Carb issues?

[04 Ridgeback]

So here it is, try as I might I just can't get my Ridgeback started with the enrichener in the normal position. It will crank over but won't fire at all even after twisting the throttle a couple of times. I'm thinking lack of fuel because if I use the enrichener at it's peak position it will catch.
I've gone through about 3 set's of plugs already obviously because they keep fouling. I've also checked the gas cap and replaced it with a second one that I had with no luck. I plan on draining the carb bowl tomorrow to see if anything is in it but today someone mentioned the idle jet may be clogged.
Anyone else ever have this issue? I think my bike had been sitting around a while before I bought it so it could just be all gummed up.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

So here it is, try as I might I just can't get my Ridgeback started with the enrichener in the normal position. It will crank over but won't fire at all even after twisting the throttle a couple of times. I'm thinking lack of fuel because if I use the enrichener at it's peak position it will catch.
I've gone through about 3 set's of plugs already obviously because they keep fouling. I've also checked the gas cap and replaced it with a second one that I had with no luck. I plan on draining the carb bowl tomorrow to see if anything is in it but today someone mentioned the idle jet may be clogged.
Anyone else ever have this issue? I think my bike had been sitting around a while before I bought it so it could just be all gummed up.

Yep if its been sitting the ethanol in the gas is known to clog things up. Drop the pull pull the jets let them soak in some parts cleaner. Clean the bowl out you will probably be good to go.

Also, you should NOT have to use the enricher. Just 2 maybe 3 twists of the throttle should do it. Unless its terribly cold out but you never should have to pull it all the way up you will foul the plugs everytime. Which you seem to already have experienced :2thumbs:

 

[BadBrad]

Ditto on that. If it's been sitting a while, you should clean the carb anyway.

 

[2004BC]

I guess I'm lucky or my accelerator pump is adjusted just right and my jets are perfect because for 3 years, all year long, I start the Ridge with 2 twists of the throttle, the enrichener all the way up, and push the button. Warms up, drop down to middle position, another minute and drop to bottom position and ride off. Never fouled out or changed a plug yet.

 

[Five Five]

I agree with Eric and Brad ... Clean your carb ... jets, needle and seat ....etc.

If you have a clogged idle jet, it would not cause starting issues.

If its been sitting for awhile you may want to put on a set of new plug wires.... couldnt hurt

 

[john sachs]

Is the acelerator pump squirting fuel in the venturi ?
John

 

[outdoorsman26]

the ethanol will break down that accel pump and you prolly have to replace it its pretty simple ta do just be careful of the two lil bearings in it!!

 

[04 Ridgeback]

Here's an update, I totally took apart the carb and the jets and everything else looked good. There was no varnish from the gas or anything. So I put it back on with another set of new plugs and got the same results. Hate to say it but it might be time to go to the shop.

 

[Th3InfamousI]

Here's an update, I totally took apart the carb and the jets and everything else looked good. There was no varnish from the gas or anything. So I put it back on with another set of new plugs and got the same results. Hate to say it but it might be time to go to the shop.

Way to many intelligent guys on here to give up that easy.

As John said when you twist the handle do you see fuel going from the carb into venturi?

Also, are you able to put the enricher down and the bike will run? Or it will only run if you keep it up? Your Carb just could be horribly adjusted as well. I would set it back to the stock settings on the carb and adjust carb as per S&S instructions. http://www.sscycle.com/carbquickguide/

Stock Settings:
1- Verify carburetor is set to stock settings:
a- Idle Mixture Screw, 1-1/4 turns from lightly seated.
b- Idle Speed Screw, ½ turn clockwise from engagement point.
c- Accelerator Adjustment Screw, two turns counter-clockwise from seated.


Is the gas in the tank fresh? Maybe drain the tank and throw in some good fresh premium.

 

[awg]

When I received my Chopper it would only run with the enricher up all the way. I ended up changing the jets. That worked for me.

 

[bruce]

if you go on s&s website, you can print out instruction about your carb. If the plugs are black, that means you are getting to much fuel and fouling out plugs. you should not need to enricher much at all, maybe one or two turn on throttle and will start - no enricher. If plugs are fouled will be hard or maybe not start. If you what to call me I can explain more. 717-382-9983 Bruce

 

[what?]

not sure about this. i had a problem a while back where it seemed like the carb was not getting fuel even when i peeked into the tank and saw gas in there. there is a jumper line between the right side of the tank to the left side where the petcock is. this line seemed like it was gummed up with stuff. it crackled when pinched. took it off and cleaned it all up. I'm not sure if these are true, split tanks but after doing this I haven't had a problem since. maybe someone on here can verify this.
check for spark and make sure your getting fuel to the carb before you bring it in.

 

[Nukeranger]

Unless you know someone in MA who you trust, I would change out the jets and then look at the accelerator pump as mentioned above. If someone used ethanol, they did not do you a favor. Don't give up. You'll be glad when you figure it out and won't have to pay someone who might screw up your bike. If you don't want to learn about your BD, it is going to cost you in the long run.

 

[04 Ridgeback]

I did check the accelerator pump and didn't see any cracks, plus the spring looked good to (I don't know what else could have been wrong with it). The stock settings were also put back in place before I started which didn't help. My last idea would be the jet is to small all of a sudden, unless the previous owner had the same problem but never told me. (I bought it sight unseen)
Anyone know what would be a good jet size for the 107" S&S?

 

[Th3InfamousI]

I did check the accelerator pump and didn't see any cracks, plus the spring looked good to (I don't know what else could have been wrong with it). The stock settings were also put back in place before I started which didn't help. My last idea would be the jet is to small all of a sudden, unless the previous owner had the same problem but never told me. (I bought it sight unseen)
Anyone know what would be a good jet size for the 107" S&S?

Looking at your bike and the pipes, not sure what they are but I assume no baffles. You should be running somewhere in the neighboorhood of a 31 inter and 74-78 main. Unless someone stuck a scooter inter jet in your bike it still should start...

As a point of reference the stock on our bikes were .295 intermediate jet and a .68 main. So even with smaller jets the bike will run, my opinion was they leaned the bike out a bit stock to ensure bikes passed emmisions.

 

[stlmikie]

When you twist the throttle do you see the fan of fuel? Very important!

 

[04 Ridgeback]

I don't remember seeing an actual fan of fuel, I just checked the jets and moved on from there. How would you clean a clog in the main body, just let it soak in cleaner? Also would a bad accelerator pump prevent this?

 

[stlmikie]

With the air cleaner off. Give the throttle a couple two or three quick jabs. You should ideally see a fan of fuel spray out. That fan is important. If you get a chance do it and let us know what you see.

 

[04 Ridgeback]

Finally, I went up from the .0295 intermediate jet to a .032 and and seems to be running good. I might go up to a .033 because I still need the enrichener half way up just to start it but I can put it down right after. I also put the carb back to the stock settings and tuned it a little one I got it going. Thanks again to those who posted for all the help.