Fuel delivery blues -- DanMarc? SOLVED

[Valkorado]

So I was all geared up for a nice ride today, and thankfully let the Bullet warm up longer than the normal couple minutes because I forgot my water bottle and ran into get it.

Upon return, the bike was sputtering, and I thought It'd left the petcock off or the choke on.  No such luck.  I'd installed a voltmeter the other day and figured I may have jostled the wiring for the DanMarc, I couldn't hear the slight click the unit usually makes when the key turns on.  So I checked the wiring I could get to from the side panel and rebulleted the DanMarc connections.  Still couldn't hear it click with key on, and I ran the rest of the lines and carbs dry trying to start her up again.

The fun began...  Removed the tank, got to the DanMarc and I when I hold it in my hand I'm feeling (and hearing) the click with ignition on telling me it's getting power.

So the ? for those of you who have installed these.  Is the click all you hear when the unit powers on -- no vacuum pumping or sucking noise, just the click?  I'm wondering if I should try this one again or order another, and I really don't want to take the tank off a second time if I can avoid it...

Any tips on getting the octopus back on easily will be appreciated also.  

Petcock is good, BTW.

[The emperor has no clothes]

I can never even hear the click. But I would think if you can, and can feel it, it would seem ok. No kinks in the line ? Got at least enough gas to be over the reserve setting ? I’ve always had good luck using a short section of 2x4 and a ratchet strap over the top of the air box.

[John Schmidt]

All I've ever heard is the click when I turn the key on, you won't hear anything else cuz it doesn't do anything else. The DanMarc is pretty hardy, mine has been in for probably close to 15 yrs. with no issues. If you've lengthened the fuel line during any maintenance, that may well be your problem. Needs to be just barely long enough to reach the petcock.

[Valkorado]

Thanks for the replies.  Going back in today.

 Yup, plenty of gas, and I will install new lines today too, just to be sure.

Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for the replies.  Going back in today.

 Yup, plenty of gas, and I will install new lines today too, just to be sure.

Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

You’d have to have the key turned on to energize the Dan Marc. Then put a vacuum on the petcock to get the fuel flowing. I think as long as your battery is charged up you’ll be fine.

[Valkorado]

Thanks for the replies.  Going back in today.

 Yup, plenty of gas, and I will install new lines today too, just to be sure.

Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

You’d have to have the key turned on to energize the Dan Marc. Then put a vacuum on the petcock to get the fuel flowing. I think as long as your battery is charged up you’ll be fine.

Put a vacuum on the petcock.  Hmmm.  I'll have to see what I can think of there, I think I have a squeeze hand pump that may work.

Well, I got the t fuel connections hooked back up again without pulling the octopus.  Pretty gassy in the garage this morning, so I plugged the tank vent.  Upon later inspection, it does look like the damn thing has a drip when off, the hand towel I had under it was wet. 

So now I'm considering a petcock rebuild kit, a new OEM or a Pingel.  I hate losing my bling petcock cover with a Pingel, but I'm getting sick of bad OEM ones, each of the three Valks I've owned have developed problems over time...

So, If I go with the Pingel, will it hookup to the fuel lines I've got?  No other headaches I'd need to be aware of?

Glad I have two bikes.  I need a ride this afternoon!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks for the replies.  Going back in today.

 Yup, plenty of gas, and I will install new lines today too, just to be sure.

Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

You’d have to have the key turned on to energize the Dan Marc. Then put a vacuum on the petcock to get the fuel flowing. I think as long as your battery is charged up you’ll be fine.

Put a vacuum on the petcock.  Hmmm.  I'll have to see what I can think of there, I think I have a squeeze hand pump that may work.

Well, I got the t fuel connections hooked back up again without pulling the octopus.  Pretty gassy in the garage this morning, so I plugged the tank vent.  Upon later inspection, it does look like the damn thing has a drip when off, the hand towel I had under it was wet. 

So now I'm considering a petcock rebuild kit, a new OEM or a Pingel.  I hate losing my bling petcock cover with a Pingel, but I'm getting sick of bad OEM ones, each of the three Valks I've owned have developed problems over time...

So, If I go with the Pingel, will it hookup to the fuel lines I've got?  No other headaches I'd need to be aware of?

Glad I have two bikes.  I need a ride this afternoon!

I’m not sure I understand. The petcock is leaking when turned off ? Or it was leaking when in the on position using the vacuum shut off. If it’s the case of a bad cover set not opening and letting fuel flow (which I think you are saying) you could put in a new cover set, or just convert it to manual. With the Dan Marc you have a shut off. Gryphon Rider has a write up on doing this somewhere on here.

[Valkorado]

Yep, leaking when off.  Bit the bullet and ordered an OEM.  Knocking on wood...

