I do NOT repair motorcycles, but felt that my husband and I could tackle the replacement of the clutch cable that snapped the other day. I bought the part online and we took off seat and tank. Cable went on without a hitch. Put tank back on and set seat on - took a short ride (1/2 block) to ensure the spedo cable worked before bolting seat on. Bolted seat on. After that, bike started and would idle, but would not stay started.
Died anytime I gave it the tinyest bit of gas. Could restart, but would not stay started for very long. Decided to let it sit awhile, assuming we flooded it. Tried about a 1/2 hour later and it would not start at all. Finally ran battery down. (that was all yesterday). This morning tried to start but wouldn't - ran battery down trying. Charged battery.
Still won't start at all.
I have checked the two hoses that I disconnected to take the tank off - they are both OK.
The owners manual (and this site) suggest a "fuel system check" where I loosen the drain screw under the carburetor, blah, blah... I found that fuel IS reaching the carburetor.
Took the tank back off to check the spark plug. Husband said that the spark plug cap was not pushed down firmly - that it must have gotten tugged loose when we had the tank off the first time (hmmm?) Anyway, we took the spark plug out and it didn't look bad - I wiped it off a bit. Put it all back together... (now I wish we had done the spark plug firing check that I read about online). Anyway - put it all back together and it won't start.
I have avoided calling anything a "thingy" and hope I have described my problem and unsuccessful resolutions so far - but in reality, I have no business working on my bike. BUT I think it is FUN.
I certainly will take the bike to the shop if there isn't anything else anyone thinks I can try on my own.
2001 Savage - I bought in 2002 with 600 miles. Currently 12K miles.Thanks
Barb