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Bike possibly idling too low?

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ginllfixit
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009
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PostPosted: 14:18 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Bike possibly idling too low? Reply with quote
Hey there, bit of a biking newbie here. I've been riding for 9 months or so, on my Suzuki Intruder 125. Had her serviced a couple of weeks ago and everything was running smoothly, no problems whatsoever.

Last thursday and friday however, as I doing my daily commute in the morning, the bike seemed to be idling too low, to the extent that the engine cut roughly 6/7 times on the way (would've been more had I not kept my revs up whilst stationary) and really struggled to start after each time.

This happened both mornings, but on the evening journey there was no problems and the bike was idling at (what seemed like) the normal 'rate'.

I came to work again today and the same thing happened, except also as I was filtering throught traffic at 15-20mph, engine just cut out - quite scary.

Any ideas as to what this might be? My initial thought was the idle being too low (apparently this can be controlled?) but the fact that there was no problem in the evening would indicate otherwise. Would the temperature/weather result in this happening?

Many thanks in advance for any help/advice!
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Cigaro
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Joined: 28 Mar 2007
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PostPosted: 14:27 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
How cold was it?

Could have been carb icing.
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ginllfixit
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009
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PostPosted: 14:33 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
TheBassJunky wrote:
How cold was it?

Could have been carb icing.


Thanks for your reply.

I'm in Manchester, so it's usually quite cold!

All 3 days have been cold, but not freezing. I keep my bike garaged at night, and haven't had any problems starting it first thing.

What is carb icing? Can it be solved?
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Kickstart
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Joined: 04 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 14:43 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
ginllfixit wrote:
What is carb icing? Can it be solved?


Carb icing is happens when the temperature is low and the heat from the carb is taken by the fuel drawn into the engine making the carb even colder. The cold carb then causes any moisture in the air to condense on the inside of the carb and freeze, often blocking jets. If it gets too cold (much below freezing) then the problem doesn't occur as there isn't enough moisture in the air.

Normally happens on cold foggy mornings after riding some distance. Will often fix itself if you are caught at low speed for a while (the heat from the engine warms the carb up). Won't really be affected by the bike being stored in a warmer / colder place.

Although it does happen it is not as common as some people claim

Realistically I suspect they just adjusted your idle speed and set it a touch too low. Just turn it up a touch.

All the best

Keith
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Cigaro
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PostPosted: 14:45 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
I'm in Blackburn and it was freezing this morning!

Here is what Wikipedia has to say:

Quote:
Carburetor (or carburettor) icing is an icing condition which can affect any carburetor under certain atmospheric conditions. Carb icing occurs when there is humid air, and the temperature drop in the venturi causes the water vapour to freeze. The ice will form on the surfaces of the carburetor throat, further restricting it. This may increase the venturi effect initially, but eventually restricts airflow, perhaps even causing a complete blockage of the carburetor. Icing may also cause jamming of the mechanical parts of the carburetor, such as the throttle butterfly valve.


This can and does cause loss of power and even stalling, but tends to happen more in freezing temperatures. It tends to be dependant on a few things, positioning of the air intake for one.
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Howling TerrorOutOfOffice
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PostPosted: 14:57 - 09 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
My air cooled 250 takes ages to fully warmup in winter (<5 degrees)
So sometimes when i'm slowing to a stop it cuts out. I've got an idler adjustment knob within easy reach and give it a twist before setting off.
You mentioned yours cutting out whilst you were filtering. Was this when the throttle was closed? Or did it cut out with some throttle on?
A good spray of WD40 wouldn't go amiss especially with these cold damp days we're getting.
Carb icing occurs when there is alot of moisture in the air combined with a low temperature.
Some more knowledgeable people will offer advice.

Pat
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ginllfixit
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Joined: 24 Apr 2009
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PostPosted: 15:57 - 10 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
Kickstart wrote:
ginllfixit wrote:
What is carb icing? Can it be solved?


Although it does happen it is not as common as some people claim

Realistically I suspect they just adjusted your idle speed and set it a touch too low. Just turn it up a touch.



Thanks, I suspected this at first, but when I took it back to the garage the idle speed sounded fine, like it always did. I've taken it back in and he's going to look at it.

Howling Terror wrote:
My air cooled 250 takes ages to fully warmup in winter (<5 degrees)

You mentioned yours cutting out whilst you were filtering. Was this when the throttle was closed? Or did it cut out with some throttle on?
A good spray of WD40 wouldn't go amiss especially with these cold damp days we're getting.


It cut out a few times when the throttle was still open, and as I was trying to restart it the revs seemed to rise up ridiculously fast, out of control compared to normal, no idea why. It seemed to be idling low though, is it a good idea to keep the revs on a little bit when stopping/stationary?

Thanks for the WD40 tip, whereabouts on the engine should I be putting this?

Cheers all for the advice.
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Howling TerrorOutOfOffice
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PostPosted: 16:14 - 10 Nov 2009    Post subject: Reply with quote
For the short term on cold mornings, then yes try and keep the throttle just on and clutch it. Hopefully the garage will be able to re-adjust your carburettor, either your idle or mixture.
As for the WD40 Just spray it over your carb. And if possible remove your newish air filter and spray abit in the housing but not directly at the inlet to your carb. After that just spray it whenever very cold or wet weather is forecast (every other day Smile )

Hope you get it sorted.

Pat
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