[Whisper]

Hey everyone, just wanted to say a quick hello to ya'll, this being my first post and all. That done, on to the problem:

There are a few things I had questions about, actually. First is a constant clicking/rattling that I hear when the bike is running. It increases in frequency as the RPMs go up, though I can't tell where it's coming from and was looking for suggestions. I do have a manual cam chain tensioner installed (by previous owner), but not sure if that'd have anything to do with it.

Second, twice thus far while on the highway, the bike has just suddenly conked out on me (the two incidents were roughly two and a half months apart). What's happened is that I'll be riding along (usually around 70-75mph), and the engine will start to sound rough. Throttle response will diminish very rapidly, to the point where there won't be any beyond an occasional surge or two if the throttle is rolled almost completely back (same type of surging you'd feel if the bike were running out of gas). A minute or so later, the bike just cuts off completely. I know that low fuel isn't the problem, as both times it happened with at least half a tank left. Also, the bike started up just fine after being off for roughly 15-20 minutes, and ran great for the rest of the day.

Third, the thing REALLY doesn't like starting when it's cold. This goes to the point of running the battery almost dead from the attempt, and having to jump it later on in the day (at which point the bike starts fine). Usually it'll turn over for a few seconds, then conk out, and not catch again after that. Dunno if it's carb icing or not, or what the deal is. I'm going to be getting a tune-up sometime in january, and I'll ask them to take a look at the carb and valves then as well (since I'm fairly certain this thing is running pretty rich). Any other ideas?

Ok, think that about covers it. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

 

[The Chad]

don't tell a mechanic what to look at, discribe you bike's simptoms as best you can. Avoud telling him what "you think" the problem might be. I Don't know what the rattling noise could be other than a loose timing chain, but it would have to be really loose to rattle all the time. When you take the bike in, just imform them as best you can about what has been done to the bike and what it does. There should be some type of strainer in the tank to prevent large crap parts goin throught the petcock. Remove the tank and then remove the valve, chech for any signs of rust. Make sure that fuel flows freely throught the petcock as well. Changing your fuel filter also wouldn't hurt I'm sure, just because you have fuel in the tank, doesnt meen you are getting fuel to the carbs. I wish you the best of luck with the bike.

 

[Big AL]

'99 GSX600F Problems

I have similar problems starting my gixxer from cold.
It's definitely running a bit rich, and was thinking about getting the carbs re-balanced.
I thought about having a go at 'tweaking' the mixture screws on the carbs myself, but apart from the fact that I couldn't find them :? , I wasn't sure if this was a good idea.

If anyone has any tips on why the thing won't start cold and how I can sort these carbs to get it running a little smoother - I'd be grateful.

Also, has anyone got any tips to getting a lever full of front brake.
I've bled and bled and bled, the system.
Would braided hoses make much improvement?

Cheers folks

 

[The Chad]

If you are having a hard time starting it cold, I would also take a look at the ignition side of it as well. You should check the plugs and the wires for any visable damage. You will need a specail tool to ballance the carbs, not to good of an idea to just start messing around yourself if you have no idea, it's really easy to make things worse. Good luck with it.

 

[Big AL]

GSX600F Cold Start Probs

Thanks for the advice.

Just out of interest, can you point me in the right direction of the mixture adjuster screws on the carbs.
If they're underneath the carb, does this mean the carbs have to come off before I can adjust them.

Any tips for bleeding the front brakes.

I've found that if I pull the brake lever full on, tie it to the grip and leave it overnight, I get better brakes the next day.
Anyone know why this is?
Should I continue bleeding the system, fit a new master cylinder, or fit braided hoses?

Thanks folks

 

[The Chad]

carbs have to be on the bike and running to be "properly" adjusted. It may require a specail little screw driver. To blead the front brakes, fill the master, put lid back on, pump and hold brake leaver, open bleader, once all pressure is out, close bleader and releace leaver. Repeate until you get no air comming out for 3 consecutive times, good luck.

 

[Whisper]

Thanks for the tips everyone. I'm planning on taking the bike in for a regular maintenance sometime this week, and I'll be sure to bring these issues up with the mechanics. I'll also definitely follow the advice of not saying what I think the problem could be; I'll just state the symptoms and go from there. If I hear anything back that might help you with the cold starting problem, I'll let ya know.

 

[gixxer600m]

how many miles are on it? may want to check out your cam chain tensioner! too much slack can cause the timming to go out of whack!
also have your valve clearance checked. lotsa mile and no upkeep can have these problems!

 

[Whisper]

It has (at last check) around 10.5k miles on it. When I bring it in, I'll have them look at the cam chain tensioner. I know it has a manual aftermarket one on there (I can see the thing when I lift the tank, and the package for it was with the manuals under the rear seat), so that might have something to do with it. I'll also see about a valve clearance. Thanks for the advice.