Thanks a lot Jeremy. You've been extremely helpful
Michel
> From: James J Schneider <jjschneider@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Reply-To: Yamaha Virago Motorcyle Discussions <virago@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Wed, 29 Aug 2007 09:36:19 -0700
> To: Yamaha Virago Motorcyle Discussions <virago@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: Re: [Virago] Backfiring problem on 1985 Virago XV700
>
> "What is the LH case cover? I could try opening it and look at the wire.
>
> Lately it gave some black smoke which make me suspect poor ignition or that
> it is running rich. When I changed the spark plugs they were black. I will
> look again to see if this is happening again.
> ...............
> I removed the air filter and found a lot of gas in the air filter tube that
> takes the air to the carburator. Plus I looked at the spark plugs (that I
> changed a month ago) and they are all black ans smell gas!!"
>
>
>
> You are correct that black plugs can be several things - most commonly too
> rich, although poor ignition can cause misfires which blacken the plugs.
> The case covers are the chrome covers on the sides of the engine case, or
> block. LH is left hand. There is a bundle of wires, 7 total I think, that
> come out of the top of that cover right under the rear cylinder. 4 of the
> wires are for ignition, 3 are for the alternator.
>
> BUT - your last clue, the gas problem (hehehe - and who hasn't had a gas
> problem??) makes me think that one or both carbs are overflowing. Could
> be:
>
> - Float level (fuel level) too high - easy to check, see the manual. Just
> use a piece of 1/4" clear vinyl tubing from ACE, about 1 foot long, for the
> gage
>
> - Junk from a rusty tank preventing the float needle from closing. When
> you look down into your tank with a flashlight, do you see and rust? Plut
> the hose (referenced above) on the drain, open the drain and observe the
> cleanliness of the fuel draining out.
>
> - Floats have become heavy and sink. This happened on one of the floats in
> my 87. Replaced with another that I had and it was fine. While I had the
> floats out I placed them all in a container of gasoline to observe and the
> one was obviously barely floating, much lower than the others. I've read
> that if you have no replacement float you can dry it out in an oven on low
> temp and then paint the float with model airplane dope to seal it.
>
> Carry with you this hose and a screwdriver. Next time it happens, attach
> the hose to each carb and drain. Close drain and try to start again. May
> work, may not. Also, have you ever had the engine hydro-lock, that is,
> when you try to start it it won't turn over because fuel has overflowed and
> filled a cylinder?
>
> Jeremy
>
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