[Bret SD]

Thanks for the replies.  Going back in today.

 Yup, plenty of gas, and I will install new lines today too, just to be sure.

Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

You’d have to have the key turned on to energize the Dan Marc. Then put a vacuum on the petcock to get the fuel flowing. I think as long as your battery is charged up you’ll be fine.

Put a vacuum on the petcock.  Hmmm.  I'll have to see what I can think of there, I think I have a squeeze hand pump that may work.

Well, I got the t fuel connections hooked back up again without pulling the octopus.  Pretty gassy in the garage this morning, so I plugged the tank vent.  Upon later inspection, it does look like the damn thing has a drip when off, the hand towel I had under it was wet. 

So now I'm considering a petcock rebuild kit, a new OEM or a Pingel.  I hate losing my bling petcock cover with a Pingel, but I'm getting sick of bad OEM ones, each of the three Valks I've owned have developed problems over time...

So, If I go with the Pingel, will it hookup to the fuel lines I've got?  No other headaches I'd need to be aware of?

Glad I have two bikes.  I need a ride this afternoon!

My Pingel works flawlessly so long as the dummy operating it turns it off

Turning it on and off with the ignition simultaneously works well for me, I ditched the OEM one and haven't regretted it.

Glad you got some wind!!

[The emperor has no clothes]

Yep, leaking when off.  Bit the bullet and ordered an OEM.  Knocking on wood...

Well that sucks ! I guess the rubber gasket on the backside went bad. You wouldn’t have been able to fix that. I’ve been lucky. 130k between the 2 bikes and only one cover set needed between the 2.

[Valkorado]

Yep, leaking when off.  Bit the bullet and ordered an OEM.  Knocking on wood...

Well that sucks ! I guess the rubber gasket on the backside went bad. You wouldn’t have been able to fix that. I’ve been lucky. 130k between the 2 bikes and only one cover set needed between the 2.

Not sure what's up, I use non ethanol fuel almost exclusively, Marine Sta-bil in winter.  You'd think a petcock would be pretty much maintenance free.  I did make the current leaky one manual years ago and haven't had problems with until now -- or if it was leaking for awhile the DanMarc saved my arse.

At least I've been tidying up some wiring and cleaning some grunge.   I'll also clean and recharge the K&N air filter while the tank is off -- it's got 60,000 miles without service.

Regardless, I'm hoping the new one will bring back the vroom-vroom that is music to my ears.  IF this one fails within the decade, it's Pingel time.  I've done a cover set on one bike, vacuum to manual on the Bullet and full replacement on Ruby.  It gets old.  

I also don't like the reaching for reserve idea with the Pingel, it's nice to have an easy flick when sputtering.

[-mike-]

As said often here - install a porous type air pressure snubber in the vac line with your new OEM Petcock.

All durability problems are gone with the Honda petcock then. Search Tech board for instructions.
I went this route when I had to replace the 20 year old petcock, too.

All it needed: AIR-PRO/HY-FITT PRESSURE GAUGES - 1/8" LOW PRESSURE GAUGE SNUBBER 1-02539 plus two fitting 1/8 to 6mm barb hose connectors.

-mike-

[The emperor has no clothes]

As said often here - install a porous type air pressure snubber in the vac line with your new OEM Petcock.

All durability problems are gone with the Honda petcock then. Search Tech board for instructions.
I went this route when I had to replace the 20 year old petcock, too.

All it needed: AIR-PRO/HY-FITT PRESSURE GAUGES - 1/8" LOW PRESSURE GAUGE SNUBBER 1-02539 plus two fitting 1/8 to 6mm barb hose connectors.

-mike-

His issue appears not to involve the vacuum portion of the petcock. It seems to be on the other side where the little ball bearing goes into the ports to direct and stop flow. (At least that’s what I understood)

[-mike-]

Thanks Meathead for pointing that out.

I know about the issue and my recommendation was not meant to solve this particular problem but the diaphragm issue that will come sooner or later also with the new OEM petcock Valkorado has ordered already.

This particular early failing has made so many fellows using a Pingle and accept the shortcomings of this replacement for the sake of reliability in fuel flow only...

The aged and cracked O-Ring issue can be repaired. Drill out the riveted part, remove the plate, drill and cut a 3 or 4mm thread (I can't remember what size I've chosen) into the housing . Replace the small O-rings and (in case of a failed plate gasket) glue a fitting O-Ring into the groove. (With rubber compatible glue like Honda used with the carb gasket - no silicone!)  Fasten the plate with screws. Done.

Somewhere in Tech Board this repair and a part layout has been posted. I just followed instructions there.

