won't start after sitting for the winter

[scarylarry]

hey guys,
i have an 87 fj1200. checked the petcock and i'm getting fuel and i'm also getting spark.  sounds like something's stuck or clogged.  anything i should look for first?
thanks,
larry

[andyb]

Cranks?  Doesn't crank?  Farts and spits but won't catch?  Makes no positive noises at all?

Getting fuel to where?  If you've definitely got spark and definitely got fuel entering the cylinder, the only missing piece of the puzzle is compression--odds are if it ran when you put it away, that's not the issue.

Full choke, closed throttle, crank it a bit.  Pull a plug and smell/feel/lick it.  Gas to the carbs doesn't ensure gas to the chamber.

If it cranks, odds are the carbs gummed over the winter.  If it doesn't crank, the battery is iffy, a switch (sidestand or otherwise) has corroded in a no-go state, or you've just forgotten to check the killswitch after the winter

[scarylarry]

shoulda been more specific....it cranks fine, took out spark plugs and bone dry.  tried to flood it and nothing.  that's why it think something is clogged or stuck.  i'm not real familiar with these carbs, so any suggestions what to start looking at, would be appreciated.

[Pat Conlon]

Dry plugs? Ok. Is there fuel in the carb's fuel bowls? Open the drain screws to see....
Perhaps the vacuum petcock is not opening and letting gas thru to the carbbies.....
1) Check the vacuum line going from the petcock to #3 intake, firmly connected at each end? and no holes? No burn spots in the hose?
 2) Now Disconnect the fuel line at the petcock, disconnect the vacuum line at the motor, suck at the end of the vacuum line, does the petcock open up and does gas start to flow?
If so, then gas is getting to your carbs....then...

3) It's Time to give your carbs some love: http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=655.0

Cheers!

[scarylarry]

I lifted the tank and disconnected the fuel line from the petcock, then cranked the engine real quick to see if the vacuum line opened the petcock and it did, fuel came out.  i think you're correct, that the carbs need some lovin'.  i was hoping it was something stupid i overlooked and i wouldn't hafta tear the carbs down, but it looks like i gonna have to.

thanks for the advice!

[Travis398]

Is there fuel in the carb's fuel bowls? Open the drain screws to see....

Cheers!

I agree with Pat

Chances are it won't run very good (if at all) on the fuel that has been sitting in your carbs for several months.
Drain each bowl, 4 or them. A long screw driver will do the trick. That will tell you if each carb has fuel,
and it will get some fresh fuel in them. Making it much easier to start.

[scarylarry]

just and update...got it running!    just needed an old fashioned cleaning.
thanks for the help!

[JMR]

Ethanol in the fuel creates a lot of problems especially if fuel is allowed to sit in the carbs for 4 weeks or more. I have had excellent results with StarTron and use it in all my bikes and anything else with an engine. Stabil did not work

[Pat Conlon]

..... Stabil did not work"

Yep, found that out the hard way. Thanks Mike I'll try StarTron....Should be available at Ace Hardware.
The local guys who run their big motor flatbottom ski boats all say the same thing about StarTron....good stuff.

[irishluck]

usually you'll want to drain the gas out or put some type of adative in the gas when you set it for the winter.

cause it will gunk your carbs up.

Your jets are most likely clogged. you can easily clean if you have an ultrasonic machine or something, other then that you'll want to take it to a shop and get them cleaned and rebuilt.

[JMR]

..... Stabil did not work"

Yep, found that out the hard way. Thanks Mike I'll try StarTron....Should be available at Ace Hardware.
The local guys who run their big motor flatbottom ski boats all say the same thing about StarTron....good stuff.

I would try there first Pat as it tends to be more expensive at bike shops. I think it Lowe's carries it too.

[Dan Filetti]

I have had excellent results with StarTron and use it in all my bikes and anything else with an engine. Stabil did not work

I have a bike mechanic that I trust, he does my tires and PA state inspections.  He talked me into a bottle of StarTron, saying it's the only thing that seems to work with 'this new crap gas'.  I'm not normally one to buy impulsively, but he really seemed to believe it helps, and like I said, I trust the guy.

I used some in the snow blower and I'll use the rest in the fall.

Another seemingly positive data-point, anyway.

Dan

[JMR]

I have had excellent results with StarTron and use it in all my bikes and anything else with an engine. Stabil did not work

I have a bike mechanic that I trust, he does my tires and PA state inspections.  He talked me into a bottle of StarTron, saying it's the only thing that seems to work with 'this new crap gas'.  I'm not normally one to buy impulsively, but he really seemed to believe it helps, and like I said, I trust the guy.

I used some in the snow blower and I'll use the rest in the fall.

Another seemingly positive data-point, anyway.

Dan

You will not be disappointed. I stored my snow blower for the last 2 years with the product and it started perfectly. John Deere too. Plus the bikes. I had to clean my FJ's FCR's twice in 1 season and sent the busa's injectors to RC Engineering for cleaning before using this product. You buy the 16 oz bottle that treats 256 gallons and it lasts quite a while. Great thing too is it is impossible to "overtreat" fuel.
I'm not normally a cheerleader for stuff but this product does work. I think a everybody should be aware of it's existence.

[FJmonkey]

Dan
I'm not normally a cheerleader for stuff but this product does work. I think a everybody should be aware of it's existence.

Now that you are a Cheerleader, post some pics.......

[rktmanfj]

Now that you are a Cheerleader, post some pics.......

 and you say I post silly shit...      

Randy T
Indy