- the above is absolutely correct
key on
gas in tank
tank on
- when then no
- if i may tho, i would propose a slight clarification to the above
hunting out a non-start is a process as stated ... when suspecting a carb problem dont just rip into it expecting to find a carb problem ... taking carbs apart isnt the problem, getting them to the point where you can take them apart is-theyre a bitch to remove and replace...also it is common to mistake electrical problems as being carb related
... if your bike has been sitting a while it would pay to check the electrical connections for tightness and corrosion - clean and cover with electrical grease - esp the kill switch
- set a routine
- because many are cam driven ignitions theyre never going to run right if the cam isnt timed properly - if your motor has been running and you havent done anything to it then it should run again, however the chain does stretch and this causes valve and ignition timing problems on points motors and valve timing problems on electronic motors...so...
- first, on a cold engine...
... make sure your battery is full
... start draining your oil, remove-inspect and clean or replace both oil filters, look for bits of what is not supposed to be there - if theyre there ask why? - does the oil smell of petrol? (indicates past float problems)
... pull your plugs - read them, this will tell you how the motor has been last running (hot/cold, lean/rich, oily carbon/fuel carbon, electrode wear ...)
... adjust your camchain tension
... set your valve clearances
... cold set your timing - clean your points with a file, set them and triple check them - also look for spark size and colour (coil indicators)
... now do a compression test - even?(rhs is often slightly weaker, between 100 and 145 is ok, low indicates wear, high often means carbon build-up)..uneven?(can indicate valve seating or ring problems), is the crankcase pressurising?
... inspect, remove and clean air filters - replace damaged filters
... petcocks, tank filter (and tank for rust), inline filters - check for function and clean
... turn petrol on - what happens? leaks? where? nothing? if you get leaking through the air filter, stop - your floats are not right and if you go further the petrol may end in your sump
... remove bowl drain screws - do you get petrol? how much?
- at this stage you will know a lot about your motor - if all is ok you will also know that the problem is not timing, electrical or fuel/air delivery to the carbs...put filters in, fill with oil and try kicking her over
- when a bike has been sitting for a while, commonly the pilot systems, needle valve and bowl varnish-up requiring a strip down - your bike may run without this but may also show signs of not wanting to idle
...now, if you have to, pull the carbs...when petrol comes out the little holes by the butterfly valve your pilot systems are ok again ...
Dont soak your carbs, it ruins the rubber bits, esp choke and butterfly valve seals
... this will help.
http://www.amckayltd.com/carbguide.pdf