HELP! bike dies when using throttle

[Pamela]

Ok, so my bike was fine 2 weeks ago. I haven't been able to ride for 2-3 weeks, but went to start my bike and it wouldn't start. When I had the choke all the way open, it finally cranked over. It idled high like normal but not long enough. The idle died back then it quit. I tried again, then when it felt like it was going to die, I would roll on the throttle, it died immediately. Sometimes my bike if in colder weather hasn't warmed up it will die when rolling on throttle, but never like this. It dies completely, usually it will start to stall and if I let off the throttle and try again later it is fine. Help! I'm not even sure where to start to look for the problem.
thoughts?
thanks!
Pamela

[alantf]

When was the last time you added some carb cleaner to the fuel?

[Pamela]

probably 2 months ago 3 max

[blaine]

You should start by adding some SeaFoam or Berrymans b-12 to the fuel. That should help.It may need to sit overnight to be effective.If the bike is going to be sitting,you need to keep a stabilizer,cleaner in the fuel.

[Road_Clam]

Ok, so my bike was fine 2 weeks ago. I haven't been able to ride for 2-3 weeks, but went to start my bike and it wouldn't start. When I had the choke all the way open, it finally cranked over. It idled high like normal but not long enough. The idle died back then it quit. I tried again, then when it felt like it was going to die, I would roll on the throttle, it died immediately. Sometimes my bike if in colder weather hasn't warmed up it will die when rolling on throttle, but never like this. It dies completely, usually it will start to stall and if I let off the throttle and try again later it is fine. Help! I'm not even sure where to start to look for the problem.
thoughts?
thanks!
Pamela

Pamela, there is a very tiny jet inside your carb that's called the pilot jet. The pilot jet's main function is to provide fuel to the engine when idling up to about 1/4 throttle. This jet is only about .014" in diameter, and its very common for this jet to get clogged. I strongly suspect your pilot jet is plugged from debris or the effects of Ethanol fuel. Long story short Ethanol when left in your fuel tank unused for extended periods is BAD ! Always treat your fuel with some type of Ethanol fuel specific stabilizer. I personally prefer Startron. I am pretty sure all's you need is a good carb flush. Hopefully you know someone that can dissasemble your carb or it probably needs to go to your dealer. Good luck and keep that fuel treated . I've used Startron for about 6 years now and zero Ethanol carb issues !

Rich

[Water Warrior 2]

Lynda had the same thing happen a couple times. It was just a matter of reducing the choke a bit before it managed to warm up enough to overfuel itself with a very rich mixture. The bike would run at a very fast idle then just shut off. It can be a bit touchy so don't make any real big adjustments. Practice will make perfect.

[Pamela]

It worked! Thanks a million! I put seafoam in it and I didn't even have to take apart the carb. I'm sure that will be next, but glad it isn't just yet. Yay!

[blaine]

It worked! Thanks a million! I put seafoam in it and I didn't even have to take apart the carb. I'm sure that will be next, but glad it isn't just yet. Yay!
Glad it worked for you.Put some SeaFoam in a tank of fuel once a month to keep things running smoothly,more often if the bike is going to be setting idle.
:) :cool:

[Pamela]

Will do! I usually ride everyday, but I had company in town and now weather is bad. Going a bit crazy not riding, I gues "Lucille" is too. Thank you.