So I posted a question a while back about gas, then oil leaking from the air box of a 1986 LS650.  I was counselled that the diaphram in the petcock had most likely cracked.  I attempted to perform the mod to a non-vacuum operated petcock, however my wife found the project one day while I was at work and assumed it was trash and threw it out  :'( Meanwhile, I had drained the oil to ensure I got all the gas out of the crankcase.  So I let the whole bike sit for a while until I recently discovered that a Yamaha Grizzly petcock would fit the Savage.  So I sent away to Ron Ayers for one on the cheap, and received this week. Soooo I just installed it today, capped the vacuum port on the carb, installed an in-line fuel filter, replaced the oil, filled the empty tank with gas and a little bit of Gumout carb cleaner, and set the battery on the charger.

When it came time to start, it took a little carb starter in the air intake, but started after turning over for a few seconds.  However it seems like it is idling incredibly rough.  I rode it around the block and it ran, but would sputter every now and again when cruising, and would sputter significantly and lose power when throttling past a certain point.  It sputters the same way in neutral at a stop when running up the throttle.

Since it has been a while since this bike has been running, and the last time it did it was sucking gas into the case, I'm a little lost as to how to diagnose it's current condition.  I have overhauled the carb before, and could do it again if signs point that way, however I'm afraid the issue may be more sinister (problems with the engine).  

If anyone can help me with a guess as to where I should start looking, I'd appreciate it enormously.  Thanks very kindly.

Johnny

There was no gas in the tank when I started today...  So it was all fresh when I started.

Is there any chance that the fuel line I used to replace could be too wide in diameter?  Bike Bandit and Ron Ayers show the line as 6.5mm, I used 5/16.  Seems like the difference should be minor, but could the very slightly bigger line be causing a flooding situation?

Of note, there does not seem to be any gas going to the case since I switched out the petcock.

I'll try the spark plug.  From what I hear, it's a bear to get to, but hopefully it yields some results.  I've had the carb off before to degunk it, so that shouldn't be to much of a problem to try.  I'll probably do both before trying to run it again; I hate to hear her run so rough!  Thanks for the tips, all.

Johnny

  You can just take off the fuel bowl and put Sea Foam in it and put it back on. Let run a little and let it set over night.

Ok so officially... Seafoam is the most glorious substance ever!  I was skeptical at best when folks were telling me there was a miracle substance that could be put in the case, tank, and carb.  However, 8 dollars and a can of Seafoam later, my scoot is running like a champ.  I'm curious as to any other miracles this little can may be able to perform.  Maybe it'll make my lawn grow, keep my son from talking back to me, and increase fun in the bedroom....

johnnyboy wrote on 05/18/09 at 15:17:30:


Don't know about the grass and son talking back, but +1 on the other.