gas in oil...next steps?

[alazlam]

Hello,

I bought a '99 GZ250 last week for $1000. Everything checked out pretty good. Stopped for gas last night for the first time and it wouldn't start after. Crankcase smelt of oil so I search around here to find answers. I checked the peacock and it is functioning fine. Then I took the carbs apart and cleaned them. There were some small black flecks floating around from about .5mm to 2mm in size. Right now I have the oil/gas drained out and I'm waiting on an oil filter and fuel filter before trying to start it again. Is there anything else I should do/consider?

[blaine]

Hello,

I bought a '99 GZ250 last week for $1000. Everything checked out pretty good. Stopped for gas last night for the first time and it wouldn't start after. Crankcase smelt of oil so I search around here to find answers. I checked the peacock and it is functioning fine. Then I took the carbs apart and cleaned them. There were some small black flecks floating around from about .5mm to 2mm in size. Right now I have the oil/gas drained out and I'm waiting on an oil filter and fuel filter before trying to start it again. Is there anything else I should do/consider?
Also check air filter & air box for fuel.....Some SeaFoam in fuel would be a good idea when you restart her. :)

[alazlam]

I have air filter on the way too. It was slightly damp but no standing liquid. I will look into SeaForm too. I remember seeing it at the shop nearby.

[alazlam]

Update time...

I got the new filters in today. Installed them both, filled her up with oil. Checked 5 times to make sure it was in the correct fill line. And it started and hummed along just fine!

For 5 minutes. Then it died again and now it refuses to start.

Ideas?

I thought originally the peacock was fine. If I unplug the fuel hose nothing drips out unless I switch it to prime where it pours out. Could it still be the problem? or part of it?

I've read some other threads now with similar issues. I guess it could be the float in the carb? I could buy the rebuild kit with the seals and float next?

[blaine]

Petcock seems to be working fine.....Sounds like float needle is still not seating properly.

[wacio]

Does it run OK on "prime". If yes its petcock membrane or vacuum hose.

[alazlam]

Nope. Doesnt even start on prime. I will report back on Friday or Saturday next week after I replace the float.

[spldart]

Fresh after dying....
Is the spark plug wet and smell of gas.
Does the plug hole smell of gas?

[alazlam]

Success! I received the carb rebuild kit today and replaced all the seals. She purrs just fine now.

Next issue: Starter switch doesn't work and I suspect wiring is the issue. At first it sometimes worked and then sometimes didn't work. Now it doesn't work at all. I can still start it if I bypass the solenoid though. But the solenoid is new so I'm 99% sure its not the problem. Battery is new too as the old one wouldn't hold a charge anymore. I did take the starter switch apart and clean all the contacts as well.

(should I just make a new thread?)

[Water Warrior 2]

Stick to this thread so we have a running history of the bike and what you have done.

Have you checked to see if there is a clutch switch for the starter? It is a switch that operates to complete the starter circuit when the clutch is pulled in. It just may be a loose wire on the left hand clutch perch.

Also check the side stand switch and clean/lube it. It has the duties of not allowing the engine to start when in gear with the sidestand down.

[alazlam]

Cleaning on the clutch switch did the trick. I had no idea that switch was there. You guys are awesome. Thank you!

As of now there are no problems. On to putting a new chain on it I suppose.

[Water Warrior 2]

We all learn as we go through life. The GZ is surprisingly simple and it is just the simple stuff that shows up once in a while. A bit of TLC now and again will keep the bike happy.

[alazlam]

Two weeks later and a new bigger issue. I rode home the other day and when I went to shut the bike off it wouldn't. Turned key off and out, flipped kill switch, and it kept running. The power was significantly decreased though, particularly if it was in gear. It was almost just whispering.

I haven't a clue whats wrong with it. If it is in neutral it runs fine. Put it in gear and it continues to whisper run. I broked it?

[alazlam]

talked to a local guy and he said it could be a broken clutch plate. No thoughts? :/

[alazlam]

Okay so full update...

Turns out some of the wires under the gas tank had come into contact with the engine and melted them which caused the starter to continually turn over. Which in turn killed my starter, battery, and start switch. So that was fun.

Got it all fixed up and the next day someone pulled a left in front of me and I went down. I've replaced two blinkers now but I have a dent in the gas tank with paint missing.

[Water Warrior 2]

Okay so full update...

Turns out some of the wires under the gas tank had come into contact with the engine and melted them which caused the starter to continually turn over. Which in turn killed my starter, battery, and start switch. So that was fun.

Got it all fixed up and the next day someone pulled a left in front of me and I went down. I've replaced two blinkers now but I have a dent in the gas tank with paint missing.
Well that kind of sucks. Glad you weren't hurt with any life threatening injury.

About the left turn thing. You are responsible for making yourself and the bike as visible as possible. Hi-beam headlight during the day so more visible. Wear a reflective vest and other bright clothing. A white helmet is a good idea.

Not all drivers will readily see a GZ coming straight at them. I know this from the car drivers perspective. I actually nearly missed seeing Lynda coming towards me on a highway in town on her GZ.

Suggestions are reflective tape on your helmet and bike. Day or night that will help. Add some LED running lights. Make yourself look as big as possible.

Another very good way to avoid a left turner is to weave back and forth in your lane as you approach the intersection. The side to side motion will be much more noticeable than just a bike travelling in a straight line. Be sure to cover both brakes in case you need to use them. I have practiced the weave before entering an intersection and it does make a difference. Left turners seem to hang back and wait for me to pass through. This was done on a Vstrom650 with big side bags, trunk, running lights and reflective tape all over the bike.

I might mention that my present bike will be getting black reflective tape. It is black and un- noticeable until light hits it. Check out www.streetglo.net (http://www.streetglo.net).

[alazlam]

Oh I didn't say I wasn't responsible for it. There were things I could have done differently. It wasn't at an intersection though. It was in a neighborhood and they decided to turn into their driveway with no blinker.

I've thought about adding some reflective tape/linings to it since it happened as it was at night.

[alantf]

Like I've said before.... I don't like hi-beam during the day. It hurts my eyes, so I have to look away... which is the exact opposite of what you want.

[Vegas Street Rider]

I always ride with the mindset that I am invisible to other traffic and it has served me well. Defensive driving/riding is a must on a two wheeler. I always ride with my brights on day and night and have reflective tape on my front forks and helmet. Thanks for the tip on the black reflective tape. I will be putting that on my side covers for starters.

[Water Warrior 2]

Oh I didn't say I wasn't responsible for it. There were things I could have done differently. It wasn't at an intersection though. It was in a neighborhood and they decided to turn into their driveway with no blinker.

I've thought about adding some reflective tape/linings to it since it happened as it was at night.
I wasn't blaming you directly. I was just pointing out that we as riders have to take the 1st line of defence for our own safety. We can never trust a cager who may have other things on their mind besides looking for a smaller bike(or any bike)that they might encounter.

Although I am not a fan of grey helmets I did get this one due to the price and availability while I was out and about. I did want a white helmet but none were in stock at the time. So I dressed up the new brain bucket with reflective tape. Every little bit helps.

[Vegas Street Rider]

Nice modular helmet. I am kinda partial to that style. I ride with a Scorpion modular that I really like.