Kawasaki Concours Forum

Riding => It's not a Concours - other Bikes => Topic started by: lather on September 25, 2012, 07:25:56 AM

Title: Crankcase full of gasoline
Post by: lather on September 25, 2012, 07:25:56 AM

What needs to be done?
I am restoring a badly neglected 02 Ninja 500R. I had just finished a full rebuild of the carbs, including new float valves. I changed oil and filter and it was starting and idling/revving well. I noticed the tires were dry rotted so it sat for a week while I waited for tires, eager to see how it would actually run.

I changed the tires and tried to start it. I went to turn on the fuel petcock and saw I had left it on. (Non vacuum type) When I tried the starter it would run briefly then die. I adjusted the idle up but it would just run faster then die.  I checked the fuel tank and it was nearly empty when it should have been half full. I saw  the oil sight glass was blacked out.

I drained the oil and out came at least 6 qtz of gas and oil mix, the CC only hold 3 qtz.

My main concern is how to make sure the gas is flushed out and if any damage has been done by running it for about two minutes with 50/50 gas/oil in the CC.

I am also wondering why the new float valves failed. I spent a lot of time adjusting the float height and am sure I had it right and there are no leaks in the floats. The float bowls were immaculately clean and I also installed an in-line fuel filter.


   

Title: Re: Crankcase full of gasoline
Post by: Son of Pappy on September 25, 2012, 07:31:59 AM

Well, you flushed the case really good.  I'd add the oil and see if everything spins freely, pull the plug/s, hit the button and listen.  You could also spin the tire while in gear with the plugs pulled.  Double check the float valve, may have a bit of something that isn't allowing a tight seal.

Title: Re: Crankcase full of gasoline
Post by: lather on September 28, 2012, 12:35:02 PM

I put some fresh oil in and so far so good. It will idle and rev normally again with no unusual sounds.

Title: Re: Crankcase full of gasoline
Post by: feelergaugephil on September 28, 2012, 11:46:54 PM

Gravity feed is a lot stronger than what you think, the older GS range were bad about leaking petcocks causing a vapor lock and bending cranks/valves....
I ALWAYS put an in line on/off switch in the main fuel line on the older bikes, just turn it off when your finished riding it and it will never leak again.........