-mike-

[The emperor has no clothes]

Thanks Meathead for pointing that out.

I know about the issue and my recommendation was not meant to solve this particular problem but the diaphragm issue that will come sooner or later also with the new OEM petcock Valkorado has ordered already.

This particular early failing has made so many fellows using a Pingle and accept the shortcomings of this replacement for the sake of reliability in fuel flow only...

The aged and cracked O-Ring issue can be repaired. Drill out the riveted part, remove the plate, drill and cut a 3 or 4mm thread (I can't remember what size I've chosen) into the housing . Replace the small O-rings and (in case of a failed plate gasket) glue a fitting O-Ring into the groove. (With rubber compatible glue like Honda used with the carb gasket - no silicone!)  Fasten the plate with screws. Done.

Somewhere in Tech Board this repair and a part layout has been posted. I just followed instructions there.

-mike-

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I upgrade all my valka to the single petcock.

[Willow]

...
Another ?.  Once I get it all sewn up, if all is working correctly will fresh fuel fill the lines and carbs pretty fast, or is there a way to "prime" it first?

Five to six seconds with the starter turning the engine.

[Valkorado]

No luck, even with with a brand spanking new petcock.  

Taking Pluggy's advice from my Uh-Oh thread I bought a voltage tester and learned how to use it on a 12v DC system.  I know u guys are so proud of me.  

So after getting everything back together I tested the leads providing power to the Dan-Marc.  Well over 12 volts.  Hooked it back up.

Fuel on.  No choke this time of year.  Pressed the starter for an (eternal) six seconds.  No go.  Waited about five minutes with new petcock on reserve.  Another attempt, another  grueling six seconds with choke and a flip or two of the throttle.  No go.

Note the starter is "working", or trying to at least (not spinning gears), but I sure don't want to burn it out too.

This bike has not been washed in ages (it's dirty as hell) so it's not as water issue like may be going on with the other bike.  Plenty battery,  around 13v with a 220 cca battery both attempts...

Plenty fresh gas in tank.  No leaks anywhere and no gassy smell in garage.

So... Back to the drawing board.  My flustered non mechanical mind is telling me to take off  the tank again, cut a longer line and bypass the Dan-Marc altogether to test if it's the cause of my problem?  What else could it be?

Funny thing is, I rode the bike the day before.  How could it have lost fuel delivery literally overnight?

Any and all suggestions welcome.

BTW, I have some new Honda "coils" that I purchased on fleaBay years ago.  I don't much know what they are, and I have never installed them.  I do know they have something to do with fuel delivery.  Not sure if I should go there yet...

This sucks!!!  Two bikes down, short summer.

[The emperor has no clothes]

No luck, even with with a brand spanking new petcock.  

Taking Pluggy's advice from my Uh-Oh thread I bought a voltage tester and learned how to use it on a 12v DC system.  I know u guys are so proud of me.  

So after getting everything back together I tested the leads providing power to the Dan-Marc.  Well over 12 volts.  Hooked it back up.

Fuel on.  No choke this time of year.  Pressed the starter for an (eternal) six seconds.  No go.  Waited about five minutes with new petcock on reserve.  Another attempt, another  grueling six seconds with choke and a flip or two of the throttle.  No go.

Note the starter is "working", or trying to at least (not spinning gears), but Insure don't want to burn it out too.

This bike has not been washed in ages (it's dirty as hell) so it's not as water issue like may be going on with the other bike.  Plenty battery,  around 13v with a 220 cca battery both attempts...

Plenty fresh gas in tank.  No leaks anywhere and no gassy smell in garage.

So... Back to the drawing board.  My flustered non mechanical mind is telling me to take off  the tank again, cut a longer line and bypass the Dan-Marc altogether to test if it's the cause of my problem?  What else could it be?

Funny thing is, I rode the bike the day before.  How could it have lost fuel delivery literally overnight?

Any and all suggestions welcome.

BTW, I have some new Honda "coils" that I purchased on fleaBay years ago.  I don't much know what they are, and I have never installed them.  I do know they have something to do with fuel delivery.  Not sure if I should go there yet...

This sucks!!!  Two bikes down, short summer.

Are you sure your vacuum line to the petcock is in good shape with no cracks ?

[Valkorado]

Well      DUH!

NOW I remember that.  Bullet's old petcock was manualized!  On a desmogged, Dan-Marc'ed bike.  I had no vent tube.  New p.c. stock.  Off to parts store manyana...

NOW I feel betta.

