Re: [Virago] Did it again!! Out of gas!

[Jeff Van Dyke <jvandyke@xxxxxxx>]

if opening the gas cap helped you'd think the vented cap wasn't functioning right, but why it would only do it when almost out of juice doesn't follow, well maybe the tank/cap is more "susceptible" to pressure build up when there is mostly air vs. gas.

Vapor lock, as I know it, is when a motor is running so hot that the gas in the fuel lines gets so hot it turns into a gas instead of a liquid and then the fuel pump stops working since it can't pump a gas, this is not a problem with this motorcycle engine.  It was a problem for my old Corvair, that was fun, used to put clothes pins on the gas line to absorb the heat.

On Nov 13, 2005, at 7:44 PM, Wawa wrote:

But it wasn't really. After my last incident of running out at 116 but still had gas I ran the next tank to 142(?) and did not put it on reserve before I filled it up (short errands here and there over a few days). I thought all was fine until yesterday in the Texas Hill Country. I ran out AGAIN at 113 miles! However, this time I got it started. Here are the variables as best as I can put together.

 

The first time of running out I ran the entire 116 miles without a stop. I had switched the reserve switch back and forth with no luck before I rolled to a stop. We siphoned gas from another bike and I got into town.

 

This time, I had filled up and we made a stop about 50 some miles into the tank. We took off again and I felt the bike stutter after another 60+ miles and sure enough, my red light was on. I switched back and forth to reserve with no luck. The other bikes kept going except for the tailgunner and as he pulled up I opened the tank cap and could see gas in the tank. Not much, tho since I had to lean forward and look into the back of the tank to see some sloshing around. I closed the cap, turned the key on, made sure I had the switch to reserve and she started! At that point my red light went out but came back on after a couple more miles. We continued on with no problems but I was sure to top off at every stop we made. (Note - lots of wind so 120 to the tank wouldn't have been surprising, but I've always been able to count on my reserve!)

 

So, what is vapor lock? Is that my possible problem and how do I fix it? It's dang embarrassing not to mention a bit nerve racking to not know when I'm going to run out. I now carry my trusty turkey baster along but sure don't want to use it! Any suggestions, gang?

 

weary but smiling

wawa

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