91 XTZ660 Starting issue

[MarkShelley]

This morning my bike has suddenly become reluctant to start, and needed endless churning before finally bursting into life. Once started it ran perfectly but I did notice when I parked up at work that it was ticking over a bit high. It is normally around 1200rpm, but was more like 1800 today.
Any ideas?

[bacardi23]

Check your fuel lines for any cracks or tears. I've had that and it was my fuel line which needed replacing...
You could also check your sparkplug....


Vando

[wolfzero]

def a fuel issue
when was the air filter last serviced if its clogged it will run rich as if its got too much choke.
if its developed an air leak (inlet stubs or airbox rubbers) it will run lean so would pop a bit when you close the throttle and need more choke than normal when starting.

[MarkShelley]

I cleaned the air filter very recently.
I will check out the other bits.
When I took it for a spin at lunchtime is started instantly but it is still ticking over too high.

[Jens Eskildsen]

Sounds like "false air"

Check the rubbermounts for both end of the carb. (intakerubber and the rubber from airbox to carb)

[StuartXTZ]

Mark, the XTZ is notorious for having the plunger in the starter circuit stick. It's like a choke, it does the same thing, but it is an enrichener, rather than being a butterfly valve that blocks air. You will have all the trouble in the world starting the bike without the "choke" working properly. It's spring loaded, so you will think you have it engaged, but it will not pull the plunger out and the start mixture will not be rich enough.

It needs a 12mm spanner to remove the brass attachment on the LHS carb with the 90 degree rubber boot on it. It should come out easily - if not, it will be rusted. Soak it with WD40 or similar and apply vaseline or grease when re-inserting.

I hope this helps.
Stuart.

[MarkShelley]

Originally Posted by StuartXTZ

Mark, the XTZ is notorious for having the plunger in the starter circuit stick. It's like a choke, it does the same thing, but it is an enrichener, rather than being a butterfly valve that blocks air. You will have all the trouble in the world starting the bike without the "choke" working properly. It's spring loaded, so you will think you have it engaged, but it will not pull the plunger out and the start mixture will not be rich enough.

It needs a 12mm spanner to remove the brass attachment on the LHS carb with the 90 degree rubber boot on it. It should come out easily - if not, it will be rusted. Soak it with WD40 or similar and apply vaseline or grease when re-inserting.

I hope this helps.
Stuart.

I should have updated this, but been away for a while. This suggestion was spot on. Top Marks to Stuart!