Please tell me I didn't just nuke my bike

[Fenixgoon]

I was going to do a carb tune today, now that I finally have a tuner. Of course, you need to have the gas tank separated to really access the carbs and all, so I attached an extra long fuel hose so that after warming the bike up, I could take the tank off and not have to switch anything.

Now, if this doesn't sound like a great idea already, it gets better. I tried starting the bike and no go. So I put on the choke and also tried putting the petcock in the prime position, but still no luck. So I tried turning the throttle a little, and nothing. Then all of the sudden I hear this giant "pop" like a gunshot go off.

I have no idea what happened, but obviously a lack of fuel (or too much from engine flooding) as a result of the fuel hose was the cause of this - the bike worked fine before.

I checked the spark plugs and they are still in tact, which is good, I suppose....

So, am I screwed GSR? Did I just nuke my bike? Or should I get down on my hands and knees and thank the GS god(s) that my baby is still alive?

 

[hampshirehog]

You have completely destroyed your engine and need to give the whole bike to me......

Nah - 99.9% it was backfiring (just like the old cars do in the pictures). Make sure you've got you vacuum hose in the carbs plugged off and give it another go.

 

[Dave8338]

You have completely destroyed your engine and need to give the whole bike to me......

Nah - 99.9% it was backfiring (just like the old cars do in the pictures). Make sure you've got you vacuum hose in the carbs plugged off and give it another go.

Always trying to snag that free bike. Have you no shame?

Backfire, either through the exhaust or the carbs. Happens when things are out of wack and in need of adjustment.

 

[midnightcafe]

haha I remember those backfires. you're good.

not to thread jack but does anyone have a DIY for a remote gas tank?

 

[Don-lo]

haha I remember those backfires. you're good.

not to thread jack but does anyone have a DIY for a remote gas tank?

Some fuel tanks from blowed-up lawn mowers are perfect

 

[ryonker]

Here is what I use;

Here it is set up to just test for a leaking carb. But it is really designed to sit where my seat would be, just behind the gas tank.

 

[Guest]

I put a long fuel line like you do and put the tank on a trash can. I also plug the vacuum line on the #2 or #3 carb depending on CVs or VMs.
You flooded the engine and exploded some fuel in the exhaust. No big deal.
In the future prime the bowls well and just use the choke.

 

[Roostabunny]

Sounds like you backfired. Strictly conventional warfare there - no nukes.

If it happened often you might be causing some damage over time, but one backfire now and then just scares the dogs and annoys the neighbors.

Make sure that extra long hose (which is a fine solution, by the way) doesn't dip below the carbs. Fuel flow's gotta be all downhill, or else even if the bike starts, it won't run right.

I take off the seat, put a folded towel there, flip the tank around and place it on the towel. A short extension hose does the trick at that point.

Edit - Chef's got a good point, too about the vacuum fittings. If they're not connected they need to be plugged, and I still forget to do that about 50% of the time.

 

[Roostabunny]

This one was a bit fancy, but a good idea - http://www.carbtune.co.uk/fuel.html

haha I remember those backfires. you're good.

not to thread jack but does anyone have a DIY for a remote gas tank?

 

[Fenixgoon]

i shortened the hose and everything worked fine. the carbs *should be* in sync now

 

[midnightcafe]

excellent! I'm gonna have to use a gas tank off one of the 10hp B&S motors laying around the shop

 

[Fenixgoon]

arg, go figure that now everything is in order, the visor clip on the right side of my helmet breaks. i suppose it's still useable, but ahhhhhh (and since it was a closeout item i most likely won't get warranty, ahhhhhhhh )

i guess a new helmet is on order. good thing there's a good motorcycle store nearby.