was ok

[oldyam80sg]

So went for a ride 2 weeks ago and the bike has been running real good since I took it out of storage in April . They reopened a bridge by my Moms house 2 weeks ago and had no issues. Today, I started the bike and went for a ride. Not even 5 minutes later,my right hip started to cramp up so I rode to a parking lot to stretch. The bike started to shudder. I stopped the bike and fuel was coming from the carbs-#3 to be exact.I shut off the fuel,waited 5 minutes and rode the bike home. Pulled down the driveway and when I turned the right petcock on fuel cmae out the air jet I believe. I shut off the fuel and sprayed carb cleaner in to the air jet. I also tapped on the float bowl and when I turned the fuel back on all was good. Maybe dirt on float needle? any suggestions?

[kboehringer]

Certainly sounds like a stuck float to me... Your signature says fuel filter are inline so unlikely to be dirt? Probably all good for now.

However, pending how long it was stuck, might want to smell the oil to make sure gas hadn't made it's way into the crankcase as is typical with stuck floats. Smelly gas obviously means change the oil & filter before next ride..

Personally haven't had a stuck float issue in a long while. When I was using K&L Needles & seats it was a regular event. Then I switched to using only genuine Mikuni needles & seats and the problem disappeared.

However, I have created the problem once or twice since by forgetting to turn the gas on. Then when I did, the bowls were empty and the gas came rushing in and stuck the floats in the down position.

[bikerphil]

If your float is sticking, probably due to limited use, carry something with you so you can whack the bowl(s) if needed.

In your case of not riding the bike much, I would be using a fuel stabilizer such as Sta-bil 360 marine or Startron.

[motoman]

I suggest removing carb bank, remove float bowls and have a look-see if the bowl gaskets are protruding inward.. If any look marginal when in place, leave them in place and with an x-acto razer blade shave them off using inside of bowl as a guide. This has ben a common issue over the years.

[DEEBS11]

A carb cleaning is needed. Todays fuel is complete crap. Very hydroscopic. Lots of water. When it sits it causes corrosion and clogs. Sometimes not visible to the naked eye. Since it does run it's not too serious. Remove the bowls, floats, & pilot screws and spray through all the orifices with spray carb cleaner like Gumout. Put it all back together and you should be good to go. You have plastic floats (if its 80 carbs) so it's not a breech in the brass float taking on fuel.

[DEEBS11]

OK, now I'm going to suggest something that is not what I would normally recommend but it has worked for me when I don't have time to remove a set of carbs. Remove the tank so just your fuel lines are exposed. Remove the drain screws at the bottom of each carb to drain out the gas. Replace the screws. Install a small funnel on the fuel line and pour in Sea Foam full strength. Do both sides and turn the engine over just a few revolutions to suck the fluid into the small orifices of the carbs (Do not use the choke as it will bypass where you want the fluid to go). After that is done use the funnel again to "top off" each carb with Sea Foam. Let sit for a day at least. Then remove the carb plugs again. If you can, capture the contents of each bowl to inspect. Replace the screws and install the tank and run it. This sometimes works depending on the severity of the carb issue.

[oldyam80sg]

Since I'm currently not working will ride the bike today. The carbs are spotlesss. Fresh fuel is put in the bike.

[DiverRay]

I run StaBil in my fuel all the time now. I can't ride like I used to, due to the weather in Idaho. I've not had any problems the last two years, just fire up and ride when I can. Oh, I also put ETHANOL FREE fuel in it! I'm able to buy it here as they sell it for old cars and small engines. It cost the same as premium, but it's worth it!

[oldyam80sg]

I can't find ethanol free fuel in N.J. and wont drive 3 + hours to find it. I started the bike up today and ran it for a while with no issues. Deceiding if I want to go back to a dead end job, If not will ride more than I do.I also put Stabil and Lucas ethanol treatment regularly.

[bikerphil]

You probably know this, but it's important to run the bike for a while after adding the fuel treatment so it gets in the carbs good.

[oldyam80sg]

Yesterday I started the bike and really didnt let it warm up before I pushed the choke off. Then I took off. I should have let it warm up some.