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Engine/choke issues Engine/choke issues
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The Pamir highway in an unseasonably
cold late October, Tajikistan



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  #1  
Old 22 Aug 2010
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Engine/choke issues
Hi guys,

Wondering if you can diagnose what's causing the following issues with my Suzuki Marauder's engine/choke:

1. Engine only starts with choke - choke only needs to be half-open, starting engine from cold, otherwise it over revs
2. Even once warmed up, engine won't stay running unless the choke is on a little bit - conks out when idling at traffic lights if I try and take choke off completely (have tried giving the throttle a few revs in this situation but it doesn't help, engine just dies unless choke is slightly on)
3. Intermittent "popping" noise from engine when idling - not drastic but enough to make me wonder if it's ok: I've no idea if this is usual in motorcycle engines or not!

In my manual, there's a list of about 10 different things it might be, depending on exactly the combination of symptoms, so I honestly don't know where to start!!

For what it's worth, when I'm out and about the bike rides absolutely fine in every way - as long as the choke is on - but I'm worried this isn't good for the engine....

Any ideas...??

Jeanie
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Old 22 Aug 2010
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You could try increasing the tickover, your manual should show you the screw on the carb that does this. Easiest thing to start with.
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Old 24 Aug 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by oothef View Post
You could try increasing the tickover, your manual should show you the screw on the carb that does this. Easiest thing to start with.
Thanks oothef! I know the carb screw in question so will give it a go!

Jeanie
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Old 24 Aug 2010
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Typically if you need to leave the choke on to keep a warm engine running it's because your idle mixture is too lean. If you haven't been noodling with the carb(s) and the air filter is properly oiled it's probably due to a bit of schmutz stuck in the idle jet. You then need to take the carbs apart and clean them out.
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Old 24 Aug 2010
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That was going to be my next suggestion, but try adjusting the mixture screw before stripping the carb.
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Old 24 Aug 2010
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i find with my gpz11 i use for commuting, i keep the revs idling at about 1200rmp...this keeps it a little higher than normal, but helps in traffic....thats if u use the maurauder for town work???

also, a little trick (without stripping the carbs) is add 1/2 a bottle of redex to your tank, this will clear out the crap in ur carbs & help run it better...
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Old 25 Aug 2010
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Great advice, thanks
Thanks guys,

Will try your tips in this order - adjust idle screw, add redex, strip carbs! Saturday morning's gonna be fun in the garage, I'll let you know how I get on...!!

Jeanie
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Old 25 Aug 2010
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Adjust tickover, set mixture screw, then look at the carb.
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