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Message started by JennC on 05/19/17 at 07:51:01

Title: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 07:51:01

I am ready to burn this thing to the ground!!!! 1987 Suzuki Savage. New timing chain, new petcock, cleaned the carb... bike runs great around town. Get it out on the highway and as soon as it reaches 55 or 65 it starts cutting out like it's not getting fuel.
I was told to try a mikuni mechanical carb. Anyone done this.
Help!! I'm at my wits end.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Dave on 05/19/17 at 08:01:28

Your bike is 30 years old - that certainly provides an opportunity for an occasional problem!

You need to provide us a bit more information - but it does sound like you have a fuel flow problem.

Does the bike shut off completely when you get to 55 /60 - or does it just run poorly?

If you accelerate at full throttle through the lower gears - does it run fine until the 55/60 speed is reached?

When you cleaned the carb - did you remove and clean the filter that is on top of the seat for the float needle?

Did you install an inline fuel filter? (If so - they can sometimes restrict flow - remove it and see if the bike runs better).

Try taking the fuel cap off and put it back on...and see if the problem occurs right away....or only after you ride a little while (This might indicate a problem with the fuel tank vent).

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/19/17 at 08:07:29

New petcock?
The details of that might help.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 08:17:07

Sorry I left out a lot of info. First bike and limited mechanical knowledge, so try to be patient with me :) In town at slow speeds it was running fine. It wasn't until I reached higher gears and higher speed. It starts running poorly.. and by poorly, I mean f-ing horrible. Suddenly my throttle does absolutely nothing... and then it dies. Acts exactly like it ran out of gas.

I didn't PERSONLLY clean the carb. The ex-husband did, and carbs are kind of his strong point, so I have faith in that, but will double check. I did not install anything in the line of fuel filter.

I ordered a new mikuni carb last night because everyone insists that will solve my problem. But I figured I would reach out and get the opinion of ppl who actually have these bikes

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Dave on 05/19/17 at 08:21:29

4D42494944554850270 wrote:

I ordered a new mikuni carb last night because everyone insists that will solve my problem

Well...maybe. Did you order a carb kit for the Savage....or just a Mikuni carb? The Mikuni requires a different mount at the cylinder, a different throttle cable, and the connection to the stock airbox won't work without some modification and adapting. And the jetting on the Mikuni may not be set up for the Savage.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by oldNslow on 05/19/17 at 08:35:19

Was the carb cleaning an attempt to address this issue, or did the problem start after the carb was worked on ?

There is nothing wrong with the carburetors on these bikes when they are clean and working correctly. I'd hold off on installing the Mikuni till I was sure what was going on.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 08:45:51

So this is the petcock I got

SUZUKI LS650 SAVAGE 650 BOULEVARD S40 FUEL PETCOCK VALVE ASSEMBLY

Product Description
This is a brand new aftermarket Fuel Valve Petcock Switch Assembly
THIS ITEM REPLACES OEM PART NUMBER:
44300-24B00

And after someone talked me into purchasing the new carb, I saw all the modifications that had to take place for them to operate properly.. found them on this forum while internet searching. That's what brought me here. Definitely going to hold off on the carb. THANK YOU!!!

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/19/17 at 08:54:06

7C6365627F7849794971636F24160 wrote:

New petcock?
The details of that might help.

If it's a New Suzuki petcock it may be junk. If it's a Cheapo Raptor knockoff, it Is junk. The tubing is small.

Drain the carb bowl into a clear container.

Don't start throwing money at it.
Be patient.
This is not so rare of a problem.
You can fix this.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 09:06:15

It was a junk knock off.

Get what you pay for I guess.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by verslagen1 on 05/19/17 at 09:09:11

It would help us to know where you got the petcock.

pictures would help too.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Eegore on 05/19/17 at 09:10:26

A genuine Raptor petcock is well worth the price. You can shut off fuel flow and you wont always be wondering if the cheap-o petcock is part of any future issues.

It can be installed in about 10 minutes, just have a Phillips screwdriver to remove/install the actual petcock and a hose-clamp to tie off the old vacuum hose.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by ohiomoto on 05/19/17 at 09:13:09

OK, then the first thing you'll want to do is go straight to a Yamaha dealer and get a petcock for a raptor. (Someone will post a part number here shortly I'm sure.)

Then your going to install that and plug the vacuum line on the right side of the carburetor. You'll want to make sure you have the correct size fuel line as well. Maybe just order a stock fuel line from Partzilla just to be sure. (Actually you can order the Raptor from there too.)

If that solves your problem, great. If not, someone on here will point you in the right direction from there.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 05/19/17 at 09:13:49

2D22292924352830470 wrote:
So this is the petcock I got

SUZUKI LS650 SAVAGE 650 BOULEVARD S40 FUEL PETCOCK VALVE ASSEMBLY

Product Description
This is a brand new aftermarket Fuel Valve Petcock Switch Assembly
THIS ITEM REPLACES OEM PART NUMBER:
44300-24B00

This is just a replacement for the OEM petcock that is junk with one that may now be junk or will be in the future. The recommendation is to replace the Suzuki petcock with a unit from a Yamaha Raptor.

