Running lean?

[a1bummer]

The other day my bike started running like it's not running on all four. If I put the choke on all the way it starts to run better but still not like it should. I changed the fuel filter and swapped the fuel pump with a spare. No change. I also noticed the charging system is not quite up to snuff. It's putting out just under 13 volts at 2000rpm (checked at the battery) instead of the required 14-15 it should be putting out. I know that if these bikes don't have a good battery they don't want to run right. But I would think 12.8 volts would be sufficient. I would also think that if it was the charging system causing the problem that choking it would make no difference. Except for flooding it maybe. All that being what it is. I will put in a spare rectifier & or spare stator this weekend to hopefully solve the charging problem. I don't think that will solve the lean situation however, (only makes since). What else could cause the lean burn? It wasn't the filter or pump. If my assumptions are incorrect or if I'm missing something obvious, please point it out. What do these bikes act like when there are holes in the carb diaphragms? Thanks to everyone in advance. With these gas prices at $3.45, I NEED my bike.

[Squeeze]

For a quick Shot, proceed like this Article describes. It's for the Vmax, but the Carbs are nearly the same. The Idle Mixture Screws should go on 2.25 Turns out, instead of 2.5 Turns out as the Vmax is.

 

http://vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/cleaning_pilot_jets.htm

[a1bummer]

Thanx, I'll check it out.

[BJB]

For a quick Shot, proceed like this Article describes. It's for the Vmax, but the Carbs are nearly the same. The Idle Mixture Screws should go on 2.25 Turns out, instead of 2.5 Turns out as the Vmax is.

 

http://vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/cleaning_pilot_jets.htm

 

Hey Squeeze, is that 2.25 turns out for BOTH screws in the article ie PJ1 and PJ2? Thanks.

[mbrood]

They are talking about item #10. this is accessed from outside the carb... just below the diaphragm cover. The brass jets (PJ1 and PJ2) are always screwed in tight... they meter through the internal orifice. Item 10 is a tapered needle that meters fuel flow and adjusts for the idle mixture.

 

http://vmaxoutlaw.com/tech/images/vmaxcarb_small.jpg

[BJB]

Thanks Mbrood. I was pretty sure that is what they meant...but not being a mechanic I thought I had better ask.

[Squeeze]

Sorry for being late, but Mike had my Back. Thanks

[a1bummer]

No plugged jets, no holes in the diaphragms, no clogged fuel filter, fuel pump pumps. time to check the petcock and fuel tank. Could it be that simple? I sure hope so.

[Dano]

How about intake manifold boot leaks, vacuum hose leaks, YICS box leaks????

[a1bummer]

That stuff did cross my mind after my last post while sitting in class. After I get some homework done here, I was planning on starting it up and shooting some starting fluid at whatever might be leaking. On another note. Is there a screen in the fuel tank over the petcock like all the others I've seen? It's kind of hard to tell from the picture I can find.

[hipshot]

actually, there are two screened inlets, in the petcock assembly.

both the main inlet, and the reserve inlet have a screen.if you need pics. i have them.

just jt

[a1bummer]

Well after I checked everything else I could think of, I started putting some Seafoam through the system. I mixed it about 1oz./gln., and part way through my second tank it seemed to do the trick. The difference was night & day. I'm still having the charging problem, though it has started charging better. I hooked up my digital volt/ohm meter and while at highway speeds, (or any speed for that matter), it's charging at 13.2-13.7 volts.

This leads be to the same conclusion as some of you have already mentioned. Obviously there must be something in the wiring somewhere causing a problem. In the mean time, I noticed that the gear indicator on the dash isn't working properly. It shows 4th. or 5th., sometimes 2nd., it varies from time to time. Now while I have been trying to figure out what the gremlins have been up to, I started hearing an earie not so pleasant, scrapping sound coming from the engine. First thought, NOW WHAT!!! That noise went away, but I still can't help but think about what may have been causing it. Well shortly after the bike started running like it should, I started hearing a knock when I hit the gas at lower rpms. Not a knock like I had crappy gas or like my timing was off, but a knock like a main or rod bearing was going (What would a loose timing chain sound like?). Then on the way home, it seamed to get worse. I could hear the knock at any speed, though not as loud. Now I can't help but wonder, WHAT THE HECK IS CAUSING ALL THESE PROBLEMS ALL AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME?!?!?! This bike seemed to be running perfectly last year. It was kept in my garage covered up all winter. What have I done to anger the motorcycle gods so? None of these thing appear to be connected in anyway. Except for the scrapping and the knocking anyway. Is it possible I'm missing something that should be obvious? Could any of the these issues be related? Do I have to sacrifice some virgins to the mc gods or something?

[GeorgeS]

With bike parked, on center stand, in Neutral, lightly Rev the engine.

 

Do you hear the Knock ?? If so, then we can eliminate everything, but

the engine.

 

Also, compare, cold engine, with hot engine, parked, in neutreal.

[GeorgeS]

Whats the latest on the " Knocking " ??

[Dano]

Inquiring minds want to know!!!!!!!! :confused24:

[mraf]

bump

[Gearhead]

None of these thing appear to be connected in anyway. Except for the scrapping and the knocking anyway. Is it possible I'm missing something that should be obvious? Could any of the these issues be related?

 

 

The electrical stuff could be. Bad connections (high resistance) at the connectors cause all kinds of grief. You could have several of these. The mediocre charging voltage sounds like this problem. Could be the AC or DC plug to the Vreg, the battery cables, or the ground.

 

A loose cam chain, as experienced not on a Venture but on two other bikes, is a constant light rattle regardless of load but of course changing with RPM. It's much lighter sounding than a rod or main. Use an automotive stethoscope, cheap at Harbor Frieght, to isolate the noise IF it will make it while running on the centerstand.

 

Jeremy