Another Question - Fuel petcock

[sherwinb]

 I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
 
I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?

 
Does the reserve position require suction  too?
 
is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect
diaphram?
 
(Oh the things we do to keep em running)
 
Sherwin

[bstig60]

See Below..............


Bill
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Sherwin Berger
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
  Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


   

   I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??

  I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?  
  Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the fuel flow.
  Does the reserve position require suction  too?

  is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect diaphram?

  (Oh the things we do to keep em running)

  Sherwin

 

[Peter Majors]

1984 Virago 700

Hey Guys,

Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.

As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow 
flooding the carbs and cylinder.

Planning on testing the3 following:

Float hight
Fuel flow
Spark ignition

Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?

Thanks for your help

Pete








________________________________
From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
To: ViragoTech@...
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


 
See Below..............
 
 
Bill
----- Original Message -----

>From: Sherwin Berger
>To: ViragoTech@...
>Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23  AM
>Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question -  Fuel petcock
>
> 
> I also  suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
> 
>I know that the  regular running position requires suction from the carb? 
>Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES  positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't  fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and   you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't  know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports,  then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower  type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off  the fuel flow.
>Does the  reserve position require suction  too?
> 
>is the prime position  the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect  diaphram?
> 
>(Oh the things we do to  keep em running)
> 
>Sherwin

 

[mdwestlund]

I had a virago with the same condition. I caught mine flooding. then oil contaminated with fuel. look at changing out the ped cock. and for some insurance check the float adjustment. and carbs may need overhaul. Hopefully you didn't ruin the oil wrings. because if you smell heavy gas or fuel smell you are passing oil with the white smoke.
 



To: ViragoTech@...
From: pjmfiles@...
Date: Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:41:46 -0700
Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


 





1984 Virago 700


Hey Guys,


Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.


As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
flooding the carbs and cylinder.


Planning on testing the3 following:


Float hight
Fuel flow
Spark ignition


Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?


Thanks for your help


Pete

















From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
To: ViragoTech@...
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


 


See Below..............
 
 
Bill

----- Original Message -----
From: Sherwin Berger
To: ViragoTech@...
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock

 


 I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
 
I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?  
Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the fuel flow.
Does the reserve position require suction  too?
 
is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect diaphram?
 
(Oh the things we do to keep em running)
 
Sherwin






     

[Doyle-15]

Pete I remember Bill or someone said on VT that the fuel petcock would sometime click because of the vacuum from the pistons. I know that the spring that works with the petcock valve is very small and weak so I can see why it could be made to flutter and make noise. Light blue smoke could be oil smoke, gas is black smoke. You could have overflowed the carbs and gotten gas in the oil and thinned out the oil. Not good. I have had this happen on my 1985 XV700 a couple of times. I always caught it and never rode it that way. You might take a small piece of hose and put it on the side of the petcock where the diaphram is and pull a vacuum on it and see if it holds. If it doesn't then the diaphram is most likely leaking. It's pretty simple to take apart. Alot of the petcock rebuild kits don't have the diaphram side in the kits for the petcock, make sure if you order a kit it has all parts included. I waited about 7 months to get a new petcock from the dealers, paid for up front. I rebuilt my old one before I got the new one. I have seen on line somewhere that you can buy and old style petcock that actually has the off postion on them that. Good luck  

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Peter Majors
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 12:41 PM
  Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


   

  1984 Virago 700


  Hey Guys,


  Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
  Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.


  As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
  flooding the carbs and cylinder.


  Planning on testing the3 following:


  Float hight
  Fuel flow
  Spark ignition


  Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?


  Thanks for your help


  Pete















------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
  Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


   
  See Below..............


  Bill
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Sherwin Berger
    To: ViragoTech@...
    Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
    Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


     
     I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??

    I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?  
    Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the fuel flow.
    Does the reserve position require suction  too?

    is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect diaphram?

    (Oh the things we do to keep em running)

    Sherwin




 

[Peter Majors]

1984 Virago 700



Hi Guys,

Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.

As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow 
flooding the carbs and cylinder.

Planning on testing the3 following:

Float hight
Fuel flow
Spark ignition

Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?

Thanks for your help

Pete








________________________________
From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
To: ViragoTech@...
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


 
See Below..............
 
 
Bill
----- Original Message -----

>From: Sherwin Berger
>To: ViragoTech@...
>Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23  AM
>Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question -  Fuel petcock
>
> 
> I also  suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
> 
>I know that the  regular running position requires suction from the carb? 
>Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES  positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't  fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and   you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't  know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports,  then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower  type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off  the fuel flow.
>Does the  reserve position require suction  too?
> 
>is the prime position  the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect  diaphram?
> 
>(Oh the things we do to  keep em running)
> 
>Sherwin

 

[Serdar Gürcan]

it seems, some water mixed in fuel.

