Hard Starting???

[15cherries]

I have a 1979 XS650 Special, all original and really nice shape!, everything original, when I let the bike sit for a week it is very hard to get going, lots of cranking with no firing, once it fires it will idle and run great all day, start and stop, idle and run fine. What do you think!!!

 

[gggGary]

Are you trying the petcock on prime on a long layover start?

 

[15cherries]

no, should I be? and if I do do I leave it on prime until the bike starts or just to fill the bowls?

 

[gggGary]

Yeah fersher I use prime when it's been sitting, try it til it starts, if your float valves are working decent it shouldn't be an issue.

 

[15cherries]

I went out to the garage and switched to prime and the bike started instantly, thanks but is this normal or is something else going on with my carbs maybe?

 

[gggGary]

It's pretty normal, fuel evaporates out of the float bowls. And the part of the gas that is easiest to light off goes first.

 

[15cherries]

thanks a bunch for the info, as always great support and information here. I think I will become a supporter since I already saved a ton of dough with all the help!

 

[gggGary]

Actually if your bike starts easily after a long sit WITHOUT using prime it probably means your petcocks have a slow leak, LOL