Hi. I'm here in Florida and have been having starting issues when my 2002 Magna sits for three + weeks. With fuel injector cleaners, I've been struggling to keep it running. A family emergency kept the bike inactive for over four weeks this last time, and I am hesitant to do the carb breakdown. When I attempted to drain the carbs- only one of the four drained. The orifices seem to be open & the main fuel "T" seems to be supplying fuel. Any ideas? Am I not understanding something? You all seem to know your stuff. Help. Thanks :(
OK WC.. I see you are in Daytona Beach..
Sounds like maybe you got some trash in the Idle jets (Very Common issue)..
Removing the carbs may be in order.. Did you try to run a double dose of SeaFoam through it yet?? Sometimes, with patience, it will get the job done.. IF it can't be really run, then pulling the carbs may be in your near future..
There is a Vacuum hose that runs down the right rear side under the gas tank from the front of the motor. This Vacuum hose opens a fuel shut off valve. This is another possible issue.. Make sure you are getting good suction thought this and it is connected tightly.. While the bike is running you can feel this hose pulsing when at a slower rev (idle or just above).
BTW, Hootmon is doing nothing these days, he can drive over and help you out!
Thanks for the response. I checked the vacuum to the fuel shutoff- (Is that what it's called? - the service book does not seem to mention it.) I have vacuum and seem to be getting fuel, but any chance of a crimped fuel line going into the carburetor "plenum" plate? Is it possible that all three carbs are clogged? After a week, I can now get idle at start for about 20 seconds- the carb cleaner may be helping.
The carb floats may be stuck. If you can, try tapping (gently) on the float bowls with something (ratchet extension might do) and see if that helps. Of course, you might end up with a free flow after that if things are really gummed up in there.
The slow speed jets are so small that the fuel will dry up in them and create this problem. Best way to avoid is to fire it up every week and take it for a ride.
Seafoam in every tank helps slow this process.
If however its been sitting too long pulling the carbs to clean the jets by hand is the best method. There is a write up on the MOOT main site for step by step help.