UpNorth
New member
I have a '02 Viper and noticed with the last few rides that the fuel economy blows - I used to get 100 to 110 miles a tank, now it's about 50 or 60 miles. Seems like the slower I go, there is fuel build-up and then it bogs as you hit it.
I've cleaned the V-Exhaust, airbox, carbs were cleaned earlier. I did notice that when I took out the plugs that the center one was fairly black with the other two a bit more brown. Also, as I check the plugs for spark [rule out everything], as I pulled the cord, the centre was pushing out a lot of exhaust.
AFTER ALL THAT - here is the question - if my center piston is getting extra fuel, that could cause my bad fuel economy, but where do I start? I assume it's a carb tear-down and it might be the needle that holds the fuel from hitting the bowl (is stuck open or broke in the open position).
Comments, thoughts, anyone....
I've cleaned the V-Exhaust, airbox, carbs were cleaned earlier. I did notice that when I took out the plugs that the center one was fairly black with the other two a bit more brown. Also, as I check the plugs for spark [rule out everything], as I pulled the cord, the centre was pushing out a lot of exhaust.
AFTER ALL THAT - here is the question - if my center piston is getting extra fuel, that could cause my bad fuel economy, but where do I start? I assume it's a carb tear-down and it might be the needle that holds the fuel from hitting the bowl (is stuck open or broke in the open position).
Comments, thoughts, anyone....
Start with a compression test to ensure you don't have a ring/piston problem first.
-install new plugs
-sometimes the plug cap resistor burns out, they will still spark but never allow proper voltage to reach the spark plug, if you move the plug cap to another cylinder + the problem moves with the cap, you know you found it
-check for a broken reeds
-check fuel screw settings
-check for stuck choke plunger
-check the carbs, stuck float,dirty, ect
-LOL! maybe the main jet fell off
JM.02c
-install new plugs
-sometimes the plug cap resistor burns out, they will still spark but never allow proper voltage to reach the spark plug, if you move the plug cap to another cylinder + the problem moves with the cap, you know you found it
-check for a broken reeds
-check fuel screw settings
-check for stuck choke plunger
-check the carbs, stuck float,dirty, ect
-LOL! maybe the main jet fell off
JM.02c
UpNorth
New member
sideshowBob said:
HA, if the main jet fell off, that would explain the strong smell of fuel - but the carbs are all coming apart because that center chamber had more fuel load (by the looks of it). I think I'm replacing the reeds all the same (it has enough miles on it). Never thought of the resistor caps as you mentioned, thanks for the info...
pipdviper
Member
Same here I got 55 miles to my last tank but I was riding in powder. Normal used to be around 80-100 per tank for me depending on conditions.
dirtjumper895
New member
If there is alot of gas in the airbox, check the reeds. They may be cracked or missing