2001 Monster 900Sie, Help troubleshooting hard starting backfiring and stalling

[Speeddog]

This is starting to look like a fuel line blown off or perforated, inside the tank.

[bigbrotherjohn]

Hi Guys, finally have a day off from work and some warm sunny weather, trying to dive back into this, here is an update as of today.

Everything I have tested and the result:
TPS: I measured with a DMM ~0.4V -5V moving throttle from 0-100%, seems ok
Battery: Voltage was low, dropped to low 10s while cranking, I charged it and also tried jumpstart with my car, no change
Tank vent nipple: Looks a little damaged but bike still doesn't start with cap open
Folded fuel return line: I tried to straighten it out and tried starting with the tank propped up, no start still
Timing belts: I took off the covers to have a look, condition and tension seems ok
Spark plugs: changed the plugs and checked spark, strong spark, plugs were wet
Airfilter: looks clean, tried starting with open airbox just for the heck of it, no start
Fuel pressure regulator: there is no vacuum hose on the FPR nipple, is that normal?
Fuel filler cap drain hole: seems like this is clogged, I poured a little water in the filler cap rim and it doesn't go down the hole.

So... new theory, maybe with all the rain recently I have a good amount of water in my fuel if it wasn't draining properly??

Could that cause the situation that I'm seeing?  If so, what should I do? Drain it by putting return line in a bucket and running fuel pump?

Thanks guys, hoping to get riding again this weekend!!

[ducpainter]

The nipple on the pressure regulator is a vent. No vacuum line needed.

You could cycle the pump with the return line in a bucket, or siphon the fuel out first, then get the last of the fuel from the system by removing the return.

It's tough to get every last bit of moisture, but it's worth a try.

Even if you get the bike started, I think the battery is suspect. you should have it load tested when you do get the bike running.

[bigbrotherjohn]

Thanks Ducpainter
Happy to say, success!
I drained the tank into a clear plastic jug, there was a clear layer of water, more than I even expected. After draining about 3/4 of it the bike started right up.

Now I'll have to fix the clogged drain tube and do what I should have done a while ago...get a good waterproof cover!

Thanks everyone, happy riding

[ducpainter]

Thanks Ducpainter
Happy to say, success!
I drained the tank into a clear plastic jug, there was a clear layer of water, more than I even expected. After draining about 3/4 of it the bike started right up.

Now I'll have to fix the clogged drain tube and do what I should have done a while ago...get a good waterproof cover!

Thanks everyone, happy riding

Soooo...it started?

[bigbrotherjohn]

Yes, it started and runs better then ever, I went for a long ride and it was great.

The bike is relatively new to me and I think it always had some water in the tank since I got it.