/ Register

  1. This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Learn More.

!!!Help!!! Bike spluttering, loss of power...

Discussion in 'FZR250.com - Archives' started by Shero, Mar 4, 2007.

Page 1 of 2
  1. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Before I begin, please know I have done extensive searching of the forums & have used a lot of the great information available. But now I think I could do with some help.

    Here's the story...

    One night I went for a 1.5 hour ride on the highway (sitting on 12,000 to 14,000 revs).
    The next day I noticed that the bike had lost power, mostly during the lower revs (under 10,000).
    The bike is also spluttering... the bike is sounding more like a Ducati (muffled rumble) as apposed to the usual high pitched tone that my bike gives.
    The bike is mildly harder to start & seems to idle ok, but as soon as you try to go its start to splutter/fart.

    From my (basic) knowledge it sounds to me like a fuel/combustion problem.

    - I have noticed the oil was very low. So i have done a oil and filter change.
    - I have replaced the fuel filter.
    - I have checked the air filter, it is not dirty or clogged.
    - I have noticed that the fuel tank has got a moderate to serious rust problem.
    - Emptied the float bowels on the carbies, the fuel was quite orange & full of rust sediment.

    So here are my questions <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarassed" /><!-- s:oops: -->


    - Could the rusty fuel be the source of my problems?
    I realise it wouldn't be helping, but would it have caused these problems. Or is there likely to be something else?

    - If i just give the carbies a good flushing will it fix the problem? Or will i need to take the carbies off and clean the insides out?

    - Do i need to check my spark plugs and leads to see if it is a ignition issue?

    - What do the Australian members recommend for fuel tank protectors/sealers??? I have found the 'POR 15' is well recommended but i think its only available in America????


    Please help <!-- s:cry: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_cry.gif" alt=":cry:" title="Crying or Very sad" /><!-- s:cry: --> Any feedback welcome <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D -->

    PS - i have been using the topic below for most of my troubleshooting tips.
    <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://fzr250.com/viewtopic.php?t=1979&highlight=blocked+fuel+dirty+carb">http://fzr250.com/viewtopic.php?t=1979& ... dirty+carb</a><!-- m -->
     
    Shero, Mar 4, 2007
    #1
  2. koma

    koma New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2004
    'Rusty fuel' means a few things;
    1. Rusting fuel tank, get it treated or fix it asap! I'm not sure if the guide was in this forum or another one but there was mention of using marine grade primer on the inside in copious quantities.
    2. Your carbs will be FILTHY! Nothing short of replacing the fuel filter again and a full dismantle and clean of your carbs will solve that. I'd also contemplate replacing the fuel lines aswell. Of course there's no point doing any of this until you fix the source of the rust. <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="Wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->

    You mentioned your spark plugs and leads... have you checked to see what sort of condition the plugs are in? Might be worth replacing them and just calling it part of a thorough minor service as they're only ~$3-4 each.
    Unless the bike is misfiring or struggling to fire on all 4 cylinders then i doubt it's an ignition issue; sounds far more like a fueling issue pointing to the carbs.

    The other thing which springs to mind from your symptoms is your EXUP valve. If the closing wire has snapped it will open the EXUP and likely jam open. If this has happened you'll have almost no power below ~8k-10k rpm and it will idle relatively loud and quite rough with the revs fluctuating a bit at idle. It may also be idling slightly lower than before.
     
    koma, Mar 4, 2007
    #2
  3. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Yeah I picked up a 'POR-15 Motorcycle Fuel Tank Repair Kit' today. It was recommended on the website that Dave mentioned in one of the previous How To topics. So that should take care of the tank rust issue.

    I'm still trying to make up my mind whether to fix the carbs myself or to send the bike into a mechanic. I know that I would put more effort into doing a good job... but it would be my first time taking apart carbies and be very time consuming and I don't have a lot of spare time...

    Yeah I think I will do the spark plugs I know they don't cost very much to do and are very simple to replace.

    I will have to check the exup valve. I read the tuning thread earlier, i will check that 2morro on my semi-day off.


    Thanks very much for your help Koma <!-- s:D --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_biggrin.gif" alt=":D" title="Very Happy" /><!-- s:D --> Really appreciate it!
     
    Shero, Mar 5, 2007
    #3
  4. koma

    koma New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2004
    No worries Shero, we help out where we can. <!-- s:) --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_smile.gif" alt=":)" title="Smile" /><!-- s:) -->

    I'd recommend doing the carbs yourself as if you've never had any experience with carbs then you'll quickly realise they're not so difficult or complex after all. In order to clean your carbs your going to need access to an air compressor and a spray can of carb cleaner. You can pick up the carb cleaner for ~$10 from almost any auto store (Autobarn, Repco, Bursons, etc).

