Fuel starving problem

[gordonv]

icandoitfaster gave me a call yesterday. He was in Bishop CA 39'C (90+?) and was getting fuel problems. He had just come through the Moab (I think he said).

Usual, drive for an hr from fill, engine dies as if running out of fuel. Unplugged drool plug, liquid came out, bike started up. Drove for another hr, and the same, engine runs out of fuel. Happens repeatedly. Puts the pug back in the tube. Also opens tank cap.

He seemed to have read the same as I did, possible vent tube kinked. Knew the things to try out. Including going to reserve, which also allowed it to run again for another hr.

I just wanted to be sure that I was on the right track with regards as to what could be wrong. Some he can do on the road, some when he gets back home.

It's a new to him 00' IS, which he's probably done more miles on this year than I have, with no issues.

kinked vent tube. remove tank bolts, lift carefully and inspect hose.
drool tube. already done.
petcock issues (many). vacuum leak, diaphragm, indent, screen.

I suggested he open his cap and place something in the seal so it can breath. If this works, then he has a venting issue, and we can concentrate there.

He is currently on a trip from the 4th till unknown time, from White Rock BC to the San Diego, the long way.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Plugged or kinked vent line
Cover set needs replaced
Kinked fuel line
Those would be my guesses

[Gryphon Rider]

Have him read this:
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,37577.0.html

[gordonv]

We where wondering if our reasoning was correct or wrong, or if we where missing something else to look at. He did mention he's buying 91 octane, so I'll need to explain that to him.

We did mention vapor lock because of the heat, but also felt that the fuel would be flowing to much for it to vaporize.

[Valkpilot]

We where wondering if our reasoning was correct or wrong, or if we where missing something else to look at. He did mention he's buying 91 octane, so I'll need to explain that to him.

We did mention vapor lock because of the heat, but also felt that the fuel would be flowing to much for it to vaporize.

If there is a droop in the fuel line, it will vapor lock, or at least starve, when it's hot.

[gordonv]

Thank you, I like that. And since I take it you are from Texas, you have experience on the matter of riding in excessive heat.

I'll email Paul with the suggestion to look over the line from the petcock.

[R J]

While he is in there, have im look for a gas filter.

If one there, remove it and get that line FLAT or slightly flowing downhill.     Then throw that filter as far as ya can into the nearest lake, or river.

[gordonv]

 

I read your old post about that before. I've referred him to the post if he ever gets somewhere he can read it in his travels.

[Michvalk]

It's possible the vacuum line to the petcock has a crack in it as well.

[gordonv]

Follow up.

Possible bad gas. The tanker was at the station off loading. But the other bike in the group didn't have the same problem.

No more engine dying problem, but he is having running problems above 4K RPM. Back in Oregon and cooler temps, and soon Washington.

Concern is maybe a plugged filter? As suggested, need to look for an extra add on one. We'll look things over after he gets back home and have more time and room to work on his bike.