won't reach operating temp/using excessive amounts of fuel

[6nine03]

So here is my new problem. As you may remember I had a vent problem with my tank that has since been resolved with a used tank that came with fuel pump and sending unit. Now my bike is getting at best about 25mpg and on the highway the temp will only reach 171 degrees. my thought is (this is all post recall) that the bike is running rich though there is no notable black smoke when you rev the engine or tell tail black soot build up at the exhaust tips. Running rich would explain the fuel decrease and the temp problem but the question is why? I removed the EVAP system pre recall and put two tanks of gas through it with not the best fuel milage but much better than 25mpg and normal operating temps even a bit on the hot side. I'm not ruling out the EVAP removal quite yet. I removed the EVAP system and plugged the vacuum tube, is it possible that plugging this is causing an increase in vacuum to the fuel pump pulling more fuel? I realize that it is computer not mechanical/vacuum controlled but am curious. could somthing with the wire harness recall have caused this? has anyone else had this problem associated with the recall, removal of EVAP system, or even thermostat issuses? this is the first tank of gas post recall which is why I wonder if somthing during the recall could have changed the computer. I'm grabbing at straws and have too many variables new tank/fuel pump, removal of EVAP and possible plugging vacuum line i shouldn't have, recall.

Any ideas or personal experiance would be greatly appreciated. I searched old threads but couldn't find any that matched if there is one I'll be happy to go to it.

I was thinking of putting back the EVAP system (though I don't want to) to rule it out as a possible cause but that covers two possible problems and I won't be able to tell which ( first wrongly plugging vacuum line and "B" removal of EVAP system)

Thanks

Chris

[squirrelman]

Make sure the cooling system is 100% full

put in a new thermostat.........

[derstuka]

I would probably put the EVAP back on. Sounds like your thermostat is stuck (open) not allowing your engine to properly warm up, or at least take a long while to.

[maddog]

When posting mechanical issues in the future, you should mention the year of bike as well as the mileage. Or did I somehow miss that in the op?

Sure sounds like a stuck thermostat to me.
You might also check/test the radiator cap.

[6nine03]

Sorry I totally forgot, your right that info might be helpful. The bike is a 2002 and it has just over 4,600 miles on it now.

[VT Viffer]

Honestly, there is no reason to remove the EVAP system.

Unless you are talking about the PAIR valve removal. I know that there is no significant benefit to taking this off on a carbed bike, but on the FI bikes I have heard that there is a marginal benefit.

But if it's just the EVAP system (from a Cali emissions bike), don't bother - there's no benefit to be had there.

[6nine03]

it wasn't removed for any benifit other than it was in the way. this all started when the gas tank vent tube became plugged and the tank had to be replaced. removing the EVAP system was simply because it's for the most part usless. I have considered mailing to California (frustrated at this more than trying to be sarcastic or mean) in case someone there wants to mount it on their bike and reap the benifits of fuel vapor that may be escaping the tank through the vent tube.

[6nine03]

I've been thinking about the thermostat idea if the bike doesn't get to operating temp it will essentially run in a "choke" like setting, running rich. That makes sense. It just seems so abrupt. Last Tuesday the bike ran fine not the best mileage but otherwise fine with normal to high operating temp. Thursday when I picked it up I put a full tank of gas in it and it has run at temp. Last night was the first night it would not run above 179 degrees. Not even at a stoplight where it should run a little hot. I didn't think to listen for the cooling fans to engage or disengage. Thermostats usually go out over time not all at once (not that it can't happen) and this problem began right after the bike had the recall work done. which i can't figure out how those things would affect the temp/fuel but I'm not ruling anything out at this point.

[6nine03]

I have found and (temporarily) fixed the problem. I am going to have to work on a perminant solution but for now the problem has been identified. It had nothing to do with the EVAP system or its removal or the recalls that were performed but it was, unintentially, caused by the dealership. it is a fuel/air mix ratio problem. the good part is i can fix it the bad part is when it was getting too much fuel it ran like it was on fire! and was probably washing the cylinders clean of oil. On the plus side it had solid power through the entire powerband and now it is back to normal. benifit is better mileage but loss of power. I'm gonna have to figure out how to be able to cause the fuel air mix change on demand! who cares if I cut the engine life short a few hundred thousand miles! think of the fun!