QuestionFirst off I live in the U.A.E. my neighbor is from South Africa. She "owns" this vehicle. When attempting to kick bike over the carb floods out and dumps through the drain tube. The vehicle was tipped over by a maid about 6 months ago. hasnt been started in nearly a year. Recommendations on where to start would be helpful. This bike is in nearly mint condition and has 6000km of commuting only on it.
AnswerNathan, when gasoline sits in carburetors for 6 mos to a year, all the light vapors evaporate and varnish deposits are left behind, which will cause the float valve to stick open.. or sometimes stick closed. Surely, the carburetor idle/main jets are also clogged with gooey deposits.
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-xl185s-1981-usa_model7681/partslist/E++15.html
The "remedy" is to remove the carburetor and clean it thoroughly with carburetor cleaner products, renew any deteriorated o-rings and reinstall.
After long storage, the whole bike needs to be gone over and tuned up, including oil change, fresh battery, drive chain maintenance or replacement, tires inflated/checked for cracks/rotting, cables adjusted, valves adjusted, new spark plug, air filter service, etc.
P.S. If you try to start the engine with a dead battery in the system, the charging system will blow out all the light bulbs.... The ignition system is self-powered so doesn't need a battery, but the charging system and lighting system requires a viable, fully charged battery for normal functions.
Bill Silver
