As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
Thanks for that Dennis. I will look into replacing the cap/venting the
tank. I was thinking of trying the ride with the cap not on completely
but I like the "T' idea better.
Joe
On Dec 4, 9:43 pm, Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
> seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
> --- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
> From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
> Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
> Thanks for that Dennis. I will look into replacing the cap/venting the
> tank. I was thinking of trying the ride with the cap not on completely
> but I like the "T' idea better.
> Joe
> On Dec 4, 9:43 pm, Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
> > seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
> > --- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
> > From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
> > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> > To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
> > Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
> > Hi All,
> > As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> > group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> > Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> > with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> > speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> > completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> > miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> > I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> > aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> > first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> > problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> > station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> > at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> > night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> > it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> > couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> > to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> > more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> > little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> > ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> > So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> > the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> > some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> > down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> > new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> > wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> > switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> > stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> > reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> > the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> > of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> > to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> > coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> > pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> > about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> > sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> > and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> > am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> > the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
Welcome to the group Joe.
The tanks aren't supposed to be air-tight, if you're hearing a
hissing/equalizing sound around the cap that's bad news. I'm pretty sure my
650 vents through the cap itself, though I know some bikes have a small pin
hole underneath the cap so air can get in/out without rain getting in. Try
idling the bike with the cap open (don't try riding it like that obviously)
and closed and see if that's causing your problem. If it is you need to look
for the blockage. I know it sounds wrong, but you don't want a completely
sealed tank for that reason.
-Kyle
On Thu, Dec 4, 2008 at 10:25 PM, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>wrote:
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
[mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem.
The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340
mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a
starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way
(none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel
now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The
swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for
a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel
line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the
fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it
open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap.
Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from
your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now,
when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the
L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating
about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as
I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
> Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller
> ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to
> ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
> From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
> member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
> Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
> Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my
> starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys
> can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then
> I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Mark Hasslinger <markh...@sbcglobal.net>
> *To:* nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
> *Sent:* Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
> *Subject:* [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new
> group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just
> push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike
> along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going
> down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
> From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
> member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
> Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
> When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out.
> You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck
> somewhere...HotrodMamma
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
> To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
> <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
> Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
> Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
> member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> > Hi All,
> > As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> > group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> > Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> > with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> > speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> > completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> > miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> > I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> > aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> > first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> > problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> > station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> > at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> > night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> > it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> > couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> > to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> > more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> > little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> > ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> > So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> > the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> > some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> > down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> > new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> > wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> > switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> > stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> > reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> > the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> > of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> > to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> > coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> > pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> > about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> > sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> > and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> > am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> > the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Kyle Munz <kyle...@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:22 PM
Personally I use reverse
-Kyle
On Fri, Dec 5, 2008 at 7:16 PM, Mark Hasslinger <markh...@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
So..is this the formula?
6th gear..for people so scrawny that they get sand kicked in their face...even when at the kiddy pool
5th Gear...for people just large enough to throw a shadow.
4th gear...for people who are average in size.
3rd gear...slightly smaller than the average Neanderthal.
2nd gear...the average Neanderthal.
1st gear...the guy that kicks the sand in everyone's face including the Neanderthal. People this size DO NOT ride a Nighthawk. They carry one.
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
I tried pushing my CB700SC and then popping the clutch in 1st and all I
managed to do was drag the tire. I had to go to 3rd before I could turn
the engine and get it push started.
[mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Mark Hasslinger
Sent: 05 December, 2008 17:16
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller
ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to
ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my
starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys
can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then
I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark <mailto:markh...@sbcglobal.net> Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just
push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike
along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going
down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out.
You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck
I can only speak of my area (NE PA) as gas is formulated differently for others. State laws, and temperatures affect this. The Shell stations here have no alcohol at present, most are at 10%. GA allows 10% to be added at a distribution point. I once got a load of 30% on I-95 in GA and had some real problems with it. Doing a water separation test can determine exact amount. The alcohol causing some parts to swell will be a problem as the percentage increases.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com> wrote:
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:55 AM
Message
Dennis,
Are they putting Ethanol in all levels of gas at the same percent? I run premium in my bikes and I'm wondering if I'll have this problem.
nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com [mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the
L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating
about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as
I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
I don't know. Never did any testing on that. My job requires that I move on quickly to the next. Be neat to find out.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 1:16 AM
Another quick thought. Would a full tank make the problem worse? I was
thinking of the volume of air in the tank, I maybe off base here.
Thanks.
