HELP!! My turn at the carburators monster, I guess..

[Cobia]

Hi Guys and Gals,
My tank has a small leak along the left seam and I was trying to draw down the fuel level in my tank so I could remove it, clean it, and coat the seam from the inside. Well, as the fuel level got low it started sputtering and starving for fuel. I then switched the petcock to reserve hoping that it would remedy the sputtering and get me home to do the job on the tank. The sputtering wasn't severe enough to totally rob the bike of most of it's power. I think it's just one of the carbs.
After a few miles the situation didn't improve and I ended up stopping at a gas station and put in $5 worth of gas to see if this would help.... It didn't.

I think the pilot jet in one of the carbs may have some debris in it because the sputtering goes away once the revs climb above 3K rpms. This is when the mains take over, right? If this is the case I would just have to remove the carbs, open the float bowls and clean the pilot jets I believe...right?

When I bought the bike in October (and before I found this site) I had a local (and good) mechanic rebuild the carbs and do other works as the brakes, new front tire, etc. So the carbs have basically less then a year on the rebuild.

Am I on the right track here, or am I way off and should be looking elsewhere? I plan to check the diaphram for fuel flow in the AM.

Let me know guys.... I NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

Gracias, Amigos

[jjwaller]

Were you running a fuel filter?
Obviously you have corrosion in the tank.
Small particles will clog up the low speed circuits.
Sorry, time to clean the carbs, and the tank.
Search for tank cleaning, and carb cleaning threads. Plenty available.
HTH

John

[Cobia]

Unfortunately I didn't install filters when the job was done. And the tank really has no rust visible from the filler port. And I didn't see any suspicious debris or rust the other day when I removed the petcocks for inspection.
I'm sure there's got to be some junk in there after 28 years of refueling. I will make sure the tank is super clean now.

Am I right in focusing on the pilot jets and low speed circuits? This negates the need to tear down the whole carb assemblies. Correct?

The local cycle repair shop recommended a new type one-step, two part tank sealer they say is bullet-proof. Anybody heard of it. Don't know the name but will find out and post it.

Thanks for the reply John.

[bikerphil]

carbs

Hey Cobia, why don't you try some Seafoam in the tank (healthy dose) and mabye some carb cleaner spray in the carb inlets first? You might get lucky. Use inline fuel filters if it straightens out. HTH

[Cobia]

That's a good idea Phil. I'll try anything before having to tear down the carbs. And the filters are definitely going in tomorrow.
Thanks

[ross]

hey cobia...all i can say is "may the force be with you!".....still messing around getting my carbs back in xsive shape.....check out the carb sections.....many useful tips and ideas....ya need help, let me know....just remember i'm a cheap b*stard and will save money any where i can to get results...but never cut cost on quality products for the rebel devil.....ross

p.s. ya might wanna have a case of beer on hand before ya start!!

[Cobia]

How many cases have you gone through already???
How many times have you removed/installed them?
I wish I had a garage or shop to work in. I do my work under the carport. I guess it could be worse.... working in an unheated shop vs. working in the Florida breeze......
Thank god it's not summer yet.
Thanks Ross

[jjwaller]

Cobia said:
I think the pilot jet in one of the carbs may have some debris in it because the sputtering goes away once the revs climb above 3K rpms. This is when the mains take over, right? If this is the case I would just have to remove the carbs, open the float bowls and clean the pilot jets I believe...right?

Yes, more or less.
Probably need to remove the Pilot Jets and make sure the emulsion holes( Is that correct any gurus?) The pilot jets aren't just calibrated holes like the mains, they are longer with several small holes in the side of them. Real easy to clog with small debris.
Good luck

PS yes try try B12 Carb cleaner first. Who knows, you might just beat the gullet!

Have fun

[Cobia]

John,
B 12 Carb cleaner?? Where can I get that?
I think you're right about the emulsion tube in the pilot jet getting clogged easily. Another item I was reading about in the Tips section is that the "dome" filter under the needle valve also tends to gather debris. This is the main fuel input for the carb, so... logical place to look as well. I suppose.
Thanks again.
I appreciate any and all input from you XSessives with more experience than I. I've read a lot of the strings about the carbs and their headaches, so..... it's not something I'm looking forward to. I'd rather be riding!!!

[bikerphil]

carb cleaner

Hey Cobia, the B-12 carb cleaner is called Barrymans. They have it at Advanced auto parts and Autozone. This is the heavy duty stuff. Wear eye protection. It burns 10 times as bad as regular type. Don't ask me how I know this.

[jjwaller]

Originally posted by Cobia
John,
B 12 Carb cleaner?? Where can I get that?
I think you're right about the emulsion tube in the pilot jet getting clogged easily. Another item I was reading about in the Tips section is that the "dome" filter under the needle valve also tends to gather debris. This is the main fuel input for the carb, so... logical place to look as well. I suppose.
Thanks again.
I appreciate any and all input from you XSessives with more experience than I. I've read a lot of the strings about the carbs and their headaches, so..... it's not something I'm looking forward to. I'd rather be riding!!!

Walmart has B12 Chemtool carb cleaner, probably some auto parts stores as well. A bit stronger than Seafoam. Just don't leave it in your tank or carbs for any length of time. Seems to absorb water and cause corrosion and sludge.
And yes the 78 and 79s have screens on the float seats. Not sure about later years.

[Cobia]

All indications are that '78 through '81 all used the BS34-II carbs, just jetted differently according to Phil Stewart in this "TIP"

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73

Is that B12 a spray or just used for soaking. Is it something I can spray in the mouth of the carb to try and dissolve/dislodge debris?

[jjwaller]

Originally posted by Cobia
All indications are that '78 through '81 all used the BS34-II carbs, just jetted differently according to Phil Stewart in this "TIP"

http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=73

Is that B12 a spray or just used for soaking. Is it something I can spray in the mouth of the carb to try and dissolve/dislodge debris?

The 80 and 81 carbs had some mods.
There's some recent threads about changing to the plastic floats on earlier carbs. I think( someone please correct me if i am mistaken please!) that the plastic float ones don't have screens. Not sure what the 80 G has, sorry.
The berrymans B12 only comes in liquid form that I know of. Get regular carb cleaner from auto parts store for spray.

[Cobia]

Thanks Bud
I'm going to sleep on that....that is if I can get any sleep thinking about this. I do not like having a malfunctioning vehicle. Be it a car, motorcycle, boat, etc. It bugs me.
I want to just get in, or on, turn the key and push the button and go!!.
I know I give them enough maintenance time!!

[DiverRay]

Cobia,
The B12 can be had in spray, pint can, gallon can, and "Dipping Bucket". A pint can for the tank, and the spray for the carbs should do the trick. As stated earlier, WEAR EYE PROTECTION when using it!!