[MarkT]

I put Pingel petcocks on my bikes.  Tired of those OEM problems.  I JB welded a paddle on the lever so I can find it easy, on Jade.  Pretty much never need it, with my IS and belly tanks, plumbed as a super-reserve.  On George, the extra large coils due to the blower block access to the Pingel from the right, and the air intake to the single carb, and the horn block access from the left.  So I fab'd a linkage to easily move the petcock valve from the right side.  All my Valks have Dan-Marcs (except George), powered through a latch relay from the coil power circuit for fuel security.  They also have an LED indicating power to the Dan Marc.

When the ball is pulled out, fuel is on.

[Valkorado]

Amazing engineering and fabbing ideas into reality Mark.  Very slick!  I love the LED indicating power to the Dan-Marc idea, and how you've made that Pingel easily accessible.

As expected the Bullet's wonderful vroom-vroom is back -- with some issues.  I'll explain more, but Adasanya is about to fight...

For now I'll just say I hate vacuum fed OEM Valkyrie petcocks.  Guess I'll be going back in to make this one manual, too.

[Valkorado]

What a crappy mismatched fight.  Back to issue...

Finished buttoning up yesterday evening, and went for a ride.  About 1/2 mile from home I sputtered and died in a lousy place too close to road.  Uggh.  I remembered that when finishing up I had forgotten to install the Cobra tank mount bling, and lifting the tank a just a tiny bit to reinstall it pulled the petcock vent out.  Shoulda double checked, my bad.  Hitched a ride back home and got my tools, back up in 10 or 15 minutes.

Off again.  After a short 25 minute ride the bike started sputtering again in town. Odometer is saying I've only  travelled 56 miles since last fill up.  I pulled into an abandoned Sonic and hit reserve.  The Bullet thankfully came back to life.  I immediately went  to the gas station and topped off with pure gas.  Made it back home six miles with the petcock in on position.

So, I'm hopeful that when the tank was off for a week or so it leaked more fuel than I suspected.  I'm gonna try and get the bike out again today, but I'll let her idle for quite a while first. 

I really don't enjoy getting stranded.

[The emperor has no clothes]

What a crappy mismatched fight.  Back to issue...

Finished buttoning up yesterday evening, and went for a ride.  About 1/2 mile from home I sputtered and died in a lousy place too close to road.  Uggh.  I remembered that when finishing up I had forgotten to install the Cobra tank mount bling, and lifting the tank a just a tiny bit to reinstall it pulled the petcock vent out.  Shoulda double checked, my bad.  Hitched a ride back home and got my tools, back up in 10 or 15 minutes.

Off again.  After a short 25 minute ride the bike started sputtering again in town. Odometer is saying I've only  travelled 56 miles since last fill up.  I pulled into an abandoned Sonic and hit reserve.  The Bullet thankfully came back to life.  I immediately went  to the gas station and topped off with pure gas.  Made it back home six miles with the petcock in on position.

So, I'm hopeful that when the tank was off for a week or so it leaked more fuel than I suspected.  I'm gonna try and get the bike out again today, but I'll let her idle for quite a while first. 

I really don't enjoy getting stranded.

Seth, just a couple things. You can and should have a little extra slack line on the petcock vacuum line. Also you should have clamps on each end. Whether it be the springy clamps or the screw down clamps. I wouldn’t let it idle as a way of determining if it’s working properly. These bikes can idle quite a while on just the fuel in the bowls. Even if you are getting just a trickle out of the petcock it will keep running, giving you a false sense of security. If you are concerned something is still amiss with it just run around near home base.

[Valkorado]

What a crappy mismatched fight.  Back to issue...

Finished buttoning up yesterday evening, and went for a ride.  About 1/2 mile from home I sputtered and died in a lousy place too close to road.  Uggh.  I remembered that when finishing up I had forgotten to install the Cobra tank mount bling, and lifting the tank a just a tiny bit to reinstall it pulled the petcock vent out.  Shoulda double checked, my bad.  Hitched a ride back home and got my tools, back up in 10 or 15 minutes.

Off again.  After a short 25 minute ride the bike started sputtering again in town. Odometer is saying I've only  travelled 56 miles since last fill up.  I pulled into an abandoned Sonic and hit reserve.  The Bullet thankfully came back to life.  I immediately went  to the gas station and topped off with pure gas.  Made it back home six miles with the petcock in on position.

So, I'm hopeful that when the tank was off for a week or so it leaked more fuel than I suspected.  I'm gonna try and get the bike out again today, but I'll let her idle for quite a while first.  

I really don't enjoy getting stranded.

Seth, just a couple things. You can and should have a little extra slack line on the petcock vacuum line. Also you should have clamps on each end. Whether it be the springy clamps or the screw down clamps. I wouldn’t let it idle as a way of determining if it’s working properly. These bikes can idle quite a while on just the fuel in the bowls. Even if you are getting just a trickle out of the petcock it will keep running, giving you a false sense of security. If you are concerned something is still amiss with it just run around near home base.

