changing fuel lines..

[Anonymous]

I'm trying to figure out why my bike won't start.

Here's what i've done so far:
- Changed the spark plugs (they have spark)
- Checked to make sure the airfilter isn't blocked (it's not)
- Checked the vacuum tube to the petcock
- Checked that the petcock works.

I'm in the process of changing the fuel lines (the previous owner used vinyl tubing, it's hard as a rock, i'm putting neoprene in)
Now, there's gas in the lines that doesn't look to be going anywhere. When i put the petcock on prime, gas leaked out the line where the fuel filter was (aftermarket, the kind you use on lawnmowers) and from the looks of it, no fuel is reaching the carbs. So i'd like to replace the line that goes from the tank to the carbs. Problem is, i don't know how to get at the carb/fuel line junction.

Is there an "easy" (as in not dropping the engine) way to get at this connector? Is it possible to pull the carbs without taking the engine out of the bike?

My clymer manual is on order, but i'm hoping i can get this going pretty soon...

Otherwise, i'll have to clean the carbs i figure (gulp)

Thanks in advance,
Blaise (n00bie)

[earlfor]

Installing a new fuel line is pretty easy. Just take the gas tank off. You will be able to reach inbetween the carbs and push on a new fuel line and vacuum line on the carb end. then put the tank back on the bike but with the rear blocked up with a rolled rag or small block so you have enough room between the tank and the carbs to get your hand in to put the new fuel and vacuum lines onto the petcock. Take out your block/rag and bolt the tank down. Done

Earl

[Anonymous]

I took off the tank, but i couldn't reach the the fuel tap (there's the big airbox collector thing there) so i pulled the carbs... and lo and behold, fuel poured out of them.

Damnit. I checked and the line was fine. I've replaced it with neoprene anyway, and added a new fuel filter.

Before i put the carbs back on, what should i check on the carbs?

Could the fact that they were totally full of gas stop the bike from starting?

[Anonymous]

I'm not sure where you had the fuel coming out of (the airbox??) but you can check to see if the plugs are soaked or not after an attempt at starting.

Steve

[Anonymous]

the gas was coming out the carbs

The plugs were wet when i pulled them after starting, so i'd like to assume that they are fine.

What i'm starting to think is that i flooded it by trying to start the bike the first time, and then the battery ran down too much after that. I've got the carbs out right now, so i might as well clean them while i'm at it.

Anything else i should do before i put them back on?