    It's simply a matter of removing the petrol tank then removing the carbs. Then disassemble and clean thoroughly by spraying with the carb cleaner then using compressed air to blast the gunk off. You'll get the hang of it pretty quickly and soon realise just how filthy your carbs are. <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="Wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->
    Last time i did mine i had to clean them three times over and they still weren't immaculate.
     
    koma, Mar 6, 2007
    #4
  5. Dan

    Dan New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Apr 9, 2006
    Gender:
    Male
    My Bike:
    2009 Megelli 250r
    my local repco sells carby cleaner for 2.99 ;)
     
    Dan, Mar 6, 2007
    #5
  6. koma

    koma New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2004
    ... which is the price it SHOULD be! I ended up paying a stupid amount for a jumbo can of it from Bunnings cos everywhere else was closed and i forgot to pick up a can from the workshop earlier! <!-- s:???: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_confused.gif" alt=":???:" title="Confused" /><!-- s:???: -->
     
    koma, Mar 7, 2007
    #6
  7. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Yeah i paid $14 for a large can of it at Autobahn, sounds like i got ripped!

    Koma just one question. I don't really have access to an air compressor, would a can of compressed air be suitable for blowing out the carbies?
     
    Shero, Mar 9, 2007
    #7
  8. koma

    koma New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2004
    Your going to be using quite a few cans of it if you do! It really need to be fairly high pressure compressed air, otherwise it won't clean it properly. Got any mates with a garage? Air compressors are a fairly common thing to have for anyone mechanical.
    The other option is of course to go clean them at a service station using their tyre pump, but you might get told off for that one! I suggest asking the serve attendant before you start. <!-- s:wink: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_wink.gif" alt=":wink:" title="Wink" /><!-- s:wink: -->
     
    koma, Mar 9, 2007
    #8
  9. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Ok here is an update on the situation.

    Tank has been fully repaired using the 'POR 15 motorcycle tank repair kit'.

    Spark plugs have been changed.

    Float bowels emptied.

    carbie jets have been cleaned out.

    EXUP has been checked, it goes through its full range of motion when the servo resets when the ignition is turned on. Also tested it while the bike was going, no problems.

    The bike is still got the original problem, the bike is stuttering, something is restricting power.

    I'm all out of ideas guys, any suggestions????

    Help help help!!! <!-- s:oops: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_redface.gif" alt=":oops:" title="Embarassed" /><!-- s:oops: -->
     
    Shero, Mar 14, 2007
    #9
  10. FZR Dude

    FZR Dude New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 24, 2004
    What's the condition of the battery, fuel pump, fuel filter, and air filter??
     
    FZR Dude, Mar 14, 2007
    #10
  11. koma

    koma New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Sep 3, 2004
    So did you actually do a proper tear down of the carbs? Full disassemble and very very thorough clean?
    That said, it doesn't sound like the carbs are entirely at fault even if they are filthy...
     
    koma, Mar 14, 2007
    #11
  12. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    battery has been inoxed (for heck of it) and fully recharged just in case.

    fuel filter is brand new

    air filter is fairly new, doesn't need replacing.

    I was under the impression that the fuel was gravity fed. Fuel pumps are for fuel injected engines... Is that correct???
     
    Shero, Mar 14, 2007
    #12
  13. peza

    peza New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    I would just get a pro to have a look at it sounds like it could be somthing major.
     
    peza, Mar 14, 2007
    #13
  14. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Yeah i'm thinking as much. I think i'll do a call around. There's only two places that service bikes in the local area (Albury/Wodonga). Its hard to know who to trust and who is going to try and rob me of my hard earned cash. But thats life i suppose <!-- s:-? --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_Eyecrazy.gif" alt=":-?" title="Eye Crazy" /><!-- s:-? -->
     
    Shero, Mar 14, 2007
    #14
  15. peza

    peza New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    yeah it's a pise off.Whot is the hour rate down there.
     
    peza, Mar 14, 2007
    #15
  16. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    no idea i'll have to call around. Got any tips on picking a good mechanic.
     
    Shero, Mar 14, 2007
    #16
  17. peza

    peza New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    The one i use is only new around here but he use to work for the inporters in queensland and when you talk to him he sounds like he knows his ****.I think if you ask them somthing and don't really have anwser right away there full of ****.I am getting pipe put on my bike on saturday he found it for me i said to him that i have a limte of 300 to supply and fit he has found one for me its guna cost 270 and he has to do some fabin to put on.He went out of his way to do this for me maybe thats somthing to look for.
     
    peza, Mar 14, 2007
    #17
  18. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Yeah you sound right about that Peza. But unfortunately i'm studying in a rural area (albury/wodonga) and there hardly any people that service bikes. If i was at home in Sydney I could find heaps of people to service the bike. I found out today that there is only one place locally that will touch my bike because its an import. So i'll see what they have to say. I pray to God that it's not too expensive to fix! <!-- s:alcoholic: --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/icon_all_coholic.gif" alt=":alcoholic:" title="Alcoholic" /><!-- s:alcoholic: -->
     
    Shero, Mar 15, 2007
    #18
  19. peza

    peza New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2007
    That sucks.Were abouts in sydney are you from.
     
    peza, Mar 15, 2007
    #19
  20. Shero

    Shero New Member

    Messages:
    0
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2006
    Northside. Hornsby. Where abouts on the central coast are you from?
     
    Shero, Mar 15, 2007
    #20
Page 1 of 2

Share This Page