Why My Skunk Would Not Run Right...

[Eli69]

it took me longer than i want to admit to figure this one out. the bike lost power suddenly on a ride about a month ago. i tested a lot of things before actually pulling the carbs off, flipping them over and opening them up.

the problem:





this tiny thing, i don't even know what it is or how it got in there.

[Guest]

IDK, but you might want to check the petcock to see if the filters are still there.

[chuck hahn]

Had to go in from the tank so I agree with rick on doing some tank / petcock checks. Looks like a stem from a tree bud or something to me.

[Eli69]

petcock is good plus there's an inline filter. possibly sucked in through one of the vent lines...??

[chuck hahn]

Possible. You have the tubes on the vents and ran dwn between the engine and wing arm??? if so, I think thats a pretty arduous journey to get to the bowls.

[Eli69]

the two top vents are open. no hose on them. i don't remember why, they may have just worn out. but i think i will replace them cuz that's really about the only way something could get in there.

[chuck hahn]

Most likely the source. Get the vacuum line type hose and run them over the top of the airbox..or wherever if there are pods. Run them between the engine and swing arm and cut them aboiut even with the bottom of the oil pan.

[Guest]

The only reason the vent hoses should be off is if you have Pods and 4-1 Pipes. Never had problems with mine that way but strange things happen.

[chuck hahn]

The hoses also help keep rain and water out when you wash the bike..good idea to have them regardless of the filtering setup in my opinion.

[Eli69]

I do have pods and pipes. I seem to remember reading that I should remove those vent hoses because of that. I think I'll put some tubing on those vents and see if I notice any change.

At least I know what to look for if this happens again.

[dorkburger]

Yes, the K&N directions say remove the hoses. A year or 2 ago I put in short hoses, just enough so they were looking down. No running issues.

[wymple]

I once had a fuel line get clogged between the petcock and the carb (a closed system, no?) by a tiny bug nest. Have never figured that one out. Should be impossible.

[gustovh]

Been running my 850L with pods and 4-1 with vent hoses on the carbs, no problems.
What is supposed to happen if you do?

V

[allojohn]

Been running my 850L with pods and 4-1 with vent hoses on the carbs, no problems.
What is supposed to happen if you do?

V

Yeah really, where did K&N come up with that one.....

[hillsy]

Yeah really, where did K&N come up with that one.....

I think it's so they "look better"