I just noticed that I have been running my bike with the petcock in the "PRI" position. I'm not sure if I moved it there on accident, or if someone was screwing with it and moved it there. I'm also not sure how long its been in that position. I have had a few problems with my bike the last couple of months, and I'm not sure if any of this could be attributed to this. First of all, sometimes when I try to start the bike, it makes a short and fast whirring noise (Like the noise it makes right before the engine turns over) but then stops abruptly without the engine attempting to turn over. After several tries it will eventually start if I open the throttle a little bit, but I still have to try several times before it even tries to turn over. This only happens occasionally (maybe once a week or less) The second problem that I have is low idle speed. With the choke off, the bike idles at less than 1000rpm, and will sometimes die if I sit at a stoplight too long. I have tried adjusting the throttle cable with little success. These are the two largest problems. I have a few others, and I would greatly appreciate any advice. On occasion, when I come to a stop there will be a slight knocking noise (Once again, this is a rare occurence) Also, my rear brake, which I just had replaced, sqeals loudly when I use it. I am a poor college student, so I don't have money to pour into the bike. If there are cheap ways to solve these problems, or if they are not that serious, please let me know. I would greatly appreciate any help that anyone could offer.
Greetings! Let us know your bike year and mileage. It will help us help you.
Quote from: infernoI just noticed that I have been running my bike with the petcock in the "PRI" position.
No big deal, you are just bypassing the vacuum diaphragm in the same petcock that is switched to PRI. This position is normally used to fill the bowls of the carbs after they have been drained. It could lead to over flow. Just set it to "ON" and see if the behavior changes.
Quote from: infernoFirst of all, sometimes when I try to start the bike, it makes a short and fast whirring noise (Like the noise it makes right before the engine turns over) but then stops abruptly without the engine attempting to turn over.
This sounds like your starter clutch isn't grabbing the crankshaft. It could be the springs in the clutch are weak, the starter motor may be loose and not engaging the idler gear, or another hardware mesh issue. Do you have a service manual of any type?
Quote from: infernoThe second problem that I have is low idle speed.
Do a search on low idle speed. There are several good threads on this.
Quote from: infernoOn occasion, when I come to a stop there will be a slight knocking noise
Sounds like the old camshaft endplay problem. This is benign.
Quote from: infernoAlso, my rear brake, which I just had replaced, sqeals loudly when I use it.
This concerns me a little more than usual. When you say you replaced the brake, do you mean the brake pads? I have seen multiple rear brake pads just plain gone with metal to metal contact. My 90 bebuild project had no brake pad material on and the boy I bought the bike from was riding the thing!
It is OK to be poor. Being poor won't get you killed or injured. No brake pads will do that very quickly.
I do have a service manual, but for most of the problems I have, it basically tells me to check EVERYTHING. The brake pads are what I just had replaced. I had it done when I got my inspection renewed about a month ago, so it was done professionally.
is the rotor scratched up? Did the brake "rebuild" include a very light sanding on the rotor? both sides...The new pads will take a bit to wear-in with the rotor surface. Also I could be that little pin/c-clip rubbing together that makes it squeek. Autozone/auto part stores sell a tube of brake desqueeker. It's a red/pinkish liquid that you can apply tot he back of the pads.
IN a nut shell the high pitch squeeks are when metal and metal are intermittling rubbing together causing one part to vibrate.
Double check to make sure everything is installed correctly and the rotor/pads are Sugericaly/white glove clean.