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Message started by Aerodynamic on 04/14/21 at 12:42:09

Title: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Aerodynamic on 04/14/21 at 12:42:09

I'm a complete amateur at repair and not much better at riding, so I'll do my best to describe the issues as accurately and detailed as possible. Hoping to get help on diagnosis before moving on to repair. It's a 2002 model, bought it in May 2019.

Engine Issues:

- Will lose power during operation. Engine/thrust will start sputtering unevenly before the bike dies and I'm free rolling down the road/highway.

- Difficulty starting the bike at times, even in relatively warm weather. Need to give it some throttle but it'll die back down once throttle is off.

- Bad gas mileage, and needs to be refilled before the tank is even half empty. Switching between PRI, Reserve, and ON does nothing to alleviate the problem.

- Lots of backfiring, especially when I turn off the engine. Tends to be one loud bang.

- Apparently 5th gear doesn't work anymore

I've been told it's most likely the carbs that need cleaning or even syncing, potentially the spark plugs and air filter as well.

Other problems:

- Gear shifter gets stuck sometimes. Like you need to stomp it before it changes, usually from 2nd down to 1st.

- Speedometer & odometer stopped working. I noticed the cable got disconnected from the front axle. Reattaching it did nothing.

Thanks in advance veteran riders.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by ohiomoto on 04/14/21 at 16:32:06

The speedometer on a stock bike doesn't attach at the front wheel. Is this bike modified?

The shift lever linkage is most likely bent. If you keep stomping on it with will break and you'll be riding home in first or second gear. You might be able to see it from underneath the bike. Replace it.

Some backfiring is "normal" for this bike. Don't worry too much about them yet. And don't worry about your carb just yet either. You have bigger fish to fry. (You should only have 1 carb and 1 spark plug. Are you sure you have the right forum?)

As for the rest of your problems they will likely be solved by replacing the fuel petcock. Most of us prefer a Yamaha Raptor petcock. You should also make sure there isn't any gas in your oil. If in doubt, change it.

Start with that and then we can try and tackle any remaining issues.

It might help if you can attach some pictures or the bike.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Aerodynamic on 04/14/21 at 19:33:56

I don't know if it's been modified, but I'm guessing it's pretty stock.

I will look into the shift lever linkage thing - how do I know whether it's bent or not? Or is it the type of fix you just do?

I didn't know the bike only has one spark plug. Complete noob with the mechanical side of things, sorry about that.

I saw the post about the Raptor petcock - I will try replacing it. It's going to blow my mind if that was the one thing causing all these mechanical operation problems. To be frank I've never done an oil change on it, so I will get that done ASAP as well.

Picture was attached; I will report back in a few days once I get the oil change and petcock fix done. If you want me to post certain angles of the bike, just let me know.

Thanks for taking the time to help!

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by ohiomoto on 04/14/21 at 20:02:02

The bike looks stock.

The speedometer cable is attached to the transmision. It's one of the two cables located on the right side just in front of the battery box. The one towards the back (closest to the battery) is the clutch cable. The one towards the front is for the speedo. It attaches to the speedo under the tank and is probably disconnected or broken. You'll likely find out when you replace the petcock.

It's probably safe to assume the shift linkage is bent. They aren't expensive. You can look for it on a site like Partzia.

The petcok issues are pretty much excatly like you described. Start there.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Dave on 04/15/21 at 03:31:00

I can see in the photo that the speedometer cable is attached to the engine case - is it possible that you removed the front brake cable is what you reattached? Does the front brake work when you squeeze the right side handlebar lever?

Has this bike been in this condition since you bought it in 2019?

The shift lever may need to be taken apart and cleaned/greased as well as looking at the rod that connects the shift lever to the transmission. (Take a photo of the little rod at the bottom of the left side of the engine for us.....there should be a "straight" rod a little smaller than a pencil that connects the two together).

I believe it would be a great idea for you to buy a Clymer repair manual that will help you to understand how to work on this bike.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Aerodynamic on 04/15/21 at 09:34:21

I attached a picture of the engine. If it's a bad angle let me know and I'll take a better shot.

I haven't done anything to the bike since getting it. Barely rode it after 2019 due to the recurring engine issues; last long ride was 15 miles to the beach and back in June last year (died 4 times on freeway during the return trip). Gonna take a couple days for the yamaha petcock to arrive (and like two weeks for the JIS screwdriver I ordered). Will do an oil change in the meantime.

Front brake definitely works. I rode around the block a few times a week ago. As for speedometer, turns out I have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to cables - but there is something loose below the engine block (some small cable hanging down).

There is also a gear indicator on this bike that I came to realize is probably not stock. I want to get rid of it since it's not always correct, but could it be affecting the shifting issues?

As for manual, I thought I could just go off the online resources posted on the site. I downloaded the owner's manual.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by verslagen1 on 04/15/21 at 10:04:03

Shifting takes a bit of finesse, and at times you'll find yourself stuck.

Don't panic and start stomping on it, it will only get worse.

The trick is to apply a little bit of pressure in the way you want to go then ease the clutch in.

And if you can't get into 5th gear the shift arm on the case maybe in the wrong location or someone bent the link. The shift arm should be pointing straight down. The should be a center punch mark where the split is.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Ruttly on 04/15/21 at 11:33:23

I wonder if someone put a four speed engine in it. Check your frame and engine serial numbers.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by ohiomoto on 04/15/21 at 11:41:39

Come on Ruttly, Let's not confuse the issues. The engine clearly has the black OEM paint job of a newer 5-speed unit. Did you not get your morning coffee yet?? ;D

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by ohiomoto on 04/15/21 at 11:46:31

Areo...

