Priming carbs, spinning starter and won't shift

[chuck hahn]

You need to open them back up and see if the floats are installed the right way and check that when you move the floats that the float needles do in fact open and close and dont hang up. Be sure floats dont rub on the gaskets too.

[TheDuke]

I did not rebuild the clutch. I did recently reinstall the clutch cable and the clutch release and tightened it to the point that there is very little play in the lever, could I have over tightened it? Could it be a clutch release adjustment issue?

What about the shifting issue. Could it be caused by an adjustment issue on the clutch release? It has a locking nut and screw adjuster and I just turned the screw until it stopped and locked it down with the nut. That may have been the wrong way to go about it.

[allojohn]

What about the shifting issue. Could it be caused by an adjustment issue on the clutch release? It has a locking nut and screw adjuster and I just turned the screw until it stopped and locked it down with the nut. That may have been the wrong way to go about it.

Sorry to be harsh, but you need to put your tools down and do some reading. You have multiple problems all of which are minor and solvable. Find out more about your bike before dicking with it.

[TheDuke]

Sorry to harsh, but you need to put your tools down and do some reading. You have multiple problems all of which are minor and solvable. Find our more about your bike before dicking with it.

I know, I know. Although, I've spent quite a bit of time flipping through the Clymer and service manual but not everything is spelled out as clearly as a novice needs. And I've also had a hell of a time finding clear answers to some of these issues, maybe because I don't know the right question to ask. When I run into a snag I come here for advice from experienced folks.

[tkent02]

Everything you need to know is here:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Have you read it all?

[JTGS850GL]

Let's solve one problem at a time. Are you sure you connected the fuel line to the correct place on the carbs?

[mrbill5491]

Air locked??? Find a new neighbor!!

Seriously, you need to use the prime function of your petcock to fill the bowls. If they still wont fill then verify you're getting gas directly from the petcock with it in prime. If not, check to see if you have enough gas in the tank. That actually would be the first check. One gallon wont cut it. If it's still a no go from the petcock then change the petcock.

Yeah that is a new one "air locked" only way they could be air locked if you sealed up the breather tubes and such.

[TheDuke]

Everything you need to know is here:

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Have you read it all?

I've read the links that apply to my bike and the work I've done. Not all of it is useful to me. It has been extremely helpful though.

[mrbill5491]

Okay, "air locked" is gonna be used from now on for any reason gas isn't getting into the carbs. I so decree!

[tkent02]

Air locked is a mental condition.

[TheDuke]

Let's solve one problem at a time. Are you sure you connected the fuel line to the correct place on the carbs?

The bag was connected to the tee btwn 2 and 3. I just sprayed some carb cleaner in there to see if it was blocked and it seems that that is probably the issue. It filled with fluid but didn't drain.

[Steve]

Before you get too creative there, and since you will aparently be pulling the carbs off, anyway, ...

have you done a full 'strip-and-dip' cleaning on the carbs and replaced all the o-rings?

If not, this would be the PERFECT time to do it.

Please remember, when it comes to carb cleaning, EVERY SHORTCUT YOU TAKE IS JUST ONE MORE TIME YOU WILL HAVE TO REMOVE THE CARBS.

.

[allojohn]

The bag was connected to the tee btwn 2 and 3. I just sprayed some carb cleaner in there to see if it was blocked and it seems that that is probably the issue. It filled with fluid but didn't drain.

Unlikely that the tee is blocked - did you adjust the float heights and close off the float valves completely, accidentally.....

[TheDuke]

have you done a full 'strip-and-dip' cleaning on the carbs and replaced all the o-rings?

I did soak all the parts in Berrymans, cleaned them up, got the new oring kit, then reassembled. Perhaps the floats are the issue then?

Unlikely that the tee is blocked - did you adjust the float heights and close off the float valves completely, accidentally.....

I checked the float heights and it was all in spec, no adjustment needed. Maybe I just have to open them up and take a look.

[JTGS850GL]

Yep, I'd say dropping the carbs is going to be your next step. Once you take the float bowls off it should become apparent as to where the problem is. With the carbs upright, the floats should hang loose and allow movement upward. The needles should not be stuck but move up and down with the floats.

Quick check: You should be able to blow air through the fuel line inlet with the carbs upright and not be able to blow any air through the fuel line with the carbs inverted.

Post pics if you question what is wrong.