A question was asked above that is a very good one, was the carb cleaned and petcock replaced because the problem you are experiencing now? Or, is this a new problem?

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 05/19/17 at 09:15:22

Have you tried putting the petcock on pri. ? when you have the problem do you find any fuel in the vacuum line? when cleaning the carb did hubby remove the float valve seat and clean the screen underneath? Is the float level set at the proper height ? did he take the needle jet out of the slide? need more info!

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 09:17:43

Thanks everyone. After work I will get with the two people that have helped me with this and will provide more info. You guys are great. Thanks for the help.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by bobert_FSO on 05/19/17 at 09:43:52

My Savage had developed the same symptoms. Under high speed load, it would stumble for a second, then just quit. Just like I ran out of gas. By flipping the petcock to PRI, it would pick up before I could even coast to a stop.

My issue was not that the petcock leaked, but that the diaphragm was too stiff and under low vacuum conditions (like higher speeds against headwinds), it would not pass fuel and the float chamber simply emptied itself of fuel.

A Raptor petcock solved all my problems.

Just as a rant, I have come to hate stuff engineered and built in China. Tolerances are beyond bad, they are awful. Bolts and fasteners are so soft they break, strip threads or the heads get ruined. What I hate even more are the American companies that contract stuff out to Chinese manufacturing and then allow such poor engineering and quality control.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 10:07:45

I am definitely going to try the Raptor petcock!!

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/19/17 at 10:10:19

It's gotta be official Yamaha petcock.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 13:08:36

Ok.. so the problem was already occurring. That's why I tried to change the petcock.
Talked to the ex-hubby. When he cleaned the carb he did remove and clean the filter over the float needle. Like most of you, he said there shouldn't be anything wrong with my carb.
He did say he installed an inline fuel filter when he did that. The problem was already occurring.... he was trying to see if that would help.
I will try removing the inline filter and go with the rapture petcock.

The Yamaha rapture petcock I need to use.... is this a 660? Can someone help me out with that please??? Much appreciated.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by verslagen1 on 05/19/17 at 13:12:49

727D76767B6A776F180 wrote:

The Yamaha rapture petcock I need to use.... is this a 660? Can someone help me out with that please??? Much appreciated.

P/N is in the test your petcock thread in the index

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/19/17 at 13:29:20

If you replaced a sorry stock petcock with a crap knockoff the problem could stay.
Knowing what petcock you have matters.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/19/17 at 13:49:48

Aftermarket cheap knock off

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by SALB on 05/19/17 at 13:55:08

If that still has the original, 30 year old coil, I'd be checking it out. :-/ It may not be able to handle firing at higher rpms, but work fine otherwise.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/19/17 at 14:43:48

The coil Could be bad, but the problem you're having is regularly caused by the petcock and you're running a crap petcock.
Start with a petcock.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by jcstokes on 05/19/17 at 15:18:33

Can someone give JennC the correct Raptor part number?

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Tocsik on 05/19/17 at 16:07:06

http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1251932429
5LP-24500-01-00

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by norm92de on 05/19/17 at 19:46:38

I have the same problem. My bike won't go any faster than 90, no matter how long I hold the throttle open, that's it. ;)

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 05/19/17 at 20:30:02

There's a filter on the petcock ,an inline filter is not needed, and has been known to cause fuel flow problems as it sometimes becomes air bound or fills with water(87 octane gas contains up to 10 % water) and stops or slows flow to the carb. Stock fuel line is 8mm and can be bought at Kabuto tractor dealerships.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by Kenny G on 05/19/17 at 20:49:50

The Kubota Part Number is 09661-70800

The correct size tubing is 7mm

5/16" or 8mm will work but it is a little big and requires a lot of clamp pressure.

If you use the 7mm tubing the Suzuki Factory Clamps will work.

When you cut the tubing to length a trifle on the long side is better than being a little too short. I know that is what she said too.

Kenny G :-/

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by ohiomoto on 05/20/17 at 04:58:20

Petcock: http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/yamaha/YP-5LP-24500-01-00.html

Hose: http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/suzuki/SP-44421-12FR0.html

$28 plus shipping

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by IslandRoad on 05/21/17 at 15:15:06

I went looking for 7mm fuel line here in Aus. My fuel line isn't bad but has seen better days so I wanted to preempt a problem. Everyone around here sells 6mm or 8mm.

