[assquatch20]

I was heading to the store today when it started sputtering like it needed gas, I pulled the clutch in and it died. Checked the gas, was fine, the petcock was already on reserve so I put a little more in but got nothing. The thing won't start. I've got spark, and I've got fuel partly because I tilted the carb and some drained out and the petcock isn't blocked. I'm guessing it's a jet, but I've no idea how to really adjust them or anything.



If there's any other suggestions as to what it might be or an explanation on what I need to do to get it cleaned out, I'd appreciate it.

 

[qwerty]

I was heading to the store today when it started sputtering like it needed gas, I pulled the clutch in and it died. Checked the gas, was fine, the petcock was already on reserve so I put a little more in but got nothing. The thing won't start. I've got spark, and I've got fuel partly because I tilted the carb and some drained out and the petcock isn't blocked. I'm guessing it's a jet, but I've no idea how to really adjust them or anything.



If there's any other suggestions as to what it might be or an explanation on what I need to do to get it cleaned out, I'd appreciate it.

Just because there is gas in the carb doesn't mean gas is in the engine. Spray abit of ether (starting fluid) in the air intake nozzle and see if the bike cranks, then quits. If so, you have a fuel problem.

 

[assquatch20]

Just because there is gas in the carb doesn't mean gas is in the engine.

That's what I figure, but what in the carb would be blocked to keep it from getting in?

 

[elime]

The float can get stuck in the up position. Lightly tap the carb with something metallic and sometimes that will jar it lose.

 

[jbfla]

Qwerty, it's your turn. You know more about carbs than I do....

AQ20,



Just some guesses:



You have a tank of bad gas.

Water has built up in the tank or carb...from ethanol gas.

Crud floating around in the carb float bowl has clogged the float valve.

Float bowl valve/needle is stuck in the closed position.



Things to try:



Try Tony's suggestion, tap the side of the float bowl.



Like Qwerty says, spray some starting fluid or carb cleaner in the airbox, and try to start...remove airfilter first.



Open the float bowl drain screw and drain the gas from the float bowl into a glass jar. Look for water/crud.



Pull out the choke fully, and try to start the bike. If it runs on full choke, but dies when you push it in, most likely the float valve is clogged.



See these these threads:



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/529-carb-cleaning-for-dummies/



http://tw200forum.com/index.php?/topic/541-lots-of-fuel-in-crankcase/



jb

 

[assquatch20]

Well I gave the bowl a sharp tap with a wrench and it'll start for just a second with the choke on, but not without. This is a step in the right direction.



Btw kickstart + flip flops doesn't equal a good time.



Also it's the old style carb, for what it's worth.

 

[assquatch20]

Got it started and idling. Pulled the carb and blew it out a bit. Having a tough time getting it back in. Any tips for this?



EDIT: I think the boot from the airbox is so stiff that it's causing the carb not to slip in right. Is this a common problem? If so I'll go ahead and order a new one.

 

[jbfla]

...EDIT: I think the boot from the airbox is so stiff that it's causing the carb not to slip in right. Is this a common problem? If so I'll go ahead and order a new one.

Yes it's common for the rubber boot to shrink over time.



Try coating the inside lip of the rubber boot with vaseline (petroleum jelly).



Insert the carb into the engine side first, then try to work the air box end into the rubber boot.



jb

 

[assquatch20]

Well I got it back in with a lot of twisting and squeezing but now the thing won't start. I'm thinking pull it out and give a proper cleaning and replace that damn airbox boot. It's still not sealed up very well because of the shrinkage.

 

[assquatch20]

I got the float bowl off. Now what?

 

[vuldub]

Does the float move freely? How about the float needle?



Is the carb gummed up, sticky?



If you are going to use carb cleaner, you must disassemble and remove all rubber orings and gaskets as carb cleaner dissolves them. Varsol or solvent does not.



To adjust the float level, turn the carb upside down and measure the distance from the carb body to the top of the float - it should be 26-28mm.

 

[vuldub]

Do you have the service manual? It's a must if you are going to tinker.

 

[assquatch20]

As I like to make more problems than I fix, I broke one of the tabs that the pin for the floats go into. I've got it JB welded and sitting right now. The floats moved freely and all looked clean except the bowl, which I soaked in a 1:1 solution of simple green and water. Tomorrow I can hopefully get the float pin back in there safely and reassemble. I think it's clean enough to run fine at this point. If I've f'ed up the carb, I'm thinking it's time to cut my losses and part this non-titled baby out. I've loved riding it but the little things and my inability to fix something without breaking another thing are killing me.



I've got a friend selling a CB125 that needs a few parts pretty cheap so I might direct my time that way while I'm in between Tdubs.



EDIT: Wes I appreciate your promptness.

 

[vuldub]

Don't give up on the learnings, next time in the carb will be old hat! I hav had the carb on my CT90 apart 6 times before I got the right jets working...



I'm a bit worried about JB inside the carb, soaking in gas, be sure to make sure that the glue blob doesn't interfere with the movements.



If you soaked that carb in water, make sure you blow it out good with air or you will have problems getting it running.

 

[assquatch20]

I reassembled and all is well with the jb weld so far. After a few kicks I tried draining a little gas from the bowl and I guess that did the trick. Thing runs great now. Still need to replace that airbox boot though. Vaseline definitely helped get it back on.

 

[jbfla]

...

I'm a bit worried about JB inside the carb, soaking in gas....

Wes, for a second there I thought you were talking about me.

AQ20, glad you got your TW200 running. I felt bad about the float mounting tab breaking off. Don't give up on working on your bikes. Next time it will be easier.



jb

 

[assquatch20]

I give up. It got to where it wouldn't start again after the first good drive. I got some seafoam but took the float bowl off to have a look before I tried any treatment. One of the screws for the bowl is going back in cross threaded now.



Does anybody need TW parts?