Bad gas???

[BEADELDOG]

Know, I don't personally have bad gas, but I am thinking my bike does. I took it into Clinton cycles for several problems, I have not put that many miles on the bike since I have gotten it back. I rode it from Lusby to Prince Frederick and then to Solomons. Bike ran great; I stopped at the Fastop (I know first mistake) in Solomons and then rode it on the island. When I got down to the Island, I shut the bike off for a few minutes and when I went to start it, it didn't want to. I finally got it started but it kept back firing and cutting off on me. I managed to get it home, where it has been sitting. Before I load the bike up and take it back to Clinton cycles, becuase the last time I took it, this happened to me, should I try draining the gas?? I tried putting that Stabilizer (sp) stuff in it, but that didn't help.

How would I drain the gas? As you can tell this is keeping me up at night, so any advise would be appreciated

 

[_MightyMouse_]

Siphon the gas out w/ a hose. It could be some bad gas or that it's been sitting all winter and moisture has built up. I'd just top it off with some fresh premium fuel and be on your way. If this doesn't help, I'd have CC check your fuel injectors.

 

[desertrat]

Know, I don't personally have bad gas, but I am thinking my bike does. I took it into Clinton cycles for several problems, I have not put that many miles on the bike since I have gotten it back. I rode it from Lusby to Prince Frederick and then to Solomons. Bike ran great; I stopped at the Fastop (I know first mistake) in Solomons and then rode it on the island. When I got down to the Island, I shut the bike off for a few minutes and when I went to start it, it didn't want to. I finally got it started but it kept back firing and cutting off on me. I managed to get it home, where it has been sitting. Before I load the bike up and take it back to Clinton cycles, becuase the last time I took it, this happened to me, should I try draining the gas?? I tried putting that Stabilizer (sp) stuff in it, but that didn't help.

How would I drain the gas? As you can tell this is keeping me up at night, so any advise would be appreciated

Pull the hose off where it comes out of the reserve/ off valve and drain it in the reserve position into a container. Not very likely you got bad gas though. Did you look at the plugs?

 

[BEADELDOG]

Pull the hose off where it comes out of the reserve/ off valve and drain it in the reserve position into a container. Not very likely you got bad gas though. Did you look at the plugs?

Guess I will try the draining the gas first. I know where the plugs are; I could probably get them out, but would have know idea what to do from there. CC supposedly replaced them when they had the bike. It was running great until I got gas that is why I thought it might be related.

I just spent $1,300.00 in the bike, so I hate to ask this question, but does any one know of any local shops? The bike is a Triumph, so I know some Harley shops won’t touch it. Wish my dad was still around, he could fix anything.

 

[Dukesdad]

Guess I will try the draining the gas first. I know where the plugs are; I could probably get them out, but would have know idea what to do from there. CC supposedly replaced them when they had the bike. It was running great until I got gas that is why I thought it might be related.

I just spent $1,300.00 in the bike, so I hate to ask this question, but does any one know of any local shops? The bike is a Triumph, so I know some Harley shops won’t touch it. Wish my dad was still around, he could fix anything.

How old is it? If it has carbs be sure to drain them also. There should be a screw on the bottom of each.

 

[BEADELDOG]

How old is it? If it has carbs be sure to drain them also. There should be a screw on the bottom of each.

The bike is a 1999. The problem is, I am scared to tinker with the bike. I change my own oil, brakes.... on the truck, but the bike; yikes!!!

 

[CheriAnn]

This is a long shot, but I used to have an older Suzuki Intruder that started doing that to me. It would backfire and sputter and even stall while I was riding!!! I felt sure it HAD to be the gas or something wrong with the fuel lines. A buddy of mine suggested checking the connection on the battery. Sure enough, it needed a little tightening and then it ran fine. Maybe since they just did work on your bike, the connection wasn't real tight and vibrated a little loose when you rode it around.

 

[itsbob]

The bike is a 1999. The problem is, I am scared to tinker with the bike. I change my own oil, brakes.... on the truck, but the bike; yikes!!!

I was thinking it was a throttle cable that is misaligned or 'out of the channel'

If you can see the throttle body controls, follow the cable back to the throttle, make sure it's where it's supposed to be.. check the adjustment screws on the cable to ensure they are tight, and one of the cables didn't just slip out of adjustment.


With the bike off, twist the throttle and make sure the TB fuel controls move at the same time..

It may be the fuel, and removing the tank and draining it should be an easy issue. But it sounds like out of balance (WAY) throttle bodies/ carbs

 

[nachomama]

And yet everytime i see this thread, I think it's Geek's life story or something.

 

[itsbob]

The bike is a 1999. The problem is, I am scared to tinker with the bike. I change my own oil, brakes.... on the truck, but the bike; yikes!!!