Joe
On Dec 4, 10:06 pm, "Joe '86 450"
<mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
> Thanks for that Dennis. I will look into replacing the cap/venting the
> tank. I was thinking of trying the ride with the cap not on completely
> but I like the "T' idea better.
> Joe
> On Dec 4, 9:43 pm, Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
> > What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own
problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda
GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a
starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none
too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now.
It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The
swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a
bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in
the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up
to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it
open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being
translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ?
The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
> > seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases.
For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
> > --- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
wrote:
> > From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
> > Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
> > As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the
nighthawk
> > group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> > Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> > with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because
the
> > speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> > completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> > miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> > I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the
tires
> > aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> > first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across
a new
> > problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> > station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike
stalls
> > at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> > night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> > it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> > couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my
tank
> > to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I
figured one
> > more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> > little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> > ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> > So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> > the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve
thinking
> > some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10
min.
> > down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> > new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> > wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> > switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins.
Another
> > stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> > reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> > the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> > of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> > to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> > coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> > pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only
been
> > about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is
some
> > sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> > and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> > am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> > the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
Yes, it must vary from state to state. I'm in Seattle and I use a Shell
station and I saw a sign on a pump there that said, "May contain up to 10%
Ethanol" but it wasn't clear if the sign referred to all grades of gasoline
or just to the regular - which it was posted next to.
[mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 05 December, 2008 22:04
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
I can only speak of my area (NE PA) as gas is formulated differently for
others. State laws, and temperatures affect this. The Shell stations here
have no alcohol at present, most are at 10%. GA allows 10% to be added at a
distribution point. I once got a load of 30% on I-95 in GA and had some real
problems with it. Doing a water separation test can determine exact amount.
The alcohol causing some parts to swell will be a problem as the percentage
increases.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com> wrote:
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:55 AM
Dennis,
Are they putting Ethanol in all levels of gas at the same percent? I run
premium in my bikes and I'm wondering if I'll have this problem.
Dennis Gallagher
Seattle
'85 & '86 CB700SC
-----Original Message-----
From: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
[mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem.
The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340
mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a
starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way
(none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel
now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The
swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for
a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel
line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the
fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it
open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap.
Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from
your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now,
when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group
member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the
L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank
filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating
about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5
mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as
I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:55 PM
So..is this the formula?
6th gear..for people so scrawny that they get sand kicked in their face...even when at the kiddy pool
5th Gear...for people just large enough to throw a shadow.
4th gear...for people who are average in size.
3rd gear...slightly smaller than the average Neanderthal.
2nd gear...the average Neanderthal.
1st gear...the guy that kicks the sand in everyone's face including the Neanderthal. People this size DO NOT ride a Nighthawk. They carry one.
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 6:16 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
Ya! third gear will let the engine turn over easier especially for smaller ppl and slower speed. If your really fast and strong and have some heft to ya, maybe second or first if your neaderthal.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:28 PM
Im not big, and It's FLAT for the most part around here. Lucky for me my starter went out in my shop. One advantage to being a fella is that you guys can push these bikes easier....3rd gear huh? I'll keep that in mind...then I'll nab some fella to push me...LOL
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 7:10 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
If the starter fails out on the road deep in the boonies, can't you just push start it. You know put it in something like third gear, push the bike along as fast as you can, jump on top and release the clutch, maybe going down hill to give added momentum? Works for me!!!??
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net> wrote:
From: Creative Residential Designs <finderskeep...@qwest.net>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 7:51 AM
When mine did that this summer it turned out that my starter was going out. You'd better check it before you ride anymore or you will get stuck somewhere...HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: "Joe '86 450" <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!"
<nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 04, 2008 9:25 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
> Hi All,
> As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
> group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
> Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. area
> with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
> speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
> completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
> miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
> I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
> aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
> first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
> problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
> station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
> at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank filled the
> night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
> it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
> couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
> to make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured one
> more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
> little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
> ( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
> So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
> the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
> some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
> down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
> new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
> wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
> switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5 mins. Another
> stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
> reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
> the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
> of minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and start
> to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
> coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
> pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
> about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
> sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
> and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
> am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
> the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
I wonder if there is a web-site that charts this stuff so a body traveling cross country could avoid the stuff as much as possible. It be neat if was incorporated with a GPS mapping application.