Clear the spark, you may change the fuel.
Serdar
2011/7/14 Peter Majors <pjmfiles@...>

> **
>
>
>  1984 Virago 700
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed
> white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
> Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until
> recently.
>
> As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am
> wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
> flooding the carbs and cylinder.
>
> Planning on testing the3 following:
>
> Float hight
> Fuel flow
> Spark ignition
>
> Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Pete
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  ------------------------------
> *From:* Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
> *To:* ViragoTech@...
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock
>
>
>  See Below..............
>
>
> Bill
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Sherwin Berger <sberger@...>
> *To:* ViragoTech@...
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
> *Subject:* [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock
>
>
>   I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
>
> I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?
> Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions.
> The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in
> the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you
> could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about
> your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it
> probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type
> fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the
> fuel flow.
> Does the reserve position require suction  too?
>
> is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect
> diaphram?
>
> (Oh the things we do to keep em running)
>
> Sherwin
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>

[fernando-80]

Virago XV 1100 1993

The motorcycle starts always with a piston.
 If I withdraw the hood of the candlestick and the cable I bring it over to
the candlestick, the piston does not work. But if I withdraw the cable
approximately 1,5 ó 2 cms from the candlestick, the piston works.
 1.-I have changed the bobbins
 2.-I have checked the cables
 3.-I have checked the candlesticks
 4.-I have checked the cables IT CDI-WINDS

 Where is failure?

Thanks
*Sorry  by my english (google help)

=============================

Virago XV 1100 1993

La moto arranca siempre con un pistón.
Si retiro el capuchón de la bujía y el cable lo acerco a la bujía, el piston
no trabaja. Pero si retiro el cable unos 1,5 ó  2 cms de la bujía , el
pistón funciona.
1.- He cambiado las bobinas
2.- He verificado los cables
3.- He verificado las bujías
4.- He verificado los cables CDI-BOBINA

¿Dónde está el fallo?
 

[bstig60]

Some clicking from the petcock is normal since it is a vacuum operated device and has a diaphragm inside. I don't trust these things, so I put a lawn mower type fuel cut off valve between the petcock and the carbs so I can shut off the fuel when I am not riding the bike.
You might want to check your oil level, if it is above where it should be, check the crankcase for any sign of fuel smell. If you smell gas in the oil, change the oil and filter immediately.

Bill
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: Peter Majors
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Thursday, July 14, 2011 4:07 AM
  Subject: [ViragoTech] Smoke from exhaust


   

  1984 Virago 700



  Hi Guys,


  Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
  Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.


  As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
  flooding the carbs and cylinder.


  Planning on testing the3 following:


  Float hight
  Fuel flow
  Spark ignition


  Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?


  Thanks for your help


  Pete















------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
  Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


   
  See Below..............


  Bill
    ----- Original Message -----
    From: Sherwin Berger
    To: ViragoTech@...
    Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
    Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


     
     I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??

    I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?  
    Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the fuel flow.
    Does the reserve position require suction  too?

    is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect diaphram?

    (Oh the things we do to keep em running)

    Sherwin







 

[Rick in DFW area]

Folks, my interpretation is:Engine always starts, running on 1 cylIf the spark plug wire is held 1.5 - 2 cm from the spark plug, the cylinder then fires.He has replaced the ignition coils.He has checked the spark plug wires.He has checked the spark plugs.He has checked the low voltage wires to/from the CDI unit(?)
I would recommend replacing the spark plug if not done already.  A cracked ceramic may not be apparent.Check the resistor inside the spark plug wire cap.  Replace with same length piece of a nail.
Substituya las bujías. El de cerámica puede ser agrietado. Compruebe el resistor dentro del conectador de cable. Substitúyalo por un pedazo de un clavo.



To: ViragoTech@...
From: fblanco03@...
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 14:11:17 +0000
Subject: [ViragoTech] If I remove 2 cms the cable candlestick of the piston that does not work, it works


















 



 


   
     
     
     







Virago XV 1100 1993
 
The motorcycle starts always with a piston.
 If I withdraw the hood of the candlestick and the cable I bring it over to the candlestick, the piston does not work. But if I withdraw the cable approximately 1,5 ó 2 cms from the candlestick, the piston works.
 1.-I have changed the bobbins
 2.-I have checked the cables
 3.-I have checked the candlesticks
 4.-I have checked the cables IT CDI-WINDS
 
 Where is failure?
 
