Carb Sync: What do I do with the fuel tank?

[mijohnso]

I am the proud new owner of an 1986 FJ1200, and I am dealing with issues which, based on other threads on this site, point to poorly syncronized carbs. So I intend on syncing the carbs tomorrow. I understand that I will have to take the fuel tank off to get to the carbs, but I also understand that the bike needs to be running. I am unsure of how to resolve this issue. Will I be able to set the fuel tank next to the bike while I am doing the syncing? What do you do with your fuel tank when syncing your carbs? Thanks for the help!

[fj1289]

If your fuel lines will reach, the FJ is unique in that you can turn the tank around almost like it was designed that way. 

Take off the seat and side panels.  Lift the tank off and simply spin it 180 degrees - and the "forks" at the front that normally capture the rubber bushings will "bracket: the front edge of the tail piece and the tank mounts go right back in the tank support (just turned around). 

This is the third time I've tried to describe it - still sounds a lot harder than it is!

[carsick]

[oldktmdude]

   G'day mijohnso, the method that fj1289 describes works well.  Just be careful, before turning the tank around, COVER your BATTERY with some kind of insulating material; rags or some kind of flat rubber product eg old car mudflap. It may only be 12 volts but it could cause a problem you don't need. Regards, Pete.

[jvb_ca]

I don't think you can do this with the early models though, unless you have extra long fuel and vacuum lines. Only fule pump models I believe will work. You need vacuum to allow the petcock to flow the fuel. I've looked at this method but still use the old lawnmower tank hung from the ceiling method.

Cheers...Jake

[Pat Conlon]

Jake is correct. Reversing the tank is a no go for early FJ's. I use one of these: http://www.motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0032/

<edit> Don't pay retail. I found this on FleaBay for $20

I don't think you can do this with the early models though, unless you have extra long fuel and vacuum lines. Only fule pump models I believe will work. You need vacuum to allow the petcock to flow the fuel. I've looked at this method but still use the old lawnmower tank hung from the ceiling method.

Cheers...Jake

[mijohnso]

Thanks for all the advice. I do have an earlier model, so I will have to improvise for the auxiliary fuel tank. Any tips on the hanging a old gas can from the ceiling? Do I just need a long tube to allow for fuel flow (using gravity instead of a vacuum)? Could I easily (and temporarily) extend my fuel and vacuum lines?

Regards,
Mike

[Pat Conlon]

I just hang the aux. tank from the bottom rod from my open garage door and nipple the line right into my stock line. Gravity feed is fine.
Don't forget to plug your (now open) vacuum line which opens/closes your fuel tank petcock.

When you're done just drain your aux. tank back into your fuel tank. Easy Peesey.

Thanks for all the advice. I do have an earlier model, so I will have to improvise for the auxiliary fuel tank. Any tips on the hanging a old gas can from the ceiling? Do I just need a long tube to allow for fuel flow (using gravity instead of a vacuum)? Could I easily (and temporarily) extend my fuel and vacuum lines?

Regards,
Mike

[jvb_ca]

I picked up used plastic lawnmower fuel tank and fit an in-line fuel filter and a shutoff valve in some fuel line and hang it from the ceiling with some wire. The fuel line gets shoved into the FJ line and tie-wrapped just to be safe. Ain't pretty but it does the job.

Cheers...Jake

[Mark Olson]

I have a 86 and am able to turn the tank 90* with the fuel line still hooked up , I just add a vacuum line for the petcock , a block of wood and a shop rag protect the battery and frame.

easier than it sounds.    

[racerman_27410]

+1 on the old lawn mower fuel tank..... stopped by a mower repair place and they had tons in their boneyard.... even gave me one for free.   


KOokaloo!

[FJ Flyer]

I pulled the plastic tank off my lawn tractor the first time I did a sync.  I picked up a MotionPro aux tank off of ebay, added an inline filter, and use that, now.

[teeeeeceeeee]

I have used a weed sprayer bottle with great success. The type that hold about 5 litres and you pump to pressurise, about 5 pumps and there's enough pressure to keep the carbs happy with no need to hang the bottle, just sit it on the floor. The hose supplied fits directly onto the carb fuel intake.

They're about $20 at any hardware.


Kookaloo

TeeCee

[paulfj03]

I picked up bulk transparent hose for a fuel line from the tank, and I use the hand vacuum pump (used for bleeding the clutch and brake lines) hooked up to the petcock to periodically let the fuel flow. The tank sits on a shelf cart near the bike (The tank does have to sit higher than the carbs). I can watch how much fuel flows through the line so I can make sure the carbs don't run dry. Cost me under $5 at princess auto.... great selection of hoses too.

I tried to turn the tank around on the 86. Its a no go without the extra long lines for me. 

[mijohnso]

So I turned the tank 90 Degrees, built my own monomotor using clear tubing and motor oil, and my bike runs really smooth. I can hardly tell it is running. The carbs didn't even seem that out of sync, but my bike is like a whole different machine. Thanks for the help!