You don't need a JIS screwdriver to change the petcock (just a 10mm wrench) and YOU ARE NOT GOING TO TOUCH ANYTHING ELSE until you have the petcock replaced.

Once replaced, you'll test ride it. If the stalling issues are solved great. If not, we'll tell you what to do next (and it will involve the JIS screwdriver.)

One thing at a time. Trust me on this.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:17:42

This may help clarify Verslagen's comment regarding the position of the gear shift link arm. Later models of the LS have a punch mark on the shift shaft. That punch mark must align with the split in the link arm as shown in this picture.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:19:00

If the mark isn't aligned properly (like this).

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:22:00

You end up with the shift rod hitting the alternator cover when you upshift. You can see that the rod bends and it will be very difficult to upshift (1st to 2nd, 2nd to 3rd, 3rd to 4th, etc.). This picture shows what can happen.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:27:12

But you also are having trouble with downshifting from 2nd to 1st. You should make sure your linkage is adjusted properly and that the shift rod is straight, but there may be more to your problem than just linkage adjustment. When your linkage is adjusted correctly, the rod will remain well clear of the alternator cover when you upshift. Use tie down straps or some sort of stand to safely hold your bike upright. Then make sure the rod looks like this on all upshifts.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:30:41

Also make sure that your shift pedal/lever does not hit the frame on upshifts. You can see from this picture where to check. You can adjust the length of the shift rod (make it shorter) to increase the clearance between the frame and the pedal/lever.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by DragBikeMike on 04/15/21 at 12:47:38

You not only have difficulty shifting into from 2nd to 1st, but you also can't find 5th gear. On my bike, 5th is the easiest gear to engage. It's the only gear that is consistently buttery smooth. I wouldn't rule out the possibility of having an early model four-speed engine swapped in. It's easy to spray paint an engine black. It should be a simple matter to check.

One option for checking to see if it is a four speed model is to remove the alternator cover and see if it has a starter idle gear limiter assembly. Anyone have any ideas on an easier way to check if it's an old four-speed engine? Ruttly, are you saying that the frame number and engine number should agree?

By all means remove that shift indicator gizmo. Do it carefully, you might want to reinstall it later. Try to figure out who makes the indicator and what model it is, then google the manufacturer to see if you can get a PDF of the installation instructions. Take some pictures of it so we can see what you are wrestling with.

If it shifts correctly with that indicator removed then you know what the problem is.

Good luck.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Aerodynamic on 04/15/21 at 12:59:49

53545553515348533C0 wrote:

Okay. Don't worry you guys have my full trust - I'm just literally the type of city boy that has never really turned a wrench before. Not kidding. I was putting together a list of the tools I'd need. I found some videos on Youtube detailing the petcock change, so I'm using those + the guide on the forum...should be done in 4 days when the petcock arrives. I'll post an update then.

For the discussion on 5th gear - it exists. I've been in it before (2019). What I noticed was that no matter how hard the engine is going, I can't shift up from 4th into 5th anymore (2020). So I was stuck barely doing 50mph on the freeway while everybody else was zooming by at 60. Felt pretty dangerous among other things.

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Gary_in_NJ on 04/15/21 at 13:53:06

Go to Lowes and get a tool kit. They have kits from $99 to $250. The ones that come in an organized box are nice (I'll link one below) because it's easy to see what's missing and what you have to look for on the ground. Good tools are an investment for life. Cheap tools will just piss you off. Also...avoid using 12-point sockets, especially for removing nuts/bolts (they're OK for installing low torque items). Only use 6-point sockets and wrenches for removing nuts and bolts. Speaking of torque, I torque everything to factory specification, and I never have to deal with stuck or lost fasteners. I linked a torque wrench as well. Never use a torque wrench to remove a nut...only tighten.

This is the advice I got 40 years ago...and I still have those same tools (I've added a ton more over the years). 40 years of service...that's an investment.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-286-Piece-Mechanic-s-Hand-Tool-Set-in-4-Drawer-Chest/1003095532

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-3-8-in-Drive-Click-Torque-Wrench-20-ft-lb-to-100-ft-lb/1000259427

Title: Re: Carb Issue or Something Else?
Post by Zepp on 04/15/21 at 14:44:51

77534459524F58575B5F55360 wrote:

Welcome to this forum att first and congratulations to your bike!
The bike looks great, but it seams to have needed some more love and maintace from former owners, probably the last one?

Its a carburator bike.. and there is a vacum petkock, if you leave it for some days, the carburator is dried out, evaporating moste of the gas.

Its how it should operate, perticuly in warmer climates, use the choke, take three short burst of starting.
One need to fill the carburator at first.

" Will lose power during operation. Engine/thrust will start sputtering unevenly before the bike dies and I'm free rolling down the road/highway."

Bad petrol, long time staying, dryed out carburator that left some residues in there, rust in the tank, clogged petcock, cracks in the vacum tube.

In any way, thats is exactualy how my bike peformed ones I had to drive home, after buying it, and even at the first trip to my local MC-shop to let them put on new tires and new oil and filter.

" Apparently 5th gear doesn't work anymore"

In the begining I altso had problems to get to the 5th gear!

Soo.. welcome to the biker world.. its not at al like automatic transmissions!
Its about to learn how to use clutch, gashandel and the gear shift!
One need to get use to ones bike and to get the right revs of the engin before one could put in the 5th gear!

I still do a double extra long stroke to be sure, for the 5th gear.

And to all other gear shifting issue, one have to be a biker at first, used to do it manualy, using the gas handel/clutch to have the appropriate revs for shifting to another gear.