bike gonna die? is my wallet going to die?

guys i'm scared, hold me 

[ribbert]

guys, seriously what am I looking at price-wise here? i'm not cheap but I am a student, I cant shell out 2-3grand at the moment to get this thing safely operational and the guy offered to buy it back for the price I paid if I changed my mind. lets be realistic here. I prefer to beat things with a blunt object until we mash out all the parts than nitpick details for hours while major questions remain unresolved so please just give it to me straight: is my bike gonna die? is my wallet going to die?

guys i'm scared, hold me 

I'd say, if you have to buy tools too, a couple of hundred bucks tops, including parts, and the job is simple. Bucket loads of help here and very good photo guides both here and on the net. These carbs are fitted to other bikes as well and I have seen some excellent photographic, step by step guides (Suzuki I think). Once you overcome the fear of the unknown, it is a simple job. Even just removing the airbox and demystifying the carbies and their plumbing will have you well on the way.

We can probably organise a group hug but draw the line at, err, holding.....

Noel

[Pat Conlon]

Don't panic. Don't ride it until you fix the problem.
To get you back on the road quickly, here's what I suggest:
1) Get a manual
2) study
3) take the carb rack off the bike, drain the gas, dry them and put them in a box and send them to RPM in Oakdale, Ca.
4) for aprox $150 (depending on options) Randy and Robert will ultrasonic clean them, fix them, sync them and get them back to you.
5) plug and play... You will be happy.
6) order and install a fresh fuel filter, also available from RPM.

See the Vendor section for RPM info....

See my signature line for additional suggestions...

[theLeopard]

alright i'm selling the Jag. these repairs are affordable and I prefer to ride anyway.
you guys give me good news without the bullshit (can I swear here? I don't swear at people but I tend to curse).

now for the bad news, I hope you can give me to same treatment for bad news too.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=11580.0

[Pat Conlon]

....can I swear here?

Fuck no.