Very needed and stress relieving ride on Ruby (with her bright LED headlights shining away) today.  Toasty, over 90° in Gunni today, which is almost unheard of around these parts.  Severe drought, unfortunately.  

Thanks for the reply.  Good thoughts re: the Silver Bullet.   I'll run around the hood first just in case.  I know enough neighbors who can maybe potentially help me push this dinosaur -- unfortunately in my neighborhood there's lots of steep hills...  If it dies again  I hope it does it going downhill...

Yes, a little (even an inch more) slack would have been better for slight tank lifting, which I probably do more than I should

I'm pretty sure I've got it, but pretty sure isn't good enough.

Anyway, why I hate the vacuum setup:

1) Forgetting about it.  The Valks I've owned have all been modded to manual, a couple by me.  The modded petcocks work well -- until they don't.  Yanking one by a clamped vent line likely wouldn't be good for the petcock, or the lines.

2) Fuel lines get old and cracked.  I can't believe how often the vacuum caps on my desmogged bikes need attention and replacing.  Pretty much annually, and my seasons are shorter than most of you fellas'.  If I would have to replace and reroute the vent line each season, that's just an additional pain in the ass.

3) No vent line can strand you (as I have discovered).

4) I have the fancy chrome ignition cover.  Just checking The vent line to make sure it's on well requires removing that puppy.  Not fun roadside, especially if you're not carrying tools.

5) I'd need to carry an extra length of properly cut vent line (and extra clamps just for  peace of  mind.  That's how I am.  

So, I guess clamping it and forgetting about it (for now) is best.  Until fall anyway, when I'll likely make it a manual.  I'm burnt out on garage time for now.  Riding is much more fun...  

Thanks  again for all replies!  This board is awesome!  

[Madmike]

.


So... Back to the drawing board.  My flustered non mechanical mind is telling me to take off  the tank again, cut a longer line and bypass the Dan-Marc altogether to test if it's the cause of my problem?  What else could it be?

Want to see if you are getting gas past the electric fuel shutoff??   Just take a slotted screwdriver and open a fuel drain on the carb bowl.  It does take a while for the fuel to get down past the valve and fill all the bowls, and of course you need power supplied to the valve to do it.  

Check your battery voltage with that new multimeter, need over 12 VDC to get the ignition going.  My bike was down for a while and I just had the carbs off and cleaned them all up and my battery was at just below 12V and needed to be topped up.  Put it on a maintainer overnight and it started next day np.

And you are right about that Adasanyo fight it was a waste of time, that Italian guy is dillusional if he thinks he won that.  Moreno fight was good.  If you are buying the PPV's send me a message and I can tell you how I do it for way less.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Went to start my first valk a few years after I bought it and thought the starter was bad.
Bumped the ignition a few times and fuel came running out the tail pipes..hydro lock.
Thank God it didn't break the starter teeth.
Used pinged petcocks from that point on..zero fuel issues.

[Valkorado]

Will crapola the Bullet is still dying on me.  Lucky I made it home the six miles immediately after filling up the other day.  But remember that was after riding around probably 25 miles or more.

Anyway, today the bike is dying a minute or so after firing her up.  Starvation, sounds just like she sounds when she needs to be flipped over to reserve when riding, but doing so is not bringing the carbs back to life.

Fuel tank full of ethanol free.  New NGK iridium plugs early last season (I think).  Brand new petcock and fuel lines. Petcock vent line properly routed to carb six and clamped on both sides for good measure.

Anyway, runs ok for that minute or so then sputters and dies, with petcock either on or in reserve position.  I even tried venting the fuel cap open slightly to see if maybe I pinched the tank vent line.  Choke enricher is off, engine kill switch on run of course.

It's sporadic, since I've ridden around a bit since the issues began (and after replacing and properly venting the new petcock).  Almost makes me think the Dan-Marc is shorting out or something, and working only when it wants to.

Thinking I'll cut a longer fuel line and disable the Dan--Marc altogether just to see if that's what's going on.

If it's not that I may take up cliff diving or something less stressful.

Seriously, I'm running plum out of ideas -- and patience.

All suggestions greatly appreciated...



 

[Foozle]

Will crapola the Bullet is still dying on me.  Lucky I made it home the six miles immediately after filling up the other day.  But remember that was after riding around probably 25 miles or more.

Anyway, today the bike is dying a minute or so after firing her up.  Starvation, sounds just like she sounds when she needs to be flipped over to reserve when riding, but doing so is not bringing the carbs back to life.

Fuel tank full of ethanol free.  New NGK iridium plugs early last season (I think).  Brand new petcock and fuel lines. Petcock vent line properly routed to carb six and clamped on both sides for good measure.

