Please help with my carburettor problem.

[scottishcammy]

Ok , number one, I'm a shit mechanic, in fact, I'm no mechanic at all!!! biggrin.gif
I just got a Honda Varadero 125 and it started fine. However, the idle was a bit low (around 1100-1200rpm) and it would cut out.
I Tried to adjust the idle screw, but it was seized.
I broke out the big screwdriver and, like a right twat, broke it,
(see, told you I'm a shit mechanic).

Anyway, as the cable was broken, I turned (what I thought) were the 2 mixture screws on the carb a very small amount clockwise, around a quarter of a turn, to what seemed to be a closed position.

I've been trying for ages to start it and it won't start at all now!

I then noticed after a while a strong smell of fuel and I a large puddle under the bike (arrrggghhh!!!) which was coming from one of the pipes from the carb.
Now if I turn the screws eben slightly anti-clockwise, fuel pisses out the pipe, and either way the bike turns over but won't start.

I'm desperate to get out on the bike and really annoyed at myself that I've buggered it when it was starting fine before. s

Now I strongly need some advice pleeaassee! I'd love to get this sorted.
In the meantime, I've ordered a new cable from David Silver's.

Here's some pics. The screws I turned are the flat head screws, pretty much in the centre of the pics.
The broken idle screw is the one in my fingers.

Thanks in advance.


1. Broken idle screw cable:
https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00144.jpg

2. Screw on left side of carb:
https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00140.jpg

3. Screw on right side of carb:
https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00141.jpg

4. Pipe where all the fuel pissed out (what is all that white crap?!:
https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00143.jpg

[Vincent]

sounds like you might have loosened the drain screw by mistake.

[Bru]

The screw underneath your carburetor (middle of 2nd last picture) is the DRAIN plug. Nothing to do with adjusting your carburetor. By unscrewing it (anti-clockwise), you have opened the plug and allowed fuel to drain out of your carburetor. Turn it back (clockwise) until it just nips up. DO NOT FORCE IT. The absence of leaking fuel is the signal that the drain plug is closed.

I am not sure what to suggest about your other screws, which appear to be loose. Find a manual for your bike, online or in the real world. Do not try any repairs if you do not know what you are doing, as you could cause more serious damage.

[scottishcammy]

Thanks for the advice. I've tightened it up and no more leaking.
Any ideas why the bike won't start now?

[Rowey]

bowl drain screw

The mixture screw will be at either the front or back of the carbs
____________________
ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[Vincent]

[scottishcammy]

Cheers! Far better to be honest

Ok, update, I switched the fuel tap to off, put the choke in, opened the throttle and turned the strarter motor several times.
It didn't start.

Then I opened the choke & fuel tap, throttle closed and turned the starter motor. Sounded a bit more hopeful, but still won't start.

ARRGGHH!!!

Any other ideas? Could I have done something breaking the idle cable?

Also, if the screws are drain screws, if I open them right up, will the excess fuel pour out, close them up and increase the chances of the bike starting, or have I not understood that correctly?

Thanks again, this is frustrating as feck!

[scottishcammy]

I've taken the plugs out. Here's a pic of them. Again, means nothing to me, do they look fecked?

https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00152.jpg

https://i150.photobucket.com/albums/s85/scottishcammy/DSC00153.jpg

[Grav]

They need a good scrub. Have you got a small wire brush, a set of feeler guages, a pair of pliers and a blow lamp?

Using the pliers, hold the plug in the flame of the blow lamp for around 20 seconds, this is enough time to burn most of the oily crap off and then you can use the wire brush to get the rest of it off. Make sure you have the correct gap on the electrode using your feeler guages and let it cool down for a few minutes before putting the plug back in.
____________________
Dark Lord Of Custard

snigger.....

[scottishcammy]

Unfortunately the only thing I've got for scrubbing in the house is the Mrs, and none of the other stuff!

Do you reckon the plugs are bad enough to stop the bike starting?

I was thinking of leaving them off overnight to let any fuel evaporate from the plug chambers and try again tomorrow.

[Grav]

[scottishcammy]

Thanks pal. Would WD40 be ok to use in cleaning it?

[Rowey]

They do look very dirty, when trying to remedy engine problems, it's best to check the cheap things first.

Check the air filter isn't clogged up. Then get those plugs cleaned, hold um over a kitchen hob if you haven't got a blow torch, then use some white spirit/petrol and a wirebrush/toothbrush to clean them up a bit. If you have feeler gauges check the plug gap.

After this attach the HT leads and hold them to the casing and see if there is a bright, strong, blue spark.

Or replace them.
____________________
ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[Vincent]

What plugs are they? CR8 EH-9

[scottishcammy]

That's the ones mate. Looking at the paperwork that came with the bike, they were fitted a year ago during a service.

[scottishcammy]

Not only am I a shit mechanic, I'm an impatient mechanic!

I cleaned the plugs as much as possible and put them back in.
Guess what, I got the bugger going!
Same as before though, engine ran fine, as long as I held the throttle open a wee bit. Even after 10 minutes warming up and the choke eventually closed, as soon as I let the throttle go right back, it would idle down to about 1000rpm and stall.
Very frustrating, but at least it started and ran (kind of ).

I'll just have to wait on that idle cable coming, then I'll see if I can muster up the courage to attempt to fit it (as I have NO idea).