idling problem....

[doqq]

well, I recently put in a new cdi, which i bought from ebay.  Had the carbs cleaned before that.  started it up, it'll idle for a while or wont even start at all. But when its idling good and i try to take the choke off, it just dies again.  I've check the sparks on all four cylinders and they're all good.  The thing is, the spark plugs are wet  with some carbon deposits on it.  does this mean that its running too lean or rich?  I need some help.  This bikes been giving me hell for the past couple of months. I dont know too much about carbs and this is where im thinking my problems lies.  any suggestions ?

[Red01]

If the plugs are wet with fuel, you're rich... but then with the choke on, that should be expected. If they're wet with oil, or water/anti-freeze, you have bigger problems than jetting.

I assume you run with the choke on until it's warmed up and then it dies when you take it off, right?

Are you getting any blue, black or white smoke while it's running?

[doqq]

yes I take the choke off after i let it idle for a minute or two.  but i do see a little tiny bit of white smoke around the engine.  is that a bad sign?  Im just thinkin its just burning the gas or oil i spilled on the headers and engine.

[interfuse]

Did the bike run after you had the carb cleaned? Have you tried adjusting your idle speed?

[doqq]

yes, ive adjusted the idle speed.  anything lower than 3000 and it dies.......

[doqq]

yes, ive adjusted the idle speed.  anything lower than 3000 and it dies.......so is this a carb problem?  do i need to have it resynchronized?  or just put in new jets.?

[gsxr400 racer]

clean the carbs again, and again, again, again the joys of these bikes if anyone is not running a inline filter no mater how clean your tank looks you are shooting your self in the foot , hows it feel!

[interfuse]

Sounds like a clogged pilot jet...  Run the bike for a bit and touch each of the headers see if one feels colder then the others.

[interfuse]

clean the carbs again, and again, again, again the joys of these bikes if anyone is not running a inline filter no mater how clean your tank looks you are shooting your self in the foot , hows it feel!

Getting the tank lined will help too... those tanks are notorious for rusting.

[doqq]

where can i get one of those inline filters?  Oh and yeah, the cylinder to the far right side is coldest, but still warm. when i had it idling for a bit.  any other suggestions?  yeah i recently emptied my tank and put in fresh fuel in it.  it helped it started for a bit but it still wont hold the idle like ive been sayin.

[Red01]

A minute or two may not be enough for a water-cooled bike to warm up and run choke-free, especially if te air temp is cold. Even my air-oil cooled B12 likes to warm up longer than 1-2 minutes in the winter or it'll stumble.

Generally speaking, white smoke is water. A little on start-up and warm-up is normal due to condensation in the exhaust burning off. If it's continues, it's a sign of water getting into the combustion chamber.

[pmackie]

Are you able to ride the bike? Does it run normally at higher revs and your problem is just at starting and idle?

Who cleaned the carbs? Is there a chance the idle air screws were adjusted?

I'm not familiar with the 400, but check some simple things first.
Fuel lines to the carbs not pinched
Vaccum lines all installed, not pinched, no tears
Tank vent lines all in place not pinched
manifold & carb mount bolts all in place and tight. No visable problems with gaskets
Clean air filter and air box

[doqq]

what size fuel filter should i buy?  or what size is the fuel line?

[Kenyan01]

I need a link to a site from which I can buy one such filter for the Bandit too!
Or can I use any small size inline filter for any car or motorcycle?
Patrick.

[gsxr400 racer]

Or can I use any small size inline filter for any car or motorcycle?
Patrick.

Yes