Anyway, runs ok for that minute or so then sputters and dies, with petcock either on or in reserve position.  I even tried venting the fuel cap open slightly to see if maybe I pinched the tank vent line.  Choke enricher is off, engine kill switch on run of course.

Thinking I'll cut a longer fuel line and disable the Dan--Marc altogether just to see if that's the culprit.  

If it's not that I may take up cliff diving or something less stressful.

Seriously, I'm running plum out of ideas -- and patience.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

I liked the security offered by the Dan-Marc, but had poor luck seamlessly integrating it into the fuel delivery system.  I'm in the vast minority here, I know.  I've now trained myself to religiously turn off the OEM petcock whenever I shut off the engine.  I'm getting progressively better at remembering to turn it back on. 

TIP:  Don't cut the new fuel line any longer than necessary.  If it's not a bit of a PITA to put on, it's likely too long.

Terry 

[Valkorado]

Will crapola the Bullet is still dying on me.  Lucky I made it home the six miles immediately after filling up the other day.  But remember that was after riding around probably 25 miles or more.

Anyway, today the bike is dying a minute or so after firing her up.  Starvation, sounds just like she sounds when she needs to be flipped over to reserve when riding, but doing so is not bringing the carbs back to life.

Fuel tank full of ethanol free.  New NGK iridium plugs early last season (I think).  Brand new petcock and fuel lines. Petcock vent line properly routed to carb six and clamped on both sides for good measure.

Anyway, runs ok for that minute or so then sputters and dies, with petcock either on or in reserve position.  I even tried venting the fuel cap open slightly to see if maybe I pinched the tank vent line.  Choke enricher is off, engine kill switch on run of course.

Thinking I'll cut a longer fuel line and disable the Dan--Marc altogether just to see if that's the culprit.  

If it's not that I may take up cliff diving or something less stressful.

Seriously, I'm running plum out of ideas -- and patience.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

I liked the security offered by the Dan-Marc, but had poor luck seamlessly integrating it into the fuel delivery system.  I'm in the vast minority here, I know.  I've now trained myself to religiously turn off the OEM petcock whenever I shut off the engine.  I'm getting progressively better at remembering to turn it back on.  

TIP:  Don't cut the new fuel line any longer than necessary.  If it's not a bit of a PITA to put on, it's likely too long.

Terry  

If your bike wasn't desmogged before attempting the Dan-Marc install, it would be difficult trying to make it fit.  Too much crap in the way!

Re: the fuel line, I meant making one longer (to account for where the Dan-Marc is now) then see if the bike wants to run strong without it.  Then I'll know that's what is faulty.

[MarkT]

I've run the Dan-Marcs for years.  Never a failure on the unit itself on my bikes or garden tractor.  I think they are well made, reliable.  I never have failures on their electrical connections either.  But I hold that work to a high standard - all connections are soldered and shrink wrapped.  One related failure was using the too-small Dan-Marc on Jade, while my fuel demand was unusually high - towing a heavy Timeout camper cross country at slab speeds to Morgantown Inzane.  I had a couple starvation issues to solve - rerouted the fuel line so it was unlooped, slanted downhill and replaced with the bigger Dan-Marc - 1/4" orifice.  Also, no fuel filter in the gravity feed line.  The smaller Dan-Marc looks like this:



The bigger one - the wire nuts are used to insulate - wires are soldered.

[Foozle]

Will crapola the Bullet is still dying on me.  Lucky I made it home the six miles immediately after filling up the other day.  But remember that was after riding around probably 25 miles or more.

Anyway, today the bike is dying a minute or so after firing her up.  Starvation, sounds just like she sounds when she needs to be flipped over to reserve when riding, but doing so is not bringing the carbs back to life.

Fuel tank full of ethanol free.  New NGK iridium plugs early last season (I think).  Brand new petcock and fuel lines. Petcock vent line properly routed to carb six and clamped on both sides for good measure.

Anyway, runs ok for that minute or so then sputters and dies, with petcock either on or in reserve position.  I even tried venting the fuel cap open slightly to see if maybe I pinched the tank vent line.  Choke enricher is off, engine kill switch on run of course.

Thinking I'll cut a longer fuel line and disable the Dan--Marc altogether just to see if that's the culprit.  

If it's not that I may take up cliff diving or something less stressful.

Seriously, I'm running plum out of ideas -- and patience.

All suggestions greatly appreciated.
 

I liked the security offered by the Dan-Marc, but had poor luck seamlessly integrating it into the fuel delivery system.  I'm in the vast minority here, I know.  I've now trained myself to religiously turn off the OEM petcock whenever I shut off the engine.  I'm getting progressively better at remembering to turn it back on.  