And NOTHING to be scared of.

You should do your own work, the $1300 service would have run you MAYBE $200 if you did yourself.. Especially on a Triumph.

I don't know, does Clinton Cylcles sell and service Triumphs?

Do a google search online for Triumph Service, and I'm sure you'll be able to find ALL kind of tutorials on how to do it..

 

[BEADELDOG]

I was thinking it was a throttle cable that is misaligned or 'out of the channel'

If you can see the throttle body controls, follow the cable back to the throttle, make sure it's where it's supposed to be.. check the adjustment screws on the cable to ensure they are tight, and one of the cables didn't just slip out of adjustment.


With the bike off, twist the throttle and make sure the TB fuel controls move at the same time..

It may be the fuel, and removing the tank and draining it should be an easy issue. But it sounds like out of balance (WAY) throttle bodies/ carbs

I will have to check that tonight. The bike will stay running, if I leave the choke on. I let it run for a long time last night with the choke on, I turned the choke off and the bike ran for a few minutes, and then cut out. If I turn the throttle, it will just cut off. I just dread the thoughts of having to take it for service. I have trouble loading the bike up by myself, but I am starting to think that I am going to have to

 

[sanchezf]

This is a long shot, but I used to have an older Suzuki Intruder that started doing that to me. It would backfire and sputter and even stall while I was riding!!! I felt sure it HAD to be the gas or something wrong with the fuel lines. A buddy of mine suggested checking the connection on the battery. Sure enough, it needed a little tightening and then it ran fine. Maybe since they just did work on your bike, the connection wasn't real tight and vibrated a little loose when you rode it around.

Same exact thing happened to us, check your connection first...

 

[BEADELDOG]

And NOTHING to be scared of.

You should do your own work, the $1300 service would have run you MAYBE $200 if you did yourself.. Especially on a Triumph.

I don't know, does Clinton Cylcles sell and service Triumphs?

Do a google search online for Triumph Service, and I'm sure you'll be able to find ALL kind of tutorials on how to do it..

I guess I was spoiled, I always had someone living with me that took care of all of my bike problems, but he is gone, and I still love to ride, so....

Clinton Cycles does sell and service Triumphs, and I think they are the only shop that does in this area. I tried calling several small out of their garage kind of places around here, but never got a call back.

 

[Go G-Men]

Know, I don't personally have bad gas, but I am thinking my bike does. I took it into Clinton cycles for several problems, I have not put that many miles on the bike since I have gotten it back. I rode it from Lusby to Prince Frederick and then to Solomons. Bike ran great; I stopped at the Fastop (I know first mistake) in Solomons and then rode it on the island. When I got down to the Island, I shut the bike off for a few minutes and when I went to start it, it didn't want to. I finally got it started but it kept back firing and cutting off on me. I managed to get it home, where it has been sitting. Before I load the bike up and take it back to Clinton cycles, becuase the last time I took it, this happened to me, should I try draining the gas?? I tried putting that Stabilizer (sp) stuff in it, but that didn't help.

How would I drain the gas? As you can tell this is keeping me up at night, so any advise would be appreciated

Just out of curiosity what was the issue that got the bike to Clinton Cycles in the first place? Did they do any Fuel system work? Electrical work? How long did the bike sit after you picked it up from Clinton?

 

[GWguy]

Not specifically related to this issue, but CNN had this article on fuel:

Can gas really go bad? - CNN.com

 

[itsbob]

I will have to check that tonight. The bike will stay running, if I leave the choke on. I let it run for a long time last night with the choke on, I turned the choke off and the bike ran for a few minutes, and then cut out. If I turn the throttle, it will just cut off. I just dread the thoughts of having to take it for service. I have trouble loading the bike up by myself, but I am starting to think that I am going to have to

I'm not a betting man, but if I was I'd bet on a loose throttle cable. Get a Clymers manual for your bike.. wrenchin on the bike is half the fun!!

Where are you at?

I know Clinton's is a haul.. after I asked the question I realized I've been there.

 

[itsbob]

and what model Triumph?

 

[itsbob]

IF it is the gas (still a possibility) you'll want to replace the fuel filter too.. if the fuel was nasty enough to cause those problems it probably gummed up your filter pretty good.

The only advice I got from the 'group': "First mistake was taking it to Clinton's Cycles"

 

[Nanny Pam]

And yet everytime i see this thread, I think it's Geek's life story or something.

me too.

 

[BEADELDOG]

Just out of curiosity what was the issue that got the bike to Clinton Cycles in the first place? Did they do any Fuel system work? Electrical work? How long did the bike sit after you picked it up from Clinton?

The reason I took it in was for a fuel leak. I took it out for a ride the same week that I picked it up. I had the horn replaced, blinker light put back on, and I had them check the brakes.