Crank Case Opened While Running

[vtlion]

Hey guys (and gals).

Once again I find myself posting to get some advice with a mechanical prob.  But what can I say, I get some great advice from the folks on this board, so here goes.

I have a 97 that has had carb problems in the past that were "fixed" by the dealer.  The other day, after riding 160 miles without a problem, the engine just cut out on me at about 55mph.  When I pulled over I realized that one of the bolts securing my crank case cover had fallen out!  :x The case was slightly opened (the other two bolts were holding, but loose).  No oil appears to have escaped the case (no oil on the bike, oil checks out fine).  So I headed over to Home Depot and got a 5x16mm bolt and some locktite and proceded to replace the cover and tighten the bolts.  

Now, ever since this event, the bike runs alright cold (still tough to get started as always) but quickly begins to cough, sputter, and eventually cut out.  Could the opening of the crank case at that speed have caused this problem?  If so, is there anything I can do about it, or am I once again forced to trust the "experts" to take care of it?

peace.

[JamesG]

No thats not your problem.

Since you said there were only three bolts I assume you are refering to the little round one on the right side of the engine.  This is the ignition rotor cover. The "crankcase cover" is the big piece that it bolts to and even it doesn't really cover the crank case, it covers the clutch and oil pump.

I would look inside that cover and see if the rotor inside is still firmly mounted with a bolt. I may have worked itself loose and perhaps damaged the contacts...

Other than that I can't see how that could cause the problem you are discribing, but if they could screw up replacing a simple cover, who knows what else the might have done...

good luck!

[Rema1000]

There is a description of the "loose rotor bolt" problem, with a picture, in "Common Failures" section of the "Racer's Corner" (off the GStwin.com homepage).  The bolt in question is also part #5 on http://www.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/showschematic.asp?dept_id=137770

[vtlion]

Hey folks.  Here's what I've been able to figure so far.  The cover to which I was referring was in fact the ignition rotor cover.  I've sealed those bolts with locktite.  Best I can figure is that I noticed this problem while inspecting the bike because of the stall, but that it had nothing to do with it... so its back to the drawing board on the cause of the rough running.

[The Buddha]

My money is on bad fuel flow...
Something is kinking the hoses or blocking it or has an ineffective vaccum line that makes it not get fuel.
For vaccum line issues try it in prime...The Pri position in fuel tap makes it by pass the vacuum and flow always. Just remember to turn it back to on when done riding. Fuel flow other wise is to be tested like this.
Put in prime and connect a small dia hose to the carb drain and send it to a gas can. Open the drain 3 turns. Fuel should flow out smoothly and in a steady stream. If it shows bubbles or stops or some like that its got flow issues. Repeat for other carb...if just 1 carb is bad the carbs are blocked. both being bad = lines being bad. Drain 1 gallon or so from a full tank. Should drain 1 gallon in 15 mins or less from either carb done 1 at a time.
Cool.
Srinath.

[vtlion]

Hey fellas.. I think I have the problem locked down.  Its somewhere in the fuel petcock or upstream from it in the "on" fuel line.  When I turn the petcock to "reserve" the bike runs fine, with the "on" position (even with a full tank) it's a little choppy, especially when I roll hard on the throttle, but the problem does seem to be getting less and less pronounced with time.  the bike is a 97... maybe I've got somthing obstructing the line?... or maybe its time to look into replacing the fuel lines?

[klimber]

Is it possible to take off the petcock and back-flush it?

[jake42]

vtlion

i know htis if off topic but where in PA are you from

jake

[vtlion]

I'm a grad student at Penn State Univeristy, UP campus.  Although I live in PA, my heart will always belong the "Mountain Empire" of Southwest Virginia!  (go hokies!)