1997 VMAX 700 bad fuel mileage

[pmcasey99]

I have a '97 VMAX 700 and fuel mileage is brutal compared to last year. I get only 60Kms or so to a tank. I though maybe a problem with the choke but the lever moves with the cable. Could it still be stuck open? Any advice?

 

[fourbarrel]

Things to check;
cracked fuel lines
leaking fuel connections
sticky needles on the floats

If the fuel lines aren't bad then get those carbs off and check all the internals because you've obviously got something going on.

 

[pmcasey99]

The lines look ok and I don't see any leaks. It's using a ton of oil too.

 

[03viperguy]

sounds like the carbs are set poorly if you are using oil as well. if just oil, I would say the oil pump. but both leads me to think carbs

 

[pmcasey99]

Thanks. I'm going to pull em and see.

 

[03viperguy]

and if not that, then perhaps the clutches are binding, or something in the suspension is. bad wheel dragging or anything like that

 

[A couple of bucks]

Is this sled new to you?

 

[pmcasey99]

How would I know if the clutches are binding? I did change the belt recently but its the right fit and I'm pretty sure I put it on right. The sled is new to me but was previously owned by someone I know who reported to always have decent mileage.

 

[A couple of bucks]

Did it have triple pipes on it before it was sold to you?

 

[pmcasey99]

Just the original exhaust

 

[A couple of bucks]

Raise the rear off of the garage floor, remove belt and see if your able to turn the track. Either up at the secondary or by turning the track by hand.

 

[03viperguy]

as for the clutches, I would pull them and make sure everything looked smooth and in good shape. bushings, rollers, etc

 

[pmcasey99]

Do you guys know where the adjustment screws are on my carbs? I see the idle screw above the throttle but I thought there would be another one to adjust for when the sled is not in idle. And for the choke...the shaft is sliding freely but I want to get in and look at the plungers. Do I have to pull the carbs to do that?

 

[pmcasey99]

Oh and are the black boxes sitting above the carbs reed valves? Could they be involved in this mess?

 

[pmcasey99]

Thanks for the notes on the clutches!

 

[03viperguy]

if you didn't pull the carbs off, then I would suggest doing so. cant be cleaned unless they are off and apart. not sure what black boxes you mean. reed cage is between carbs and the cylinders

 

[stein700sx]

Oh and are the black boxes sitting above the carbs reed valves? Could they be involved in this mess?

The only thing that I remember that is black on top of the carbs is the access to the needles?
Would need a pic of these "black boxes" to help you with this one.

 

[03viperguy]

maybe he means the tops of the carbs? flatsides look different than roundslides