--- On Sat, 12/6/08, Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com> wrote:
From: Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Saturday, December 6, 2008, 12:04 AM
I can only speak of my area (NE PA) as gas is formulated differently for others. State laws, and temperatures affect this. The Shell stations here have no alcohol at present, most are at 10%. GA allows 10% to be added at a distribution point. I once got a load of 30% on I-95 in GA and had some real problems with it. Doing a water separation test can determine exact amount. The alcohol causing some parts to swell will be a problem as the percentage increases.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com> wrote:
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:55 AM
Dennis,
Are they putting Ethanol in all levels of gas at the same percent? I run premium in my bikes and I'm wondering if I'll have this problem.
-----Original Message-----
From: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com [mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the
L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank
filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating
about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5
mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as
I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----- I have recently discovered, with the help of the local newspaper, that BP Service Stations (not all) are carrying an additive to their gasoline called "Invigorate". It is a non ethanol additive. I was under the impression that 10% ethanol was required by federal law back last May 2007. Evidently it is a state requirement, not federal, because Florida has some BP station carrying this additive. I have searched on BP's web site for what the additive consists of, but found no information listed. The owners of the BP service station that I have purchased gas from, swear there is not any ethanol present in their gas (no stickers on pump). My mileage (one tank) seems to bear this out. Have anyone else noticed this change, in BP stations, in other states?
Gene adds:
It appears that BP gasoline - any grade - that has Invigorate - is non ethanol. The BP website says they started rolling it out in July '08 and it will be at all stations by July '09. Makes sense to sell their own gasoline and not someone else's ethanol. We have it here in Wiskyconsin, land of cheese, brats, and beer farts!
A new BP Visa card will get you 10% off your gasoline purchases (at BP) for 60 days, and 5% after that. (I'm pissed about the lower gas prices; I used to get a lot bigger discount! ;~)
----- Original Message ----- From: Mark Hasslinger To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Saturday, December 06, 2008 1:49 AM Subject: SPAM: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
I wonder if there is a web-site that charts this stuff so a body traveling cross country could avoid the stuff as much as possible. It be neat if was incorporated with a GPS mapping application.
--- On Sat, 12/6/08, Dennis Hammerl <blues...@yahoo.com> wrote
Back in the early '80s Fords were having problems with alcohol eating up the styrofoam floats in their carbs when the outer plastic shell developed a leak. Of course, the engine then wouldn't run because it was getting raw gas from the overflowing float chamber.
Stanley
________________________________
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Sent: Saturday, December 6, 2008 12:40:27 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
Dennis,
Yes, it must vary from state to state. I'm in Seattle and I use a Shell station and I saw a sign on a pump there that said, "May contain up to 10% Ethanol" but it wasn't clear if the sign referred to all grades of gasoline or just to the regular - which it was posted next to.
-----Original Message-----
From: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com [mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 05 December, 2008 22:04
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
I can only speak of my area (NE PA) as gas is formulated differently for others. State laws, and temperatures affect this. The Shell stations here have no alcohol at present, most are at 10%. GA allows 10% to be added at a distribution point. I once got a load of 30% on I-95 in GA and had some real problems with it. Doing a water separation test can determine exact amount. The alcohol causing some parts to swell will be a problem as the percentage increases.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com> wrote:
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:55 AM
Dennis,
Are they putting Ethanol in all levels of gas at the same percent? I run premium in my bikes and I'm wondering if I'll have this problem.
Dennis Gallagher
Seattle
'85 & '86 CB700SC
-----Original Message-----
From: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com [mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be
seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,
As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawk
group, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,named
Jenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the
L.A. area
with a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because the
speedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped working
completely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300
miles on the bike, and things have been going well.
I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tires
aren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk into
first is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a new
problem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gas
station (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stalls
at about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank
filled the
night before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turn
it on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent a
couple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tank
to make sure I wasn't hallucinating
about the full tank. I figured one
more try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with a
little sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work
( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)
So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feel
the bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinking
some sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.
down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being a
new rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but that
wears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,
switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5
mins. Another
stall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been on
reserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, opening
the tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last couple
of minutes home. The last clue comes as
I shut the bike off and start
to back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and its
coming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as the
pressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only been
about 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is some
sort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gas
and then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge but
am new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for taking
the time to read this far and for any help you can offer.
MessageThat goes back to what I was saying in a past post that the best gas is Shell or Texaco.
By the way...I just used some Lucas treatment in the gas for my "new" 88' Cadillac Sedan Deville. I was impressed with the performance. Has anyone here used it in their bike?
I also see that Lucas oil is suggested for bikes. The claim is that replacing part of regular oil with Lucas extend your oil performance (they say double it). Has anyone here had any experience with Lucas oil?
