There is generally a little standpipe that exends from the valve into the tank. That is what actually gives you a "reserve". Some people (like the guy that owned my bike before me) pull those out so that "on" and "reserve" are the same ammount of fuel, and you wouldn't have to turn the valve while riding. Also, when I got my bike, the diaphram and spring inside the valve were backwards (someone forgot to read the book) so in reserve and on there was no fuel flowing, but in off the bike ran fine. I would take it all apart and either with the shop manual or a large print out from bikebandit.com carefully put it together. I did it without replacing any parts, but I probably should have since the diaphram was having vacuum applied in the wrong direction for who knows how long.
On my CM400 (that has a proper on, off and reserve), if I flip it when it starts to sputter, I have enough time to reach down, burn my hand, find the carb, swerve from in front of a truck, find the valve, say OH %^$&, switch the valve, save the motor from dying, then accelerate triumphantly away from the soccer mom who didn't check her blind spot...yes that is me almost dying twice in less than 10 seconds...so I'd estimate about 5-10 seconds. Also, Im not sure but my bike seems to have a small "unusable fuel" capacity. I think it is there basically to prevent sludge from getting sucked into the carbs since most bikes don't have that same fuel filter you have. Hopefully Graham or Kim or Paul can answer with a little more certainty. -"E" On Apr 9, 4:34 pm, Icarus <[email protected]> wrote: > So, my fuel reserve doesn't work (it hasn't since I got the bike). I > have a question for those of you who have experienced the sheer joy of > it working properly. When you are riding along, lets say 60 mph, and > you have done 125 miles or so, and you suddenly start to lose power. > How long does it take from the time you flip it to reserve to the time > the engine gets the fuel and starts pulling? > > For me, the above never happens, I just roll to a stop and it won't > start. It has happened twice. I cleaned out and tested the petcock > after the first time it happened. It seemed to clear it out and it was > flowing strong when I applied a vacuum. The second time I ran out was > later that day when I was trying it out. Luckily, I brought some spare > gas with me. > > I have a small filter just after the petcock, (about 1 fl. oz. > internal volume) I really don't think it's the problem because the > float bowls hold at least 3 or 4 oz. so the filter is only adding an > extra 20-25% to the "post-valve" fuel capacity. > > On both occasions when I ran out on the main supply, I checked the > tank and there was at least a half gallon left, so I know it's not > simply using all the gas. > > Any Ideas...? > Thanks. > > PS, > I'm posting 3 pics of my bike on the "Files" page. (Can't figure out > how to put them in my post) > I know Kim wanted to see it... see "Anew member and his story" -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
