08 Vector GT issues

[buddhahead]

I'll try to keep this as simple as I can. Bear in mind that I'm mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic. Sled has 800 miles, bought new in Nov. 08.

1. Around 300 miles the sled would not start very well. Took it to a dealer and they said the problem could not be duplicated. Carbs may be gummed up so try sea-foam. Did that. Went riding again and the problem seemed to clear up.
2. Went up north this past weekend and the sled ran very bad. Once you got it started (I've had 2-smokes start better even after sitting all summer) you could smell gas and it would smoke up like a 2 stroke for a moment or two (more of a clear smoke), idle down, then would stumble real bad when you hit the gas.

To me it sounds like the carbs are out of sync. Any ideas? It's embarrising to have a new sled that sounds and runs like crap. Oh, and one dealer wants to charge for diagnosis and yes I called Yamaha-not a lot of help. Thanks

 

[Groomerdriver]

I'll try to keep this as simple as I can. Bear in mind that I'm mechanically inclined, but not a mechanic. Sled has 800 miles, bought new in Nov. 08.

1. Around 300 miles the sled would not start very well. Took it to a dealer and they said the problem could not be duplicated. Carbs may be gummed up so try sea-foam. Did that. Went riding again and the problem seemed to clear up.
2. Went up north this past weekend and the sled ran very bad. Once you got it started (I've had 2-smokes start better even after sitting all summer) you could smell gas and it would smoke up like a 2 stroke for a moment or two (more of a clear smoke), idle down, then would stumble real bad when you hit the gas.

To me it sounds like the carbs are out of sync. Any ideas? It's embarrising to have a new sled that sounds and runs like crap. Oh, and one dealer wants to charge for diagnosis and yes I called Yamaha-not a lot of help. Thanks

Well I'll start........

1. When you stored the sled did you stabilize the fuel? I've used Sea Foam for years for stabilizing during the offseason and during the season to keep everything clean. Sea Foam is also a great de-carbonizer. I would suggest running the recommended "maintenance" amount for the rest of the year. It won't hurt...it can only help.

2. My guess is the problem lies in how your starting the sled. Warm or hot start = NO CHOKE. Typically the only time you choke it is 1st start in the morning.

As to cold starts, there's been several posts on this, but here's how I do it:
a. Full choke and as soon as it starts, go to 1/2 choke.
b. 1/2 choke until it starts to run a little rough, then back down slowly to full off. Once your light goes off, you're ready to go.
DO NOT TOUCH THE THROTTLE while your choke is on and the light is on. You can easily foul plugs that way.
In the 7000+ miles I've ridden, I've never had a problem starting my Vector....not once.

As to the stumbling....I don't have a crisp throttle response until the sled is nice and warmed up. Yes it hesitates just a bit taking off the 1st time, but once you get going and get her warming up...it's all good from there. It's surprising how cold the motor still is when the light goes off.....75-90 degress if memory serves. Normal running temp is 165-190F depending on snow conditions.

FWIW - ask the dealer how long it will take him to pull, clean, reinstall and resync the carbs. He should be able to do it in an hour. Might be worth the peace of mind.

PM me if you want more help. My Vector is the easiest, most consistent starting sled of the 15 I have owned.

 

[buddhahead]

Thanks. And I try to answer your questions
1. The sled was bought new in November of 08. Didn't really store it for the summer. I did dump some Sea-Foam in to see if it would help
2. Only choke it in the morning and let it run/idle. After riding a few hours, have lunch, then try to start it, it required about half throttle to get it to started-smells like it's running very rich at the idle.
3. As for the stumbling, its hard for me to explain. I understand its not fuel injected, but...something doesn't seem right
When I get back next week, its going in to have the dealer see what they can do. I have 2 "credit-hours" from Yami so it won't be too bad. I just thought I would throw it out and see what everyone had to say before I take it in.

 

[Metallicat]

Your pilot jets could possibly be gummed up from summer storage. That might be the reason why you have to give it throttle when starting (lean condition). Fuel stabilizer will not always prevent the carbs from gumming up. Best to drain the floats before summer storage each summer. You can pull the airbox, loosen the carb intake clamps, and then pull the carbs out from the flanges and you'll have good access to the underside of the carb to remove the float bowl and your pilots. PM me if you would like more information. I've done it before and it really isn't too much work.

 

[Groomerdriver]

Your pilot jets could possibly be gummed up from summer storage. That might be the reason why you have to give it throttle when starting (lean condition). Fuel stabilizer will not always prevent the carbs from gumming up. Best to drain the floats before summer storage each summer. You can pull the airbox, loosen the carb intake clamps, and then pull the carbs out from the flanges and you'll have good access to the underside of the carb to remove the float bowl and your pilots. PM me if you would like more information. I've done it before and it really isn't too much work.

Yup...if the dealer didn't stabilize what fuel was in it, it could very well have gummed things up. FWIW - I've never drained the tank and carbs while storing. Old sled/bike wrench once told me (in the early 80's) that draining out all the gas can lead to the shrinkage of carb gaskets. I dunno...who was I to argue??? I put the "storage" amount of Seafoam in, fill the tank to full with non-ethanol fuel, run the engine for a while then fog the engine till it quits. Lube the cylinders and it's been good till the following year for 25 years. Whatever works for everybody I guess!!

M-cat = sometime I'd like to get your tips on removing the float bowls