Where is the missing .8 gallons???
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Where is the missing .8 gallons???
Here's the background info: 2000 FXDL, carb, total fuel capacity 4.9 gallons, 1.1 gallon reserve.
Here's what's happening: Once the bike consumes approximately 3 gallons, it will either sputter and cough (before switching to reserve), or more recently just stall out, ie when idling at a red light. (I know the amount is about 3 gallons because if I fill up immediately, that's what it takes to top off the tank). When I switch to reserve, it runs fine.
If it takes 3 gallons to top it off, plus the 1.1 gallons in reserve for a total of 4.1 gallons, where is the other .8 gallons and why should I need to switch to reserve before consuming closer to 3.8 gallons?
BTW, I used to be able to use more gas (3.5 gallons or more) before needing to swich to reserve.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Here's what's happening: Once the bike consumes approximately 3 gallons, it will either sputter and cough (before switching to reserve), or more recently just stall out, ie when idling at a red light. (I know the amount is about 3 gallons because if I fill up immediately, that's what it takes to top off the tank). When I switch to reserve, it runs fine.
If it takes 3 gallons to top it off, plus the 1.1 gallons in reserve for a total of 4.1 gallons, where is the other .8 gallons and why should I need to switch to reserve before consuming closer to 3.8 gallons?
BTW, I used to be able to use more gas (3.5 gallons or more) before needing to swich to reserve.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 859
Likes: 14
From: Millsboro Delaware
I think it is time for a new bike....Just kidding....You might want to check the filter on your petcock. It could be clogged. I had a similar issue many years ago and it was the screen on the petcock that was dirty. I wound up replacing the whole petcock with a new one as the old one was hard to turn.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 485
Likes: 0
From: Just outside of New Orleans, La.
I recently added a 2" tank lift to my 04 LR, but before that I could never get more than about 3 gal. in the tank. After the tank lift I looked down into the tank with a light and could not see any gas at all. I did drain as much as I could from the crossover during the lift mod. I had to add a little hose to the crossover. Anyway I put in a half gal. and then went and topped off my tank and still didn't get 4 gal. in it.
Jay
Jay
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut :(
Here's the background info: 2000 FXDL, carb, total fuel capacity 4.9 gallons, 1.1 gallon reserve.
Here's what's happening: Once the bike consumes approximately 3 gallons, it will either sputter and cough (before switching to reserve), or more recently just stall out, ie when idling at a red light. (I know the amount is about 3 gallons because if I fill up immediately, that's what it takes to top off the tank). When I switch to reserve, it runs fine.
If it takes 3 gallons to top it off, plus the 1.1 gallons in reserve for a total of 4.1 gallons, where is the other .8 gallons and why should I need to switch to reserve before consuming closer to 3.8 gallons?
BTW, I used to be able to use more gas (3.5 gallons or more) before needing to swich to reserve.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Here's what's happening: Once the bike consumes approximately 3 gallons, it will either sputter and cough (before switching to reserve), or more recently just stall out, ie when idling at a red light. (I know the amount is about 3 gallons because if I fill up immediately, that's what it takes to top off the tank). When I switch to reserve, it runs fine.
If it takes 3 gallons to top it off, plus the 1.1 gallons in reserve for a total of 4.1 gallons, where is the other .8 gallons and why should I need to switch to reserve before consuming closer to 3.8 gallons?
BTW, I used to be able to use more gas (3.5 gallons or more) before needing to swich to reserve.
Anyone have a similar experience?
Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Thanks, Bob. I will check the filter.
I think it is time for a new bike....Just kidding....You might want to check the filter on your petcock. It could be clogged. I had a similar issue many years ago and it was the screen on the petcock that was dirty. I wound up replacing the whole petcock with a new one as the old one was hard to turn.
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Elite HDF Member
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From: Long Island, NY
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Thread Starter
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
I considered that, and may ultimately do just what you suggest. I was hoping there is an explanation (clogged fuel filter that bobnehoc suggested?) before running the primary and reserve tank dry.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
I think the filter suggestion was most likely right on, but running it out should confirm, it is the only thing inside the tank that could change on a carb bike.