Thanks
*Sorry  by my english (google help)
 
=============================
 
Virago XV 1100 1993
 
La moto arranca siempre con un pistón.
Si retiro el capuchón de la bujía y el cable lo acerco a la bujía, el piston no trabaja. Pero si retiro el cable unos 1,5 ó  2 cms de la bujía , el pistón funciona.
1.- He cambiado las bobinas
2.- He verificado los cables
3.- He verificado las bujías
4.- He verificado los cables CDI-BOBINA
 
¿Dónde está el fallo?
 








   
     

   
   






       
 

[palmerjp]

The only time I has white smoke was when I blew a head gasket on a water cooled shadow. I would have to agree with water in fuel.
-----Original Message-----
From: Serdar Gürcan <fonfil@...>
Sender: ViragoTech@...
Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:10:57
To: <ViragoTech@...>
Reply-To: ViragoTech@...
Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Smoke from exhaust

it seems, some water mixed in fuel.

Clear the spark, you may change the fuel.
Serdar
2011/7/14 Peter Majors <pjmfiles@...>

> **
>
>
>  1984 Virago 700
>
> Hi Guys,
>
> Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed
> white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
> Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until
> recently.
>
> As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am
> wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
> flooding the carbs and cylinder.
>
> Planning on testing the3 following:
>
> Float hight
> Fuel flow
> Spark ignition
>
> Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?
>
> Thanks for your help
>
> Pete
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>  ------------------------------
> *From:* Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
> *To:* ViragoTech@...
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock
>
>
>  See Below..............
>
>
> Bill
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Sherwin Berger <sberger@...>
> *To:* ViragoTech@...
> *Sent:* Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
> *Subject:* [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock
>
>
>   I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??
>
> I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?
> Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions.
> The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in
> the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you
> could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about
> your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it
> probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type
> fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the
> fuel flow.
> Does the reserve position require suction  too?
>
> is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect
> diaphram?
>
> (Oh the things we do to keep em running)
>
> Sherwin
>
>
>
>
>
>  
>

[Doyle-15]

I don't know where you live but out here in Calif. most all gas, if not all, has ethanol in it. Ethanol being alcohol, it should absorb water from the gas and burn it. Gas will not absorb water, but the ethanol will,  and then the water/ethanol will mix with the gas and burn. All the cans of moisture remover people put in their gas tanks back east was nothing more than alcohol.  

  ----- Original Message -----
  From: palmerjp@...
  To: ViragoTech@...
  Sent: Tuesday, July 19, 2011 7:23 PM
  Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Smoke from exhaust


   
  The only time I has white smoke was when I blew a head gasket on a water cooled shadow. I would have to agree with water in fuel.


------------------------------------------------------------------------------

  From: Serdar Gürcan <fonfil@...>
  Sender: ViragoTech@...
  Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:10:57 +0300
  To: <ViragoTech@...>
  ReplyTo: ViragoTech@...
  Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Smoke from exhaust


   

  it seems, some water mixed in fuel.

  Clear the spark, you may change the fuel.

  Serdar

  2011/7/14 Peter Majors <pjmfiles@...>

     

    1984 Virago 700



    Hi Guys,


    Recently after a long ride I have started getting a backfire and noticed white smoke coming out of the exhaust.
    Both Carbs have been rebuilt and all was running exceptionally well until recently.


    As I have been hearing a clicking sound from the Fuel petcock, I am wondering if I may have an issue with fuel flow
    flooding the carbs and cylinder.


    Planning on testing the3 following:


    Float hight
    Fuel flow
    Spark ignition


    Any other suggestion OR has anyone experienced a similar issue?


    Thanks for your help


    Pete















----------------------------------------------------------------------------
    From: Bill's Personal <bill.stigall@...>
    To: ViragoTech@...
    Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 2:37 PM
    Subject: Re: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


     
    See Below..............


    Bill
      ----- Original Message -----
      From: Sherwin Berger
      To: ViragoTech@...
      Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2011 11:23 AM
      Subject: [ViragoTech] Another Question - Fuel petcock


       
       I also suspect a problem with the diaphram in the petcock??

      I know that the regular running position requires suction from the carb?  
      Yes, it does require vacuum from the carb in both the ON and RES positions. The PRI position is for use ONLY to Prime the carbs if there isn't fuel in the bowl. Left in the PRI position fuel will flow all the time and  you could flood the cylinders with fuel with the stock carbs. I don't know about your single manifold carb. If it's lower than the intake ports, then it probably wouldn't flood. That being the case, I put a small lawn mower type fuel shut off valve between the petcock and the carb so I can shut off the fuel flow.
      Does the reserve position require suction  too?

      is the prime position the one that you use  if you have a bad or suspect diaphram?

      (Oh the things we do to keep em running)

      Sherwin