86 VFR700 starting trouble

[geardrivenick]

Helloooo,

Bike's having issues; specifically, it will crank forever and won't start. Doesn't seem to matter if it is cold or hot, choke is on or off. The problem only started after I turned the gas valve to reserve two weeks ago. It was the first time I turned it to reserve since I got it two years ago. When it starts, it's totally fine; she runs great. Randomly it just won't start. Putting the valve to reserve seems to work sometimes to get it started, but then I'll turn it to on. Sometimes when I turn it to reserve or off gas will start to leak out of somewhere, looks like from somewhere underneath the tank.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Nick

[squirrelman]

Remove the line from tank to fuel pump and blow compressed air into tank (filler cap open) to clear crud from pickup tube.

Water, rust, other crap collects in bottom of tank; it helps to at least one a year remove the tank, shake it upside down, flush crud out with fresh gas.

Turning to reserve could have filled the fuel filter (or carbs) with rust flakes or other debris from bottom of tank, so replace the filter, cut it apart for inspection and see what's in your tank.


Leak from carbs or fuel line needs to be located and fixed.