TIP:  Don't cut the new fuel line any longer than necessary.  If it's not a bit of a PITA to put on, it's likely too long.

Terry  

If your bike wasn't desmogged before attempting the Dan-Marc install, it would be difficult trying to make it fit.  Too much crap in the way!

Re: the fuel line, I meant making one longer (to account for where the Dan-Marc is now) then see if the bike wants to run strong without it.  Then I'll know that's what is faulty.

Agreed and understood.  Please keep us updated on how things work out.

Terry

[JimC]

If you have the smaller Danmark like MarkT showed above, There is always the possibility that it got partially plugged by trash from the tank that you picked up at the pumps.. If that is the case, it would be reducing your fuel flow even more that the small 1/16 of an inch orifice does.

The danmark is an electrical device, so it could be malfunctioning, but it seems to be opening up as you can ride some before it dies. Good luck, I think you are on the right track by replacing the fuel line and eliminating it to find out if that is your issue.

Jim

[Valkorado]

Admittedly I'm no master mechanic but this one is stumping me big time.  It's caliente here, 90° means 100° in my 12 x 20 hotbox.  I get frustrated and angry working in that heat, so this may be put off for a little while until things get tolerable again...

I'm getting leery of "dry starting" the Bullet, as each time I do it sounds a bit worse letting me know she does not approve of all this.  She wants steady fuel bad.

I'm thinking when I go back in, I'll double check the new petcock for functionality, and may just go ahead with manualizing it. I'll go ahead and clean/recharge the K&N filter as I didn't take the time to do that.  I'll cut another line and bypass the electric fuel shutoff altogether just to see if it crapped out on me.  Heck, I may even dump out an entire five gallons of fresh ethanol free just to be sure I didn't get a bad batch...

Any other ideers???

One thing I'm not finding much info on are the to/from connections at the T hoses or pics of routing fuel lines and hoses.  I want to be sure all my fuel and air hoses are properly routed and vented.  Can't find good pics of these in Honda or Clymer manuals, especially for a desmogged bike like mine.

If anyone can post clear pics of the hoses and lines I'd sure appreciate it.  I'm interested in where the airbox intake and exit tubes go, etc..

[Foozle]

Admittedly I'm no master mechanic but this one is stumping me big time.  It's caliente here, 90° means 100° in my 12 x 20 hotbox.  I get frustrated and angry working in that heat, so this may be put off for a little while until things get tolerable again...

I'm getting leery of "dry starting" the Bullet, as each time I do it sounds a bit worse letting me know she does not approve of all this.  She wants steady fuel bad.

I'm thinking when I go back in, I'll double check the new petcock for functionality, and may just go ahead with manualizing it. I'll go ahead and clean/recharge the K&N filter as I didn't take the time to do that.  I'll cut another line and bypass the electric fuel shutoff altogether just to see if it crapped out on me.  Heck, I may even dump out an entire five gallons of fresh ethanol free just to be sure I didn't get a bad batch...

Any other ideers???

One thing I'm not finding much info on are the to/from connections at the T hoses or pics of routing fuel lines and hoses.  I want to be sure all my fuel and air hoses are properly routed and vented.  Can't find good pics of these in Honda or Clymer manuals, especially for a desmogged bike like mine.

If anyone can post clear pics of the hoses and lines I'd sure appreciate it.  I'm interested in where the airbox intake and exit tubes go, etc..

Your above comment may reflect this strategy, but if you have an external fuel bottle you can route directly into the existing fuel line (i.e., run the bike without the gas tank), you might be able to further narrow the location of the problem.  If she starts up and runs well, the issue likely related to the petcock or vent line - NOT the Dan-Marc (assuming it remains in the chain).

Personally, I would do this before making any mods to the petcock.  Making multiple changes at once often just digs the hole deeper.

Just trying to be helpful.

Terry

[Bagger John - #3785]

(snip)
Personally, I would do this before making any mods to the petcock.  Making multiple changes at once often just digs the hole deeper.

This forum needs a "Like" button.

[Valkorado]

Admittedly I'm no master mechanic but this one is stumping me big time.  It's caliente here, 90° means 100° in my 12 x 20 hotbox.  I get frustrated and angry working in that heat, so this may be put off for a little while until things get tolerable again...

I'm getting leery of "dry starting" the Bullet, as each time I do it sounds a bit worse letting me know she does not approve of all this.  She wants steady fuel bad.

I'm thinking when I go back in, I'll double check the new petcock for functionality, and may just go ahead with manualizing it. I'll go ahead and clean/recharge the K&N filter as I didn't take the time to do that.  I'll cut another line and bypass the electric fuel shutoff altogether just to see if it crapped out on me.  Heck, I may even dump out an entire five gallons of fresh ethanol free just to be sure I didn't get a bad batch...

