Question on carb overhaul.

[RollyK]

Hello all
I was just given an 86 fj1200 that has been sitting for 17 years.  I took the carbs apart carefully so as not to damage the diaphrams.  Holly crap, there was quite a  large amount of varnish.  Carb bodies and passages are clean but all the o-rings are pretty much shot.  Anyone know where I can get the proper rings without giving my first born to the dealer?  I also took apart and cleaned out the petcock (varnished shut).  The o-ring was completely shot.  What size is that one?
Lots of work to do on this bike, but it's all there.  I will be asking a few questions as I am new to Yamaha (used to ride Honda).

[yamaha fj rider]

Yes all the parts you listed can come from http://www.rpmracingca.com/ Randy is the best. He has a screw and o ring kit that is awesome. Hope this helps. Don't forget to check out the files section for rebuild instructions.

Kurt

[movenon]

Yes all the parts you listed can come from http://www.rpmracingca.com/ Randy is the best. He has a screw and o ring kit that is awesome. Hope this helps. Don't forget to check out the files section for rebuild instructions.

Kurt

Give Randy a call.
I would recommend you spend some time reading and rereading the "carb" section in the files http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?board=21.0. 
This is a biggy, clean ALL the passageways even if they look clean. Some of the jets and passageways are very small. Also go into the search function and read though old postings talking about carb problems. Its a free education !
George

[SlowOldGuy]

Hello all
I was just given an 86 fj1200 that has been sitting for 17 years.  I took the carbs apart carefully so as not to damage the diaphrams.  Holly crap, there was quite a  large amount of varnish.  Carb bodies and passages are clean but all the o-rings are pretty much shot.  Anyone know where I can get the proper rings without giving my first born to the dealer?  I also took apart and cleaned out the petcock (varnished shut).  The o-ring was completely shot.  What size is that one?
Lots of work to do on this bike, but it's all there.  I will be asking a few questions as I am new to Yamaha (used to ride Honda).

The first thing you need to do is start your own thread!  This one is already 23 pages deep.  Your questions will get all mixed up and potentially ignored if you continue posting in someone else's topic.

Carbs are the heart of your engine.  Do them right or you'll waste a lot of time trying to fix something else.

As others have already said, check the files section and Randy's site for everything you need.  Ask lots of questions.

DavidR.

[Pat Conlon]

The first thing you need to do is start your own thread!  This one is already 23 pages deep.  Your questions will get all mixed up and potentially ignored if you continue posting in someone else's topic.

Excellent idea David....Welcome Rolly, hope you don't mind, I split your post and related replies out and created a new topic here in the Maintenance Section.

You have been given good advice. RPM is tops. Be sure to get the stainless cap screw kit with your O rings so you can get rid of all those soft Phillips head screws.

When you get a chance Rolly, post over in the Introduction Section, Tell us a wee bit about yourself. 

Cheers!  Pat

[RollyK]

Thanks guys, definitely a good start.  Going to remove varnish from the tank with some chain I have lying around.  Also, does anyone know the size of the o-ring on the fuel petcock (vacuum side i think).  It's litterally gone.  I just found bits and pieces of it.  I don't expect to have the bike on the road this summer.  I just want to know how it will run and go from there.  Motor has good compression.  Is there a way to circulate the oil before starting the beast?(could be a while, need carb parts and clean fuel tank)

Thanks 

[SlowOldGuy]

Fuel petcock o-ring should be either a 4 or 5mm ID x 2mm cross section.  Get one of each just in case. 

You might also want to get a slightly stronger spring for the petcock diaphragm.  A good hardware store should carry these.

DavidR.

[Pat Conlon]

I would suggest biting the bullet and getting a new '84/'85 petcock from RPM.
They are cheaper than the electric reserve petcocks that your '86 has...plus the '84/'85 petcocks have a 'prime' setting that can get you home in the event that you loose vacuum (right monkey?) they bolt right up to your tank just fine.
Many folks have reported problems with the electric reserve function on your style of petcock.
You will still have a gas gauge with a low fuel light along with a odometer...the electric reserve is redundant (and expensive)
Besides, now you can use the discarded electric reserve switch (on your left side fairing panel) for something creative....?

I would not waste time and effort trying to rebuild your old petcock....too many things can go wrong if it fails.
Get a new one and call it a day....(right monkey?)

Cheers. Pat

[FJmonkey]

Pat, you are correct. I took your advice and upgraded to the older 84/85 style of petcock. The 86/87 attempt at new tech was misguided and worthless. Before I had the FJ I never had a fuel gauge, just the trip meter to show miles driven. I still like the old school and think it works way better than hoping my electronic reserve does not kick in when I need to pass that big rig and find I am out of fuel at WOT when I still have fuel.

[baldy3853]

What u run out of monkey power 

[FJmonkey]

What u run out of monkey power 

Plenty of Monkey power, more than enough to go around, but some reserves need to be saved for special occasions like this:

[RollyK]

A friend of mine with a 84 fj1100 suggested I get myself one of those.  I guess he was aware of this problem with the 86.  Thanks for the help.  Heading to the rpmracing site to check out what's available.

[RichBaker]

Pat, you are correct. I took your advice and upgraded to the older 84/85 style of petcock. The 86/87 attempt at new tech was misguided and worthless. Before I had the FJ I never had a fuel gauge, just the trip meter to show miles driven. I still like the old school and think it works way better than hoping my electronic reserve does not kick in when I need to pass that big rig and find I am out of fuel at WOT when I still have fuel.

Bought an '87 Merkur XR4Ti in Dec. The fuel gauge is intermittent, so I use the tripmeter... no different than every bike, other than the FJ, I've ever owned.   

[Steve_in_Florida]

...some reserves need to be saved for special occasions like this:

I've been staring at this picture so long, I think my vision is starting to go.

...I'd wipe my eyes, but the palm hair tickles!!!   


(Are those "reserves" Photoshopped???)