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how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:00 am
by Ramjam
Hi all
I't s spring, so time to fire the old bird up and piss off the neighbours i think. But i can't get any gasoline into the carbs, regardless of the setting of the petrol tap.
Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated!

thanks
MJ in Beirut

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:02 am
by Suzukidave
You should be getting the gas to the carbs with the petcock set on Prime .

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:12 am
by Ramjam
and if it's not getting there? then what is the likely cause? floats stuck?

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:18 am
by Suzukidave
If you can pop off the fuel line , on prime gas should flow out the line . If it doesnt .. check out the petcock as it may be blocked .

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 8:28 am
by Ramjam
how long will it need to prime? there is gas there alright but after 30 minutes the bike runs badly for 10 seconds and then dies.

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 8:49 am
by Suzukidave
The carbs should prime within 30 seconds .

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 5:27 pm
by 2strokelove
I've had the float valves stick closed. Tap the bowls with a rubber mallet just a tad to loosen up.

Re: how to prime gt380 carbs after a long dry period

Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 7:39 pm
by yeadon_m
as advised, if fuel comes from the petcock on prime and the pipe pulled off, then try undoing any cooperative float bowl drain screws as you prime. Fuel should gush out and if not, the float valves or floats are indeed stuck. If percussive maintenance won't address this, take off the carbs. If not float bowl drain screws will undo, probably take the carbs off anyway.
Was it running OK when laid up last?
Mike