fuel starvation issue

[scotto]

Hi, if anyone has had similar symptoms as follows please let me know.

Bike had trouble starting and would only start on reserve (regardless fuel level). Then after a while even this wouldn't work. No starting.

I have had probs before with rust in tank, so will be dealing with that, but an initial check of fuel tap filters and carb filters (have taken carbs of and started pulldown) indicates no significant buildup of particulates.

Any obvious causes? Otherwise will just pull carbs and taps down and clean up. Thanks.

[randy]

Vent in filler cap sometimes gets clogged and can cause this. Sure it's fuel and not ignition trouble?

[red bandit]

When you have that problem take the drain out of the carbs. If only a little gas comes out, it fuel problem. If gas pours & pours out, it's not.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Scotto,

Have you tried putting the petcocks to PRIME?? Prime doesn't require any engine vacuum to FLOW to help get the bowls filled.

Also, have you checked the vac. hoses going to the petcocks, cracks and leaks will cause them to not flow properly.

Also, IF there's fuel in the bowls, then the position of the petcocks isn't really that important. What's important is that fuel can get up thru the Enrichener/choke circuit. There's a little pressed in jet down in the float bowl that easily clogs, and this will prevent fuel from getting to the carb via the choke circuit=hard starting. Take the bowls off and check, clean, once you have cleaner spraying thru that jet, then you'll know it's clear and you'll probably find easier starting.

But it could also be electrical as has been hinted at. Do you have at least 10.5 or more volts across the battery during starting, otherwise, not enough juice to activate the TCI/black box= no sparky!!
T.C.