Author Topic: Two Problems... (Read 2726 times)

count_zero · « **on:** June 09, 2007, 07:29:45 AM »

Hi all
I've recently acquired a Bandit S600 and am having great fun with it. I've even been brave enough to test my long-dormant mechanical skills as I'm planning on taking her to France, along with the girlfriend. And this is where my problems start...

When I checked the air filter it looked (and smelt) as though there's been fuel coming back into the airbox. Now, I've not really noticed any performance issues, and can't quite figure out why this would be happening. Am I just being paranoid??!

The subject of performance brings me to my other problem. During the service I took the plugs out. Now, there was a bit of crud around the plug covers at the top of the engine which (I think) I managed not to dislodge into the cylinder. When I was putting the tank back on it sounded a bit silty and rattly, but I thought nothing of it. Now I'm noticing what feels like fuel starvation at times, and once it's even stalled while I was waiting at traffic lights. When I open up, the engine responds normally after a brief splutter. As far as I can see there are two possibilities here. I've either got crud into the cylinder (which scares me!) or I've got debris in the carbs (which doesn't). Can anyone tell me if I'm likely to get this kind of response after dropping crud into the cylinder, or is this a carb/fuel tank problem?

Sorry it's a bit long-winded :

okbandit · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2007, 11:48:39 PM »

If your junked up the cylinder, the likely result would be smoking out the tail pipe from a loss of ring seal or maybe a valve problem. You are probably OK on that one. I would clean the carbs and tank and hope for the best. You'r dirty filter could be the cause of the sputter and idle issue as well. Sometimes bandits get left on prime or the petcock malfunctions and the engine will flood with gas when combined with a leaking needle and seat in the carb. The flood reaches the filter and you get what you are seeing. The previous owner might have left that for you to replace. If the flood is hapening to you you will notice the oil level is over full from the gas getting in the crankcase. I would check that immediatly.

count_zero · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2007, 11:12:10 AM »

Thanks for the swift reply, and sorry I've taken so long to get back to you. I've just got back from a few days of bombing around France!!

It seems that my cylinders are ok, at least so far...

As for the air filter issue, I'm still getting petrol coming back into the air box (has anyone noticed how the petrol in France smells different to British fuel?). Unfortunately I haven't had a chance to do anything about it, but I'm fairly sure that the oil level has been fine all along. I'm going to have a look at it tomorrow when I price up some bits for a little freshen up (new chain and sprockets). Just a thought though, if the petcock was malfunctioning, would the fuel tank not leak when I take it off? I haven't had a problem with that at all. Also, any idea how hard and/or time-consuming it is to take off the carbs, and do I need anything special such as a vacuum gauge?

Thanks!

count_zero · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2007, 11:43:04 AM »

Quick update: I've just got back from Tesco and had a look at the oil window. There isn't any more fluid in there than before, so I would assume it's all oil. Also it doesn't smell much of petrol.

okbandit · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2007, 08:24:20 PM »

No special tools required. You will need a carb synchronizer at some point, but you can always have that done later. If the petcock is behaving it is probably a sticky float needle and a cleanup on the carbs will fix it.