and the saga continued
debby went to ride to school yesterday, she struggled with the bike to get it started. unusual; because it normally starts right away, no choke required around here, ever. ??? after hearing the bike crank too long, i went out to investigate, i got it started for her, but it required a little throttle input while cranking, (not normal). she went up the road about a mile and it stalled out on her, and she pushed it home, just a bit frustrated with her bike
AND her mechanic.
so i spent most of yesterday getting in to the suzi. here is what i found;
last friday when the the engine flooded, the crankcase oil was severly deluted by gasoline, changed that.
the air filter box had a standing pool of gas in the bottom, sponged it out with shop rags.
air filter was wet from gas splashing up into it, wouldn't flow air when wet, replaced it.
the new spark plug was sooty black, cleaned it with aerosol carb cleaner.
both intake valves and one exhaust valve were tight, adjusted them. i believe this to be the primary problem, as the engine would fire cold, but once warm wouldn't run. as the valve train warmed and the metals expanded, whatever clearance was there would disappear, holding valves open, lacking compression wouldn't fire fuel effectively, as the sooty plug would indicate, and the fuel being blown back into the air box.
added in line fuel filter. having my confidence shaken by the multiple problems, i took the bike for a ride, 30+ miles later it was still running like it is supposed to.
a few weeks/months ago, on this forum, we discussed the flooding potential in conjunction with the petthingy RES/ON/PRI position. i stated "i've never switched one OFF on any bike, and never had a problem"
open mouth, insert petthingy
our manual converted petthingy can be switched to RES/ON/OFF conditions, i think we'll practice turning the fuel OFF, at least until our confidence has returned.