Poor Starting!
 

(Thought I'd start a new topic here esp. given the last topic was so positive!)

The problem is my XTZ660. It's a 4MY the 1996 version with twin headlights.

It has suddenly developed a really BAD starting problem.

It's doesn't want to fire up! Once I get a single fire in there I can get it going BUT that can take 5 minutes! (longer this morning)

It all seemed to start suddenly after a re-fuel. A Few weeks ago and has got worse!

1) Could I have got a bad tank of fuel?
2) Could it have been dirty? Is my Carb in need of a strip/partial strip and clean?

It also happened at the same time as we had Days of really heavy rain, I wondered if given that my fuel cap was srewdrivered off - wether the water could have got in through the damaged cap?

Having said that - Water should sink - and I have drained the carb on several occasions so being the lowest point it should have got rid of it?

So - Any sugestions greatly welcomed!

Finally - has anyone any hints or tips on removing the Headset - I think I will need to replace my Head Bearings soon!

Cheers and happy riding.

Tony.

Hello Tony,
if you have bad fuel or water somewhere, I'd say just ride until it's gone. Burn it!
Don't open the carb unless you really have to. I've never opened mine. Most times it does more damage than good. You can drain it though through the big screw on the right side. And do try to adjust the idle mixture [read : screw out 1 or 2 turns].
Head bearings : do you really need new ones? Do they stay in the middle or are they just dry? Try to grease them first. They tend to dry with the heat of the engine luboil in the frame. When was the last time you greased them? What's your mileage?


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Fred, XTZ660, Holland.

The Problem you have with water in the fuel , as you found out, is that it won't start. Once running your ok.

You seem pretty convinved you have some water in your tank. If your only draining your carb there may be more in the tank settling after riding. Drain ALL you fuel and eliminate the simple stuff first.

Thanks,
Todd Bellew