Any other ideers???

One thing I'm not finding much info on are the to/from connections at the T hoses or pics of routing fuel lines and hoses.  I want to be sure all my fuel and air hoses are properly routed and vented.  Can't find good pics of these in Honda or Clymer manuals, especially for a desmogged bike like mine.

If anyone can post clear pics of the hoses and lines I'd sure appreciate it.  I'm interested in where the airbox intake and exit tubes go, etc..

Your above comment may reflect this strategy, but if you have an external fuel bottle you can route directly into the existing fuel line (i.e., run the bike without the gas tank), you might be able to further narrow the location of the problem.  If she starts up and runs well, the issue likely related to the petcock or vent line - NOT the Dan-Marc (assuming it remains in the chain).

Personally, I would do this before making any mods to the petcock.  Making multiple changes at once often just digs the hole deeper.

Just trying to be helpful.

Terry

Good idea, I need one.  I'll look for an inexpensive one...  Just typed in external fuel tank in eBay, not what I'm after.  I've seen 'em before.  What would they call these?

[Valkorado]

(snip)
Personally, I would do this before making any mods to the petcock.  Making multiple changes at once often just digs the hole deeper.

This forum needs a "Like" button.

Maybe, but right now I'm not liking the situation much.   

[Foozle]

Admittedly I'm no master mechanic but this one is stumping me big time.  It's caliente here, 90° means 100° in my 12 x 20 hotbox.  I get frustrated and angry working in that heat, so this may be put off for a little while until things get tolerable again...

I'm getting leery of "dry starting" the Bullet, as each time I do it sounds a bit worse letting me know she does not approve of all this.  She wants steady fuel bad.

I'm thinking when I go back in, I'll double check the new petcock for functionality, and may just go ahead with manualizing it. I'll go ahead and clean/recharge the K&N filter as I didn't take the time to do that.  I'll cut another line and bypass the electric fuel shutoff altogether just to see if it crapped out on me.  Heck, I may even dump out an entire five gallons of fresh ethanol free just to be sure I didn't get a bad batch...

Any other ideers???

One thing I'm not finding much info on are the to/from connections at the T hoses or pics of routing fuel lines and hoses.  I want to be sure all my fuel and air hoses are properly routed and vented.  Can't find good pics of these in Honda or Clymer manuals, especially for a desmogged bike like mine.

If anyone can post clear pics of the hoses and lines I'd sure appreciate it.  I'm interested in where the airbox intake and exit tubes go, etc..

Your above comment may reflect this strategy, but if you have an external fuel bottle you can route directly into the existing fuel line (i.e., run the bike without the gas tank), you might be able to further narrow the location of the problem.  If she starts up and runs well, the issue likely related to the petcock or vent line - NOT the Dan-Marc (assuming it remains in the chain).

Personally, I would do this before making any mods to the petcock.  Making multiple changes at once often just digs the hole deeper.

Just trying to be helpful.

Terry

Good idea, I need one.  I'll look for an inexpensive one...  Just typed in external fuel tank in eBay, not what I'm after.  I've seen 'em before.  What would they call these?

The "inexpensive" part may be the challenge.  For whatever reason, one tends to pay a lot for what you get.  Since I have numerous bikes - and prefer to tune and sync the carbs with the tank off - it was worth the expense for me.  However, you might be able to fashion something out of a plastic bottle and some old fuel line.  Frankly, it shouldn't take too much gas to test the theory.

One example from Amazon is below.  I use a Motion Pro model, but this one looks pretty similar.

https://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-Auxiliary-Fuel-Tank-EC-900N/dp/B00QKO7TMW/ref=asc_df_B00QKO7TMW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309798558622&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9245828808149112910&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014318&hvtargid=pla-571486535175&psc=1


Terry

[Valkorado]

[

The "inexpensive" part may be the challenge.  For whatever reason, one tends to pay a lot for what you get.  Since I have numerous bikes - and prefer to tune and sync the carbs with the tank off - it was worth the expense for me.  However, you might be able to fashion something out of a plastic bottle and some old fuel line.  Frankly, it shouldn't take too much gas to test the theory.

One example from Amazon is below.  I use a Motion Pro model, but this one looks pretty similar.

https://www.amazon.com/BikeMaster-Auxiliary-Fuel-Tank-EC-900N/dp/B00QKO7TMW/ref=asc_df_B00QKO7TMW/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=309798558622&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9245828808149112910&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9014318&hvtargid=pla-571486535175&psc=1


Terry

Thanks.