V-star fuel filter

SOURCE: 2002 VStar1100 balks under load

Sometimes it is hard to tell at low speeds if the fuel mix is too lean or if it is too rich. Simple to work at though. Let's say the mix is too lean. Remove the slide from the throat of the carb then move the clip on the jet needle down one notch. This richens the low end mix. Try it out. If it is better then try another notch. Choose which is best.

Now lets say the original mix is too rich. Remove the slide from the throat of the carb then move the clip on the jet needle up one notch from the original clip position. This leans the low end mix. Try it out. If it is better then try another notch. Choose which is best.

Pleas rate this solution. Thanks r_vietzke09!

SOURCE: is there a proper method to kick starting a 4-stroke? my bike has a pressure release... I've heard you kick it over while holding in the pressure release until you reach the engines TDC then give it a

Yes, there is a proper way to start the engine. Four controls are on your bike to assist in starting.

• The choke, used when the engine is cold. Pull the red knob for choke.
• The " Hot Start " Lever, used when the engine is hot. Pull the lever to lean the fuel mix when the engine has been running.
• The de-compression lever, always used.
• The throttle, used to prime the cylinder.

Don't kick, instead, push the kick lever downward. You will feel the back pressure as the piston is going upward on the compression stroke to the point the pressure is great enough that the kick lever "locks up". You are very close to TDC. NOW, pull in the de-compression lever. Push the kick lever a little bit more to get the piston past TDC. Give the throttle a 1/4 turn then let it snap closed. A diaphragm in the carb gives a shot of gas when this is done. DO NOT do this multiple times because you will flood the engine. Leave the throttle closed when kicking. Release the de-compression lever and give a strong kick through the full sweep of the kickstart lever. Quickly get your foot off the kick lever at the end of the kick to avoid any chance of "kickback" from the kick lever. This happens in the case of a misfire, aka > backfire. It can be very painful, and can even break a leg. I am serious about that. Repeat the process (but without the throttle priming), until the bike starts. A good battery, a clean spark plug, a clean carb and clean air filter will also aid in starting.

As to the inability to keep the bike running, Clean the fuel system.
ALWAYS have a fire extinguisher on hand when working on carburetors. Remove the water trap bowl at the bottom of the petcock, (gas valve). Is there any water or trash in the bowl? Drain a cup of gas from the tank. Is there any water or trash in the cup? Dump it, clean it and re-mount it, ( not all bikes have a water trap bowl ). Be sure the gas cap vent hose is clear and the fuel petcock vent hose is clear. Check to see the fuel flows freely through the petcock.

Drain the carburetor. There should be a large screw on the bottom of the carb float bowl. Remove the screw then replace it after the fuel drains. Turn the gas back on and wait a minute for the carb to fill with gas. Install a new stock NGK spark plug and try to start the engine. If the bike doesn't start and run properly then shut off the gas and remove the carburetor from the engine. At the back top left side of the carb is the TPS, Throttle Position Sensor. Do not remove the TPS from the carb. Rather, disconnect the TPS wire lead from the wiring harness.

Remove the float bowl and clean the entire carb with a spray carb cleaner from the auto parts store. Wear protective goggles to avoid getting spray in your eyes. Spray into all the little airways and fittings in the carb. Remove the air screw on the outside back throat of the carb and spray into the screw hole as well.
< < READ CLOSELY > >
IMPORTANT > re-install but do not tighten the air screw down. Only screw it inward until it LIGHTLY seats. Now turn the air screw one and one half turns outward. Pay special attention to the pilot jet, aka > idle jet. It is located at the front edge of the carb. Turn the adjuster outward 1/2 turn. Put the carb back together, clean the air filter and install the carb. Let the float bowl fill then start the engine. This process should get you back on the road. I suggest you install an in-line fuel filter between the petcock and carb.

Go to the site below where you can see a parts diagram for your specific bike. You will select the actual brand, year, model, etc., once you go to the site. Part numbers and prices are also shown. You can order parts from this site. In the event no price is shown on a particular part, the part is not in stock.
www.babbittsonline.com/pages/parts/viewbybrandand/parts.aspx

This all sounds complicated, but right now it is a learning process for you. Pretty soon your friends will be asking YOU for advice.

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SOURCE: starts fine then stalls when I give it any gas

if it only runs w/choke on then your jets are plugged...fuel should have been drained before storage...time for carb clean i suspect...Tim

SOURCE: 2001 V-Star Classic won't start

A yellow spark is a weak spark. A blueish white spark is normal. It sounds like the CDI is not in good shape. A dealer can quickly check the system and tell you what the bike needs.

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SOURCE: 2003 V Star 650. Had fule pumping out of air cleaner box

you shouldnt have to resync the carbs as long as you dont touch the mixture screws or the screws for the throttle blades. you wont have to pull the jets completly out to clean them just spray the heck out of all the orifaces with carb cleaner once you have them pulled apart. Also whe you put it back together make shure the carb seal to the engine and airbox are tight with no leaks, this will make it run bad also