ZX7R reserve not working and strange whistling

Nope. · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Feb 2011 Karma :

Hi all,

So first of all I have an issue with the reserve on my ZX7R. When I'm riding along and the bike starts spluttering, if I switch to reserve it continues spluttering and cuts out. After about 15 mins it will fire up and I can carry on. Now obviously something is not right here and the fuel isn't getting through for a while. Is this a common issue? I've heard about some reserve issues on these bikes, what can I do about it? Is it a case of stripping the tap down and just giving it a clean and maybe replacing the diaphragm or is it related to my second problem...

When I've been out for a ride and I stop the bike, there is a distinct whistling from the tank. I think this is pressure building up in the tank and escaping through the pressure release. Is it supposed to whistle? If not, where is it so I can clean it out?

It works fine otherwise, no problems with it when it's running with the fuel tap set to the standard position.

As always, advice is appreciated. Thumbs Up

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Former: Derbi GP1 50, Sachs XTC 125, Suzuki GSXR 400 GK73A, Kawasaki ZX7R, Suzuki DR250, Yamaha RD350
Current: 2011 Yamaha XT660Z Ténéré, 2003 Yamaha YZR-R1 5PW (In Build), 2009 Kawasaki ZZR1400

MarJay · But it's British! Joined: 15 Sep 2003 Karma :

Sounds like your tank breather is blocked?
____________________
British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

Nope. · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Feb 2011 Karma :

stickybackbob · Trackday Trickster Joined: 23 Mar 2013 Karma :

Had a similar problem on my ZXR. Even with a full tank, could overtake something and it would splutter, then cut out. Ran fine on reserve. In my case, the fuel pipe from the tank to the tap was restricting flow. Replaced that pipe and it's been fine since.

Don't know if it's the same set up as your model though.

MartQ · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 10 Nov 2013 Karma :

Sounds like the labyrinth in the filler cap is blocked. Next time it happens, stop and open the petrol cap for a second or two, close it and see if it runs ok immediately after, if so, this will be the problem. You can sometimes clear them by removing the cap and giving it a good blast with an airline (if you can find one that hasn't been replaced by one of the fancy digital machines).

Fizzer Thou · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Aug 2011 Karma :

Hugh Farking Cant · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Karma :

Zxr 750 owner here;
Zx7r has similar tank set up;
Check reserve filter inside tank.
Check that the reserve fuel line to the tap is not pinched or nipped.
The whistling cap is a trait of these models.
The breather pipe you refer to is actually the water drain from the filler cap recess. A metal pipe goes through the tank itself and is prone to fracture and may have been plugged if so. If you endeaver to clear it , be prepared for the tank to empty its contents .

Hugh Farking Cant · Scooby Slapper Joined: 03 Mar 2012 Karma :

Zxr 750 owner here;
Zx7r has similar tank set up;
Check reserve filter inside tank.
Check that the reserve fuel line to the tap is not pinched or nipped.
The whistling cap is a trait of these models.
The breather pipe you refer to is actually the water drain from the filler cap recess. A metal pipe goes through the tank itself and is prone to fracture and may have been plugged if so. If you endeaver to clear it , be prepared for the tank to empty its contents .