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Help ZXR250c - Fuel leak?

Discussion in 'Kawasaki 250cc In-line 4's' started by Seapop, Jun 8, 2019.

  1. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Hey guys

    Left the zxr250c sitting for 2 months.
    Started it. Ran fine at idle didn't take out for a ride

    2 days later when I came back in the garage there was a big puddle of fuel underneath. All the fuel in the tank is gone.

    First thing I checked was the main fuel line from the fuel tap. Looked like it was still connected
    Took tank off and airbox off. All the hoses seem in decent condition.

    The empty tank has soemthing inside it... I don't think this is normal. Was shaking it around trying to get it out where the fuel goes in but couldn't get it past the lip inside the tank. Its something small and clanks around..

    Anyway any ideas on the fuel leak? Could it be carbies? Not sure where to start troubleshooting.
    Cheers
     
  2. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Fuel might be in your engine, so dump the oil and check it
     
  3. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Also just looked at the carbs.. I'm missing all the seals between the airbox and the carbies? Could it be possible I've never had them?
     
  4. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Someone has likely removed them in the past. They are essential for proper running of the bike. You can get new ones from litetek.

    I would be checking your fuel tank very closely for pinholes. As well as the fuel tap / diaphragm, followed by fuel line and then needles and seats inside the carbs.
     
  5. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

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    It's possible. I've run a ZXR without them before. Not a good idea, but the engine will run as long as the airbox is tight against the carbs
     
  6. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Looks like a litetek kit and the airbox seals needs to be purchased and a full service of the carbs =(

    Been dreading this. Never had the carbies off but its probably about time. Will use the guides here they seem really good.

    Just confused why the bike dumped all its fuel after it ran for a few minutes and most importantly from where..ill check the hoses more carefully and take a look at the pet cock tomorrow.
     
  7. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Is this oil leaking out my airbox normal?

    And in the second photo what is that hole?

    IMG_20190608_194958.jpg IMG_20190608_195034.jpg
     
  8. Unkepttoenails

    Unkepttoenails Demented

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    I can't account for the oil in your airbox but the hole in the second picture is a crankcase breather

    Sent from my Redmi 5 Plus using Tapatalk
     
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  9. Linkin

    Linkin The Mechanic Premium Member Contributing Member Dirty Wheel Club

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    Crankcase breather plugs directly into the airbox which is why there is is some oil in there. Also, the air filter is oiled, so some of that could be filter oil.
     
  10. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    Ok thanks that clears things up.
     
  11. Frankster

    Frankster Grey Pride...Adventure before Dementia Staff Member Premium Member Ride and Events Crew

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    That's a lot of oil. Normally, crackcase vented oil is sucked back into the engine.
     
  12. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    I thought so too... I have no idea why there's that much oil
     
  13. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Looks to be redish oil so I would think it is from the airfilter draining down whilst not being used. Clean it up and check how much oil is still in the filter and re-oil if necessary.
    Re the leaking fuel, did you leave the fuel tap on the 'prime' setting? These have a vacuum tap that should stop the fuel flow when the engine is not running if in the 'on' setting, so I would start by checking that the tap stops the flow and if that ok then look to needle and seats. Don't forget any little filters (if fitted) behind the seats that may have crud in them. Give your carbs some Litetek love and a really good clean and enjoy your ride.
     
  14. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    The leaking fuel only happened after I ran it for a few minutes.
    Immediately there was no problem whilst the engine was running.
    2 days after I walked back in to the garage all the fuel from the tank was on the floor..
     
  15. Murdo

    Murdo The Good Doctor Staff Member Contributing Member Ride and Events Crew

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    Yes, I got that from your first post. Where is the fuel tap, prime or on?
     
  16. maelstrom

    maelstrom LiteTek Staff Member Premium Member 250cc Vendor Contributing Member

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    The first thing to worry about is whether or not the fuel has been leaking into the engine. If it does it can cause hydraulic lock and bend connecting rods and all sorts of nasty things if you try to start it. Also the engine oil will be ruined and have to be replaced.
    What position was the fuel tap in when you left the bike?
     
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    Last edited: Jun 9, 2019
  17. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    The fuel tap was unchanged from its original position which should have been ON.

    I guess the first step is an oil change then?
     
  18. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    This is the fuel tap position as I took it out of the tank

    IMG_20190609_195653.jpg
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jun 9, 2019
  19. kiffsta

    kiffsta Senior Member

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    Looks like yoir Pet cock was on prime , that is why the fuel drained from your tank, I’d drain and replace your oil and filter , then change the pet cock to the on position and refill your tank

    E8BF5831-E861-40CE-8720-5440AA9E3CEC.jpeg
     
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  20. Seapop

    Seapop Well-Known Member Premium Member Contributing Member

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    So strange, I havent changed the position of that tap in forever? and only once I started it after 2 months and turned it off did it leak later.
    And why did it leak? where does it leak from? Does prime setting just overfill the carbs when the engine is off via gravity?
    Ahh so many questions.

    Thanks guys for the reply I am learning a lot from this machine
     

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