Engine/choke issues

[jeanied1]

Hi guys,

Wondering if you can diagnose what's causing the following issues with my Suzuki Marauder's engine/choke:

1. Engine only starts with choke - choke only needs to be half-open, starting engine from cold, otherwise it over revs
2. Even once warmed up, engine won't stay running unless the choke is on a little bit - conks out when idling at traffic lights if I try and take choke off completely (have tried giving the throttle a few revs in this situation but it doesn't help, engine just dies unless choke is slightly on)
3. Intermittent "popping" noise from engine when idling - not drastic but enough to make me wonder if it's ok: I've no idea if this is usual in motorcycle engines or not!

In my manual, there's a list of about 10 different things it might be, depending on exactly the combination of symptoms, so I honestly don't know where to start!!

For what it's worth, when I'm out and about the bike rides absolutely fine in every way - as long as the choke is on - but I'm worried this isn't good for the engine....

Any ideas...??

Jeanie

[oothef]

You could try increasing the tickover, your manual should show you the screw on the carb that does this. Easiest thing to start with.

[jeanied1]

Originally Posted by oothef

You could try increasing the tickover, your manual should show you the screw on the carb that does this. Easiest thing to start with.

Thanks oothef! I know the carb screw in question so will give it a go!

Jeanie

[Evil Donald]

Typically if you need to leave the choke on to keep a warm engine running it's because your idle mixture is too lean. If you haven't been noodling with the carb(s) and the air filter is properly oiled it's probably due to a bit of schmutz stuck in the idle jet. You then need to take the carbs apart and clean them out.

[oothef]

That was going to be my next suggestion, but try adjusting the mixture screw before stripping the carb.

[hairybiker]

i find with my gpz11 i use for commuting, i keep the revs idling at about 1200rmp...this keeps it a little higher than normal, but helps in traffic....thats if u use the maurauder for town work???

also, a little trick (without stripping the carbs) is add 1/2 a bottle of redex to your tank, this will clear out the crap in ur carbs & help run it better...

[jeanied1]

Thanks guys,

Will try your tips in this order - adjust idle screw, add redex, strip carbs! Saturday morning's gonna be fun in the garage, I'll let you know how I get on...!!

Jeanie

[oothef]

Adjust tickover, set mixture screw, then look at the carb.