Out of interest, I asked at the Suzuki dealership about the price for an OEM piece of fuel line ... $56!!! I thought he must be quoting me for a roll of the stuff.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by George Palickar on 05/21/17 at 16:46:23

Just my 2 cents, make sure the gas cap has good airflow. Clean out the keyway. Could be that when you are really pulling fuel, like highway speed, the air intake from the cap can't keep up and sets up negative pressure in the tank.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 05/21/17 at 17:17:39

JennC it would help to know your location ,are you in the USA?

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/21/17 at 17:32:35

You Know you have a crap petcock.
Fix that.
Problem solved?
Good.
Not solved?
Keep going.
Tank full, minimum air gap, low pressure develops quicker than when the tank is low.
Either way, a run for sixty won't cause your tank to starve the carb..

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 05/31/17 at 11:44:27

Tried new petcock, 5/16 fuel line. No go.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 05/31/17 at 12:18:38

Details about the peacock
Details about what the bike is doing

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 05/31/17 at 13:06:38

Jenn c ,we still don't know where you are located ! It's an old bike ,what are you using for an air cleaner and exhaustpipe/muffler what size jets are you running in the carb? How many miles are on the bike ? all these are important questions ,info we need to help you! telling us it wont break 60 ,really does tell us anything.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 06/07/17 at 10:17:42

Sorry for the recent post that told you all nothing. I was feeling defeated. Lol. But guess who is riding?!! When I put the rapture petcock on it fired right up, then things went south...very south. At the time I last posted I didn't know what the cause was, but, All the sudden, it wouldn't start. Cam chain tensioner came apart. It wasn't damaged, didn't see any damaged on plates or teeth (thank goodness). I had a buddy of mine weld a washer to the tensioner. This poor girl can't afford the one they sell. When he said he'd have me riding by morning, I thought I was home free. What that really meant was I was going to spend the next 12 hours (maybe it was more) with him walking me through doing everything myself. So guess who learned to adjust a cam chain! Nightmare. Learned to check my jets (one was clogged), The sun was almost up, I was hungry, frustrated almost to the point of tears (hey I am still a girl. Lol), and something amazing happened.... I finally got to ride my Savage! All smiles!!!
It's and old bike, and I know it's going to require constant upkeep, but I'll get through it again.
I just wanted to say this is an awesome group of people! I searched this site and learned sooooo much from you all putting things in plain English. I went here first, Clymer second. Lol.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 06/07/17 at 10:56:06

Let me clarify... When I said adjust can... I no there is no technical adjustment for it. I manually worked the chain over three teeth. Which may not be the right way but it worked.

Any suggestions about a muffler? Or any way to make this thing not sound like a hopped-up four wheeler ;D

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 06/07/17 at 10:56:36

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 06/07/17 at 12:31:15

The best way and cheapest is to find a H-D Dyna muffler ,but you'll also have to change to at least a larger main jet, maybe a larger pilot .What size we would advise you to install would depend on your LOCATION OR ELEVATION, which you have been remiss in telling us.You should be able to find a Dyna for about $30 to $60 dollars either on line or locally ,(a new stock muffler from Suzuki costs over $300 dollars) jets are less than $10 each. The Dyna muffler is just slightly louder than stock,10 lbs lighter,and has a bit less back pressure (performs better) but that is why you need to rejet.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 06/07/17 at 14:26:18

Avoid the ones that don't mount with a rail and the ones with a crossover. I've heard that the Catalytic ones work okay.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by JennC on 06/07/17 at 20:37:32

Sorry. So many questions, some I forgot to answer. I am in Southern Indiana. Boonville actually. It's as small and backwoods as it sounds :)

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 06/07/17 at 22:05:32

Jenn C,If it makes you feel any better,the nearest town to me( 25 miles )is Boonville N.Y. and is about 1/4 the size of your town.I did search and found your elevation to avg .about 500ft above sea level ,the rest of your state (north ) to be between that and 1000 ft. I run a Dyna muffler,with a stock motor using the stock 52.5 pilot ,3 #4steel machine washers for the spacer mod,(to raise the jet needle,which I highly recommend) and a 150 main jet . I lived in central and western N.Y. at about 450 ft and found these settings to work very well with a Dyna.the bike will run smoother ,and a bit more powerful ,I'm sure it will put a smile on your face.many owners have been amazed at the difference lifting the needle jet a few thousands can do. You need to be careful the screws in the carb are J.I.S. -Japanese Industrial Standard ,and phillipshead screw drivers are too pointed to fit fully down into the slots,so tend to strip the screws X shaped slots,and the small screws down inside the slide to do the spacer mod are soft brass.

Title: Re: BIKE DIES WHEN I REACH ABOUT 60MPH
Post by batman on 06/09/17 at 18:49:50

Jenn c., sorry I may have given you some bad info ,I forgot you have an 87, the older bikes ran different carbs and jets ,stock pilot was a 47.5 and main jet 155 , so I'd advise just doing the spacer mod to start. Then doing a spark plug check to determine if you need to change jets maybe a 50 0r 52.5 pilot.