got her running but....

[ross]

hey there folks....i followed all the advice given by all the members.....(see rebel devil post in members lounge)....on rebuilding the carbs.....she starts great....idle's great, but when i get her going it seem sluggish.....it runs (took her out for about 16 miles)....but it just seems like it has no real kahonas.....i remember when i got her up around 3 grand, it took off like a scalded dog.....i did add some inline fuel filters but they seem to be flowing just fine....i also added new plugs (good spark) and there is no backfire or such...just doesn't knock the wind out of the lungs like she used to....any advice from the forum would be greatly appreciated.....so close to being done and able to ride.....thanx in advance...ross

p.s. i even had the priest bless her with holy water........

[ross]

stoooopid question....

was wondering where the breather line attaches that comes out of the "T" between each set of carbs....not the fuel "T" but the one above it....it's been a long hard winter and i might of hooked it up wrong in my haste of enjoying the beautiful weather.....ross

[randy]

Ross,

The carb vents connect to the airbox if you have an airbox.

[ross]

not stooopid....

hey randy....just checked it out.....got the hoses hooked up correctly, but noticed that one of the vacuum lines to the back of the fuel shutoff was not connected.....hope that is the solution, but not sure...they don't work correctly and i have install inline fuel shutoff's to make sure i don't have one of those 7 quart oil changes...been there, done that....will have 2 check it out 2morrow....it's just when i crank on the throttle, it's like stepping on a slimy, wet sponge.....eeewww!!...thanx for the response......ross

[Dragon Tamer]

Sounds like it could be the same problem I just had. If it runs good above three grand and not below I would have to think that you have a vacuum leak somewhere. If you are losing vacuum the pilot circuits will not feed fuel properly until the mains take over (somewhere around three grand) and with a big enough leak will still not give you the fuel you need above that.
Use a small propane torch (unlit) and let the propane run around the carbs as it idles, if you detect an increase in the idle speed you have found a leak.
DO NOT spray a flammable liquid on your engine, if it ignites it is almost impossible to extiquish DAHIK!

[TopCatGr58]

Re: not stooopid....

Originally posted by ross
hey randy....just checked it out.....got the hoses hooked up correctly, but noticed that one of the vacuum lines to the back of the fuel shutoff was not connected.....hope that is the solution, but not sure...they don't work correctly and i have install inline fuel shutoff's to make sure i don't have one of those 7 quart oil changes...been there, done that....

Hey Ross,

You've got a Standard. You don't have a special fuel shutoff valve, you have vacuum controlled petcocks! The vacuum line OPENS the petcocks to allow them to flow when the engine is running! SO....IF they are not working right, I'm assuming you mean that fuel still leaks/drips from the petcocks even with the engine off is why you installed inline shutoffs, then you may NOT be flowing enough fuel to properly feed the carbs!? Put the petcocks on PRIME and run it, Prime doesn't need vacuum to allow the fuel to flow!!

Just reviewed your Rebel Devil photos. How do you now have the fuel lines running to the carbs? Do you have a large loop that falls far below the level of the float bowls before rising back up to the fuel "T's"?? That can also contribute to poor carb filling, it's best to position the hoses so that they are just level with the inlet T's and not dipping below them! And hopefully you have the vacuum lines from the Carb Boot Ports going to the petcocks! As has been stated, the vent hoses go to the airbox ports, just make sure that those ports are open, free flowing, has been known to get dirt and sludge blocking those ports!

After riding a short while, recheck your pipes to make sure you are hitting on all 4!!!
T.C.

[ross]

topcatgr58...i bow to your knowledge...

well folks....got home at 5 pm and checked the board.....took all ideas out to the man cave and started lookin......dragon tamer...checked for leaks and no such luck...thank god.......now topcatgr58.....i respect your opinion and wisdom.....checked everything you mentioned and started checkin......hmmm....vacuum line is off of the left petcock.......easy fix......next looked at the fuel lines...you have a very sharp eye for details......after lifting the tank, i shortened the fuel lines by about 6 inches....while i was there, pulled out the mirror and wire and made sure the port into the air box was clear....(i was wondering why there are metal restrictor inserts in those ports?).....took all of about 45 minutes......after i said a couple "Hail Mary's" and dug out the holy water to sprinkle on her (Bud Dry)...i hit the starter....WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!....i got soggy pants when i blipped the throttle and saw 6 grand go screaming bye.....TIME FOR THE KAHUNA TEST!....rolled her out the driveway....hammered the throttle (residential street)....and the front end almost came up off the ground.....i felt the front suspension lift...but no wheel leaving the ground......got her out on the main streets and opened her up.....KAHUNA TEST: PASSED!.....thanx so very much for you help......i'm very proud to be part of the XS11 family...and i'm now a proud patch wearer.......sort of a nice reward for working on my bike all winter long....and just for kicks i roared past a group of hardley owners then turned down my street.....they went around the block just to find out what passed them...hehehe....XS11.COM FOREVER!!.....humbly submitted.....ross

[skids]

Re: topcatgr58...i bow to your knowledge...

Congratulations Ross!