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vapor lock?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by jtalafous, Sep 6, 2007.

  1. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    I'm having a little problem diagnosing this one. It's not a big problem but it always hits me after city driving on a hot day while waiting at a red light in a line in cars. Bam! my bike abruptly stalls like the kill switch was hit! A few cranks and she starts right up, but you got annoyed people waiting behind you! Other than that, she runs perfectly, plenty of power, just fine. The stalling only occurs once a trip and maybe twice once in a while.

    I'm thinking vapor lock. A little bubble of gas vaporizes and blocks the jets for a second. But is just one carb going down able to cause this? Maybe I should increase the idle a little? Any ideas appreciated.
     
    jtalafous, Sep 6, 2007
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  2. BlueMaxim

    BlueMaxim Active Member

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    Most likely the fuse box. One of the weak points on the XJ's as they age. Check and clean the blades that hole the glass fuse in. Don't try to bend them in to hold better, they will break!
     
    BlueMaxim, Sep 6, 2007
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  3. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    jtalafous, Sep 7, 2007
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  4. olebiker

    olebiker Member

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    What is the idle set at? If it was electric it likely would not start up right away every time. Sounds like fuel to me.
     
    olebiker, Sep 7, 2007
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  5. jtalafous

    jtalafous Member

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    It's at 1500 rpm. I tend to agreethat it is the fuel. If it were random electrical, it wouldn't be stalling under the same conditions so reproduceably.
     
    jtalafous, Sep 8, 2007
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  6. Robert

    Robert Active Member

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    I would tend to disagree about the electrical fault. Heat is a known problem for electrical systems. I've had ignition pickups work until they get too hot and then open up, killing the bike. Once the coil cooled, all was well again. Back and forth, a real PITA kinda thing. You need to examine the electrical aspects of your ignition system for corroded grounds, loose connections and GET RID of that pesky fuse block! Another thought is if your alternator brushes are getting short but I think that is a long shot on my part. Vapor lock just doesn't seem to be all that common on these bikes. Is your fuel line sound and properly routed? Easy fix if it isn't. Just be sure to use fuel rated lines and install a fuel filter while your at it.
     
    Robert, Sep 8, 2007
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