Virago 535 fuel tap removal (reserve not working)

[EazyDuz]

Hi,
Does anyone know how easy it is to remove the fuel tap from a 535 virago?
The reserve feature is a switch on the handlebar which moves a solenoid at the bottom of the tank to allow fuel from the shorter tube to flow through, acting as a reserve supply of fuel. Problem is the solenoids are prone to getting clogged up so they dont move, or breaking completely.
I intend to move the bottom tank high enough to take the fuel tap off and inspect the solenoid. Just wondered if anyone has done this and has any tips?

Another idea is running a lot of redex through the tank and hope that clears the solenoid valves but i doubt it will, any other suggestions>?
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Have you tried the Virago Star Owners Club for any pointers?

There is a manual petrol tap (see clicky link).


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[EazyDuz]

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[EazyDuz]

Indeed, just been reading more into it. Ive heard you can remove the solenoid without removing the tank, just moving the tank enough to gain access to the screws.
Also ive read someone used carb cleaner and the solenoid freed itself after a while, maybe i could add that to the fuel for a couple of weeks and see if that helps, if not i will have to bite the bullet and remove the tap...

That or carry a tool roll with a small can of fuel in it?
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[EazyDuz]

has anyone here actually took the tap off though and could perhaps give some tips?
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[EazyDuz]

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[Odie]

I triked a 535 a few years back , had similar problem, was the switch, common problem so i found out.

Redex is good for ungumming rings (leave it in the bores over night) good for giving an engine a bit of a de-coke with out stripping it down, cleaning the jets of crud and removing crud from in the carb basicly it removes carbon deposits and un-gums stuff but if you put it in your take you need about 2 caps full to about a tank of fuel, think you need to dilute yours a bit!

As for the fuel tap, (asuming you are on about the fuel tank under the seat) drain the fuel / redex ( ) remove every thing under the side panels on both sides, remove the seat, take off the top / header fuel tank, you may even have to remove the rear wheel and bits around the swinging arm, its still a bugger to get in and out once you have that lot off!

Other option is to make sure you have enough fuel to make sure you can get to a petrol station with-out needing to go on reserve! lol

Odie
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[EazyDuz]

Hi thanks, what method should be used to drain the tank?
Also, i dont need to remove the bottom tank, just need to lift it high enough to fit a stubby philips screwdriver underneath to undo the solenoid, ive read you can do it on this forum:

https://yamahaclub.com/forums/topic/25535-xv535-fuel-tap/

Just hope its not too difficult to do.

I have ordered some Putoline fuel system cleaner. I had an idea where i drain the bike of all its fuel, put a whole bottle of fuel system cleaner in the tank (supposed to break down rust etc etc) and leave it in the bike overnight, then run it in the morning with some fresh fuel and see if it unblocks the solenoid.
Is this a good idea or could anything go wrong? If nothing else i guess it might clean the system out a bit.
Also does too much redex in fuel damage an engine?
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To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

[EazyDuz]

bump...............
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