Hello everyone,
I recently bled the clutch and rear brake fluids per the recommendation of the ducati dealership (the only results of an inspection). I used the Haynes Manual as a guide. Rear brake worked fine and I rode the bike back to the dealer because I had stripped screws on the clutch and front brake reservoirs. Once I replaced the clutch fluid (which was almost completely empty!) I started the engine with full choke. It started up fine, but before the bleed the engine would immediately start revving really high, so I'd start to let the choke out 1/4-1/2 and let it idle there for a couple minutes. Now when I start it sounds really weak, revving low and barely hanging on. Not knowing what to do, I tried giving it a little gas, adjusting the choke more, and eventually it stalled. I couldn't get it to rev high. Is it simply that I'm used to a starting process that's now different with more and fresh clutch fluid (DOT 4 of course). I'm pretty sure there are no bubbles anywhere in the line as I bled it much more than necessary and only saw fluid come out. What are your thoughts? It's been suggested that I clean/adjust the carbs. I was hoping to do that over the winter when there's less riding opportunity. What else can I try? I can start it once more and record some audio if that'll help.
Thanks!
P.S. If anyone is in Colorado and is planning on rebuilding their carbs, I'd love to come watch and learn from you. Or if you want to help me out here that'll be greatly appreciated as well.
Ok, simple question first. Are you starting the bike in neutral? If so, then your clutch related activity should have no bearing on how the engine runs.
Next, in early July you posted about running issues and you're asking about rebuilding carbs. It's quite possibly happenstance that you're having running issues right after the clutch bleed and they aren't' related at all, just more manifestations of your earlier issues. Possible?
Actually, the first time I started the bike I was in 1st gear but quickly realized my mistake and cut off the engine. Otherwise, my description applies to when the bike was in neutral. I was thinking about that, if this problem is just another manifestation of my earlier woes. Quite possibly. Hard to say I guess because I never determined a specific cause to that issue as I know it was low on gas, the battery had died at one point, and one spark plug was definitely fouled. When I couldn't get it to start, someone suggested putting a small amount of gas manually (with a straw) into each cylinder. Once it "coughed" on that and started up, it started consistently and ran brilliantly for 200+ miles until now.
I also meant to ask, what's the consensus on fuel additives like Seafoam or BG44K to clean the fuel line? Ducati Manual says they're not allowed; Haynes suggests it might be ok depending on the type. Would this affect the carbs at all?
If you haven't rebuilt the carbs yet, Id be looking there for your issue. It's quite possible, even probable that you need to replace some bits in there. Your bike is 13 going on 14. Rubbery bits in carbs get stiff and un happy. Jets wear and perform poorly. Gas sits and forms varnish. They need some love I bet.
Also, a new fuel filter would not be a bad idea. Cheap and easy DIY job on a carby
As far as stuff like 44k - I've used both that you mention on my injected 900 to no ill effect. I'd just say use conservative hand when adding. They love to tell you it treats up to XX gallons - but not so great about telling you the max per gallon you should use. With 44k I usually aimed for 1/4 to 1/3 a can per FULL tank of gas.
But I bet your carbs need more TLC than a can of stuff will deliver
Thanks Slide Panda. This is definitely on my to-do list now. Just hoping I can get away with a quicker/cheaper fix to hold me over through this riding season as I don't know if I will have the time to give the proper TLC to the carbs with my limited experience. Maybe the additive will get me there. I do have the BG44K and planned to put in the amount you said. Know of a good reference for carb work beyond the Haynes manual as well as recommended parts or kits?
Not having ever owned a carby... I'm limited there for reference.
For parts - I'd talk to one of the sponsors - probably CA-Cycleworks and tell 'em that you need to totally rebuild the carbs - soft parts and jets. I'm sure they can help you get what you need and if not direct you to a source. And if you order from them, you get CANDY!
There are many good threads on rebuilding and servicing carbs. Use the forum search feature and also check out Ducatisuite website. The Haynes manual aint bad and LT Snyders Desmodue book is handy.