HotrodMamma
----- Original Message ----- From: Dennis Hammerl To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com Sent: Friday, December 05, 2008 11:04 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
I can only speak of my area (NE PA) as gas is formulated differently for others. State laws, and temperatures affect this. The Shell stations here have no alcohol at present, most are at 10%. GA allows 10% to be added at a distribution point. I once got a load of 30% on I-95 in GA and had some real problems with it. Doing a water separation test can determine exact amount. The alcohol causing some parts to swell will be a problem as the percentage increases.
--- On Fri, 12/5/08, Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com> wrote:
From: Dennis <den...@samadhisoft.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Date: Friday, December 5, 2008, 12:55 AM
Dennis,
Are they putting Ethanol in all levels of gas at the same percent? I run premium in my bikes and I'm wondering if I'll have this problem.
Dennis Gallagher
Seattle
'85 & '86 CB700SC
-----Original Message-----
From: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com [mailto:nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com] On Behalf Of Dennis Hammerl
Sent: 04 December, 2008 21:43
To: nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
What wonderful troubleshooting you do! You've diagnosed your own problem. The gas cap is not venting properly. I saw this Tuesday on a Honda GX340 mounted on a septic tank cleaning truck (crapper) The air lock causes a starvation after a few minutes. I replaced the cap and sent it on its way (none too soon, phew) The cause seems to be the increased alcohol in fuel now. It's causing a swelling of the gasket that seals it to the tank. The swelling closes off the small vent. Replace the cap or... One cure I had for a bike that I couldn't get a cap for was to put a "tee" fitting in the fuel line and run a translucent hose (gas resistant) under the tank and up to the fork nut. That put it above the fuel level and supplied a vent. Leave it open at the end or cap it, just remember to drill a small hole in the cap. Being translucent, it makes a gas gauge too. (Hey Kyle, remember that from your X6 ? The gas gauge on the left side of the tank) I suspect I'll be seeing this more often in the near future as the E level increases. For now, when you feel it going down, open the cap for a second or two.
--- On Thu, 12/4/08, Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com> wrote:
From: Joe '86 450 <mclaughlin....@gmail.com>
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] New nighthawk owner, new rider, new group member, new stalling/fuel problem? -- new new new
To: "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" <nighthawk_lovers@googlegroups.com>
Date: Thursday, December 4, 2008, 11:25 PM
Hi All,As the message header indicates I'm a recent addition to the nighthawkgroup, new to nighthawks and new to riding. I own a 1986 450,namedJenny by the previous owner, that I picked up here in the L.A. areawith a questionable 18k on the odometer. Questionable only because thespeedo was swinging like mad on the test ride and stopped workingcompletely a week or so after I bought it. I now have about 200 - 300miles on the bike, and things have been going well.I've learned quite a bit since I've been lurking here ( the tiresaren't quite as new as the previous owner stated, that clunk intofirst is somewhat normal, battery care etc) but I've come across a newproblem. I set off to work this morning with a detour to the gasstation (1.5 miles tops) to top off my front tire when the bike stallsat about 40 mph. Feels just like I ran out of gas (tank
filled thenight before). I checked the petcock thinking I had forgotten to turnit on but it was good. I switched to reserve, no dice. I spent acouple minutes rolling off the busy street,parking etc, opened my tankto make sure I wasn't hallucinating about the full tank. I figured onemore try before the walk of shame home, and the bike fired up with alittle sputtering and then proceeded to run fine all the way to work( ~20 miles @ 35 mph)So, onto the ride home. About 20 min. into the ride at ~40 mph I feelthe bike start to stumble, I reach down and switch to reserve thinkingsome sort of blockage on the intake, and it clears up. Another 10 min.down the road a big stumble and several stalls from a stop ( being anew rider I assume with my fingers crossed that it is me but thatwears thin with the third stall). Repeated starts and stalls,switching to reserve and then it clears up for another 5
mins. Anotherstall and this one lasts about 5 ~ 7 minutes, the bike has been onreserve since the last stall. Playing with the petcock again, openingthe tank and resting and the bike fires up and I ride the last coupleof minutes home. The last clue comes as I shut the bike off and startto back it into the garage-- I hear a faint hissing sound and itscoming from the gas cap. I open the tank and there is a hiss as thepressure equalizes(in or out I don't know). Mind you its only beenabout 3/4 to a mile since I last opened the tank. So, my guess is somesort of fuel system blockage/slowdown that starves the bike for gasand then manages to clear up. I have decent car repair knowledge butam new to bikes and am hoping for a few pointers. Thanks for takingthe time to read this far and for any help you can offer.Joe in Altadena
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