I have a friend's 2001 Kaw Vulcan VN800A bike (no sidecar, yet) here at the house to help repair a carb problem. The bike set up a long time, only has 1600 miles, but after riding about 200 miles over the past couple of weeks, he was stranded this past weekend when fuel began to run out the breather. If the petcock is set to prime, fuel does flow flow steadily thru the breather. Reckon I'm on the right track thinking the float in the carb bowl is faulty? Any other suggestions? Also, if anyone has any tips re: pulling the single carb on this V-twin, I'm all ears. Anyone know the best way to remove the gas tank? Thanks for the assistance.
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
Try **partially** draining the carb and then blow through the gas line, compressed air is best but I've done it with out one,it doesn't take much to hold open the needle, then finish draining the carb, hopefully the whatever will drain out with the left over gas, refill it and see what happens.
If you have to take the tank off there's Usually a bolt at the back of the tank with 2 rubber mounts at the front, check for a breather/vent hose on the right side, have a rag handy to catch the gas that will run out of the fuel hose when you disconnect it. Have a nice flat spot that's out of the way to put that 12 to $1500 buck tank.
Hopefully you won't have to take the carb off but if you do try just pulling the bowl otherwise everything will have to be disconnected.
Thanks for the suggestions, Shadow. Tried the "drain and blow" method, then sprayed carb cleaner thru fuel line as well as the air intake. All appears to be working properly now. At least fuel is not flowing out the top of bowl at an alarming rate. We'll confirm success when Hugh picks up his cycle this weekend.Thanks again. Your idea was better than my first thought of pulling the carb. Let's hope it continues to work OK.Lee
Lee
MB5+TW200+CRF250L+GTV300+INT650
XL883R w/Texas Ranger Sidecar
Zuma 50F + Burgman w/Texas Sidecar<Mrs. SwampFox
I would recommend replacing the fuel lines, especially if they are of the 'black rubber' SAE type. The elevated levels of ethanol we now have in our gas really deteriorates the inside of these hoses, and if the hose is already old, it may be that you had particles of rubber, etc. preventing the carb floats from shutting off the flow of fuel into the bowl. One can find "alcohol-proof" fuel lines now in auto parts stores and some online stores - often these are blue or have a blue line, or are of the clear poly type with blue color liner.
