Paging the carburisti

Running problems with my newly aquired FZR400R, I think may be carb
related, although could be a voodoo curse for all I know.

Bike started ok, ran for 10mins / 20 miles fine, but then splutted as
if running out of fuel. Revs died, and couldn't restart it.

After getting it home [1], I recharged the battery, and put the fuel
filter on the correct way round, cleaned the fuel tap and had a look
at the carbs. Floats seemed fine, cleaned a small amount of gum out
the bottom of the bowls, and reassembled the bike. I flushed the fuel
tank and filled with nice new petrol.

It restarted on the first push of the starter, but died at idle.
Holding the throttle slightly open, the bike ran ok, reved to the
redline, and seemed ok. So I took it for a little ride to make sure
[2], but after about 1 mile, it coughed and spluttered and died. It
restarts ok, but dies with no throttle. With slightly more throttle,
it will hold 1000-1500rpm but no more at any throttle opening.

It has had a new end-can and a new head - re-worked, polished and
ported supposedly. I'm guessing from the fuel filter in the wrong way
round, the previous owner hadn't spent the necessary time setting it
up.

Now, I suspect the dodgy idle is to do with me messing with the carbs,
but not sure on the other symptoms. Any clues?

[1] that is, pushing it for 4miles on a very warm friday afternoon.
[2] within 100yds circle of my house to avoid a repeat of [1]

 

You turned the fuel filter the correct way round, thus releasing a load of
crap into the carbs. Try getting a new filter and cleaning the carbs again.

 

I cleaned the filter first natch, but good point. New filter might not
be a bad idea.
Also, any recommendations for carb cleaner? I just used petrol and
kept refreshing it till it didn't turn all murky.

 

Apparently you shouldn't use petrol, or meths[1] for that matter, as it
leaves a powdery residue when it evaporates. Paraffin was what was the
solvent of choice when I last did it but I dare say a tin of "Kracking
Karb Kleener" from your local Halfrauds would do the job exactly as it
says on the tin.


[1] As if any one round here would waste good sipping liquor on cleaning
a bike

 

Do you have to regularly charge the battery? Like every day?

Because my FZR4 did this when the rectifier fried itself.