Ive done my searches.. gravity feed

havent started the bike yet (rectifier) but it looks like an uphill battle no matter how I position the fuel filter... Suggestions?

I have the fuel line comming out of the tank connection to the fuel filter about half way. Then from the filter I have about 1 ft of line connecting directly into the carbs.


maybe I screwed up.. Should I place the filter as close to the carbs as possile? This may give me some wiggle room for more downward slope.


Did I just figure this out on my own?

 

You do not really need a downward slope on the line. The tank is above the carbs, as long as the fuel line never goes above the level of fuel in the tank, gravity will take care of the need for the slope. Easy to prove, take your fuel line and with a full tank of fuel, hold the open line above the outlet on the tank and turn on the fuel. Fuel will flow out pretty quickly. It will only stop once you raise the open end above the level of fuel in the tank.

 

Just read that if you use gravity feed, you may have to remove the fuel filter as it will restrict the flow too much. Try it without - verify it works - and add it back in to see if it causes a problem for your bike. I would place it right after the tank under the seat where it is easy to remove if it causes issues.

 

Good plans...

I will try to place it at the level of the carbs and drain it into a gas can...

 

Good suggestions...

I have the fuel filter under the seat, then a slight slope uphill to the carbs... See pics

1st pic is fuel filter under seat, second is the uphill to carbs...

 

I tested the flow by removing the fuel line to the carbs and draining the fuel into a fuel can. when I was level with the entry point it did flow. Not like a waterfall but I think it is fast enough.

I did notice a syphon occured when I went low. I could raise the line past the fuel on/off/reserve guage on the tank and it would still flow. I hope this happens with the gravity feed.

I did fill the fuel can with about 1.5 gallons in 30 min. This was with a downward angle. It would have taken another 15 min if level. I am not good at math, if anyone wants to calculate let me know... It was a bit under 1.5 gallons.

I also left the fuel filter on.. If I have issues I will take it off... Also found a used fuel pump so my options are open.

 

The fuel will flow as long as the end of the hose is below -->> the level in the tank.

And if the hose is connected to the carbs, it is always below the level in the tank.

 

and there you have it...


I did have an interesting ideab. I was in the local hardware shop and almost purchased a siphon bulb... Thought it would be a good way to get things flowing if any issues. Looks like I shouldn't have any problems though.

 

well.. I have the tank elevated and removed the fuel filter... It flows well to a gas can...

When I hook to the carbs the bike sounds like it is not getting enough gas. This is very odd.

It did run for about 10 min yesterday at idle with the choke fully engaged... I wasnt able to give it throttle or it would stall.

I am hoping the fuel pump I have on order will resolve the issues. I am a little worried.

 

Once the bike is warmed up, turn the choke off. Once warm the bike doesn't like the choke, it makes the mixture too rich and will "choke" the bike.

Try popping your gas cap. You may have a tank vent issue. If you have a vent hose, make sure it is not pinched. If you have a vented cap, make sure the vent is clear. If you don't have a vent hose - or a vented cap, then you have to drill a hole into the gas cap to provide the vent - BTDT.

 

I have a vent hose... When I was tipping the gas tank to remove some gas did come out. I also tried opening the top lid. Still odd behavior.

I have 1 hose that supplies gas, Another hose that is open. I am assuming this is the vent hose.

The bike will stall without the choke.. This was the case before the burnt pump... I wonder if I am running to lean?

 

When it stumbles, kill the bike and pull the plugs. They should show the status of the gas mixture. We are getting close.

Now it's down to either weak spark or gummed up carbs.

 

When I pulled the old plugs, they actually looked ok. No problems with soot etc. They actually almost looked new.


I also did something interesting yesterday. While I am waiting for my new/used fuel pump I decided I could not wait any longer to ride. I went to the local hardware store and purchased a siphon bulb. I placed the bulb in-between the fuel line and used it as a homemade fuel pump. I was able to get the bike started and running. When I would get a funky idle I would reach down and give her a squeeze. The bike would perk up and continue on running with the same issues prior to the fire.

Regardless, the bike would still stumble and burp around 5-6 K... I have a carb cleaning and tune scheduled... While they are at it, I am going to have him remove the pilot screw covers for any future adjustments.

So really long post short...

made a homemade fuel pump
Plugs look ok
Getting carbs cleaned and synched.

 

Did you do a plug chop - or just park the bike and remove the plugs? A plug chop will show the condition of the mixture at the throttle position when you killed the bike.

From your post, I would hold off on the carb cleaning until you try this...

Use a gas can as an auxiliary gas tank and run fuel from it to your carbs. Remove the seat and strap the gas can to your frame. Put a gas line into the gas can and connect it to your siphon bulb. Use your siphon bulb to prime the carbs and get the gas flowing.

Now start the bike with the choke open. Should idle around 2K. Once warm, take off idle. Make sure the chokes are fully closed by pushing down on the brass valves. They should not move. If they do, your choke cable is to tight/kinked.

Does the bike get a funky idle?

If the idle is good, then the gas tank/petcock is the problem. If not, then you may have a clogged slow jet or pilot jet.

Try running some seafoam through the tank. It may help and can't hurt.

On the other hand, if your pilot screw covers have never been removed, then the carbs have never been properly cleaned (or cleaned at all). So you may be looking at a carb cleaning anyway. If you're detail oriented, you can clean the carbs yourself. Bear in mind, most cycle shops charge about $250 to clean carbs.

 

I found a motorcycle mechanic that will clean and synch the carbs for $150!... Has 20+ years experience with all types of bikes. His add was...tired of being ripped off? He works for a harley dealer now and is looking for side work.

If anyone is around ambler (30 min outside philadelphia) they can get in on the fun. Shoot me a PM if interested.