TT250 petcock blockage

[rojo_grande]

No issue that can't be resolved quickly.

Last two rides on the TT, I've gotten about a mile or so away from the house and the bike sputters and dies. Crank, Crank, Crank, no start. Flip on the choke, Crank, Crank, Crank, no start. Flip to reserve, Crank, Crank, Vroom!

First time I was relatively low on fuel and proceeded to the nearest gas station. Got back to the regular position on the petcock with no problems, 12 miles or so. Second time was today on the way to work with a nearly full tank, in traffic with no place to pull off.:tdown:

Must be something blocking the screen on the main pick up tube. When I fueled up after the first time the tank filling must have temporarily removed whatever floaty I've got in the tank.

Guess I have an evening project now.

Rojo

[2LZ]

....and like an in-tank fuel pump, it only happens after it's full.
Keep us posted.

[kohburn]

could maybe be vacuum locking the gas tank if the vent line is blocked.

[rojo_grande]

could maybe be vacuum locking the gas tank if the vent line is blocked.

True. I'll check that as well. However, if the vent were blocked it shouldn't run in the on position or reserve.

Rojo

[Ariel Red Hunter]

True. I'll check that as well. However, if the vent were blocked it shouldn't run in the on position or reserve.

RojoI agree, Rojo. Perhaps some gork floating around in the tank is plugging the petcock sleeve filter.

[turanic5038]

Its funny that you posted this because i'm having the exact opposite problem since my petcock isn't closing.... found this out when I was taking the tank off and got hit with a surprise gas shower

[2LZ]

I wouldn't doubt there may be a gunk problem. I've had to rinse out all of my CB tanks, with the exception of Q....but if that's the case, it would probably clog reserve first unless it's floating gunk. Rojo, have you shined a flashlight down in there yet looking for "flotsam and jetsam"????

So far, so good on Mrs. 2LZ TT250. I think I'll take a look though.

[Ariel Red Hunter]

I wouldn't doubt there may be a gunk problem. I've had to rinse out all of my CB tanks, with the exception of Q....but if that's the case, it would probably clog reserve first unless it's floating gunk. Rojo, have you shined a flashlight down in there yet looking for "flotsam and jetsam"????

So far, so good on Mrs. 2LZ TT250. I think I'll take a look though.Maybe he used a match to illuminate the tank ~ and that's why we haven't heard from him for a couple of days. Just kidding, Rojo. I know that you are too smart to use an open flame to look inside a gas tank.

[rojo_grande]

I wouldn't doubt there may be a gunk problem. I've had to rinse out all of my CB tanks, with the exception of Q....but if that's the case, it would probably clog reserve first unless it's floating gunk. Rojo, have you shined a flashlight down in there yet looking for "flotsam and jetsam"????

So far, so good on Mrs. 2LZ TT250. I think I'll take a look though.

Haven't had chance to address the problem yet. Haven't suck a flashlight (or match :hehe:) in the tank to look for floaties. Been buried at work.
Rode the TT to work again today on reserve with no issues. Will be out of pocket traveling (not by motorcycle) next week so it may be a while before I can investigate and correct.

Rojo

[rojo_grande]

A bit of an update, sort of...

Was able to finally get some time to look at the petcock. Couldn't see anything with a flashlight. Couldn't find a match or lighter :lmao: Pulled the tank off and drained via the petcock on the regular position. Hmmm. If I had a blockage, shouldn't the flow be restricted? Flipped to reserve. No change in flow. Flipped back to regular and drained the remaining fuel. About 2 gallons. Pulled the bowl off the bottom of the petcock. No debris.

While I had the tank off, I checked and adjusted the valves (1,500 mile estimated between kilo-miles and real miles) and bled the front brake that was getting soft.

Also installed some additional lighting on the TT.

Got it all put back together. Refilled with gas from a different can. Cranked it up with the petcock in the regular position, did a few laps around the neighborhood, idled for a few minutes. No issues, chocking, gagging, or stalls. So, whatever was causing the issue has been dislodged, dissolved, or otherwise disappeared. We'll see if the hiccup returns.

Installed some lighting on the RX-3 as well.

Rojo

[2LZ]

Man....don't you hate problems that fix themselves? ;-)
Nice lighting! Look like the same ones I have on the Rhino. Super bright.

[Ghaniba]

Don't worry, the problem resolved itself ONLY AFTER you put effort and time into it. Couldn't possibly have just left on it's own prior.... :D If it's got t*ts or tires it's going to be a problem.

Dave aka Ghan