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

[Dave Cramer <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

This definitely sounds like a gas cap problem. Switching back and forth between reserve does no good, just confuses the issue. Turn it on reserve and leave it.

As noted elsewhere, the reserve light is not very reliable, it is not a float, but some sort of liquid sensor, so it has to dry out to work.

With the gas cap, it's likely only ever going to occur on a run where you do the entire run at once, and it would be worse if it was a cloudy, cool day. Was it cloudy and cool ? The reason for this is that if it were warm and sunny, the air in the tank would expand with the heat.

Dave

On 13-Nov-05, 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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