bike quit

[big r]

Went for a ride this aft. everything was going fine when the dam thing died. Already disconnected the res. switch. Took a bit of cranking to get her going again. Was wondering if it could be the flap in the cap(flapectomey) maybe?Ran fine after I got her going again, I did have to put 21.44 liters of go juice in her. Pushing the limit a bit? Any and all advice is greatly appreciated, thanks Big R

[FJmonkey]

When the bike quit, did it just out cold. sudden death? Or did it start loosing power till you slowed way down and then it died like it ran out of fuel? The latter would suggest that you either ran out of fuel or you vacuum locked the tank and you need a flapectomy. Did you a tank-bag on? Was the weather dry or could water get between the tank-bag bad the filler cap? This could seal off the cap from getting air. The amount of details you provide will be in direct proportion to the amount of helpful replies you are likely to get. Details help us help you. Back to you Big R.

[carsick]

I didn't think an FJ could hold 5.66 gallons. Might be part of your problem.

[big r]

The bike just started losing power and then quit like it ran out of gas. I'm thinking that being low on gas was the problem. When I tried to start it again it would not fire right like it had draw gas into the carbs. My fuel gauge needle has either jumped the pin or has gone all the way around. The low fuel light did not come on either so I surmise that it is tied in with reserve switch. Is there a file somewhere about the flapper valve mod. Also I filled it right up and left it on the side stand and some gas came out and ran down the side of the tank(just a dribble) over full? Big R

[Zwartie]

What year is your FJ? If it is pre-fuel pump (like my previous FJ, an '86), it could be as simple as the vacuum line from the fuel valve under the tank to the carbs. If it pops off either end (therefore sensing no vacuum) the fuel supply will shut off. I had that happen about 15+ years ago stuck in the middle of Algonquin Park. If you've had the tank off recently make sure that line is connected - it is such a length that if you connect it while lowering the tank and then lift the tank up even an inch or two before setting it down it will pop off.

Ben Zwart
London, ON
1992 FJ1314
1977 KZ200

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Like Ben said the vacuum line must be attached for 86.  Are you sure the fuel lamp is not burnt out? Are you sure the bike was in nuetral while trying to start with stand down? The needle jumping the post is a common problem it can be fixed, there are files. I tried ti fix but to make short strory I ended up spendig $120 on a new fuel guage. There are post on the flapper removal. I that symptom usally happens at when running hard.  At least for me it was. Air can replace fuel quick enough. But usulay it will start after sitting a short while or opening the fill cal to vent. You may have overfilled. There a drain in fill area. A hose should be connected to nipple under the tank to send the fuel to the ground.Alos could float bowls draind if the floats are not seat. Others here are more expert than me but tha my 2 cents.

Mike

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

I hate reading my post after sending to find it pretty messed up. Hopefuley you got my meaning. 
spell check not working for me. Anyone else having trouble?

[FJmonkey]

I hate reading my post after sending to find it pretty messed up. Hopefuley you got my meaning. 
spell check not working for me. Anyone else having trouble?

Yea, I remember when I had my first beer........

[andyb]

I didn't think an FJ could hold 5.66 gallons. Might be part of your problem.

5.8, I thought.

[Travis398]

6.5 for the 1100's

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

I hate reading my post after sending to find it pretty messed up. Hopefully you got my meaning. 
spell check not working for me. Anyone else having trouble?

Yea, I remember when I had my first beer........

That should have been my excuse, unfortunately I got a flu or somethin. I'm, holed up in bed with fever the last two days. Feeling much better today. Will continue to veg, must go to rally!
Mike
My spell check works, but I don't.

[big r]

Bike ran fine after I got it started again. It's an 86 I think I was just low on fuel I had just made a hard right and think that the fuel ran to one side of the tank. Runs great now all the way thru the rpm band. Can you still get a new fuel gauge? Thanks for everybody's help Big R

[FJmonkey]

Bike ran fine after I got it started again. It's an 86 I think I was just low on fuel I had just made a hard right and think that the fuel ran to one side of the tank. Runs great now all the way thru the rpm band. Can you still get a new fuel gauge? Thanks for everybody's help Big R

Mmmmm...The bike leans over in turns and due to the laws of physics the liquid in the tank gets forced down towards the engine like riding a roller-coaster through a turn, you feel pushed deeper into your seat. Why many of us like the corners so much. If it was low fuel then you fixed it. And you know how to fix it again should it ever return. The FJ needs to be fed to keep the Koookalooo flowing.   

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Can you still get a new fuel gauge?

I ordered mine through Zonotti about a year and half ago. When you change out be sure to replace all indicator lamps too.

[big r]

Dam thing quit again today. I think I need to go thru the carbs, just checked the oil and it smells like a gas tank. Needle and seat or could the petcock have a slight leak? Randy, could I put a set of the later carbs on and add a fuel pump or is space a problem? My local stealer wants up to 800 to do the carbs and another shop that works on most older bikes says about 400. I am not very good with carbs. Randy could give me an estimate for all the parts I would need to rebuild the carbs. Thanks to all that reply, this had to happen just because the weather is starting to get better.