00XP. Power sputtering above 6k and broken trim rod.

[TBagTom]

I went out and rode really aggressively today. I noticed when I was above six grand on the tac that the power delivery felt like it was sputtering. I don't think I am capsizing. It feels almost like a fuel delivery issue. Almost like there is water in the gas which there isn't. Could my carbs need a rebuild? I don't recall it doing this last year. I gave the rave valves a good cleaning before I put it in the water too. Could this have done anything?

Also. When I came back from my ride and put it up on the lift I noticed the jet was dangling really low. I somehow ended up snapping the 90° plastic piece on the trim rod. Does somebody make an all metal trim rod? I find it to be incredibly stupid that the 90° mounting point is made out of plastic.

Thanks.

 

[Dr Honda]

There are a lot of parts in the drive made from plastic. The only way to break it is to whack it on a rock. The only OEM parts available will be the same that is in there now

As far as your issue... I'm not sure, since I don't know if your description is right.

To me... "Sputtering" is what the re-limiter would feel like at higher RPM's. Carbs wouldn't cause a high RPM sputter.


So... I would be looking at the ignition. OR... a possible failure of the voltage regulator.

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

That 90 degree plastic rod saved your $300 VTS unit.
It's designed to break when you hit something so it's $8 out of pocket and not more...
With a carb 951, which has the voltage regulator built into the MPEM, I find it's failure uncommon, however not impossible.

I'd start with the standard compression test and see what you have, then move on from there.
Fresh plugs are always a cheap go-to.

Do you have the grey Tempo fuel lines? If so, ethanol in the fuel eats them from the inside clogging them and the carbs up. Replace them with black fuel lines, or better yet, marine carb fuel line.

 

[TBagTom]

I didn't hit anything. I'm thinking the plastic was just tired.

I don't have the grey fuel lines.

To kind of better explain the sputtering picture this line as the sound of the engine.
-----.-------------.--------------.----------..--------------
It feels like fuel cut.

 

[Nike12000]

I went out and rode really aggressively today. I noticed when I was above six grand on the tac that the power delivery felt like it was sputtering. I don't think I am capsizing. It feels almost like a fuel delivery issue. Almost like there is water in the gas which there isn't. Could my carbs need a rebuild? I don't recall it doing this last year. I gave the rave valves a good cleaning before I put it in the water too. Could this have done anything?

Also. When I came back from my ride and put it up on the lift I noticed the jet was dangling really low. I somehow ended up snapping the 90° plastic piece on the trim rod. Does somebody make an all metal trim rod? I find it to be incredibly stupid that the 90° mounting point is made out of plastic.

Thanks.

I'm assuming you mean cavitation not capsizing correct?

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

There's a fuel filter under the hood, starboard side. Check for debri

You could try the cut the plug wires back 1/4" trick. Exposes new/fresher/cleaner wire to the plugs.

 

[TBagTom]

I'm assuming you mean cavitation not capsizing correct?

Yeah. That one. Hehe.

I've done new plugs every year but I haven't done new wires. I see that they run into a box. How easy is it to swap out the wires?

 

[SabrToothSqrl]

an easy trick is to remove the spark plug boots (cut zip tie, pull hard) and trim the wires back 1/4", then reassemble. The ends of the wires over years corrode from trapped water and rust. This gets it back to clean wire.

you may also want to look at the water regulator on top of your water box (muffler) in the back, if that's acting up, it won't dry out the pipe and you won't get max RPMs.

it's a valve that closes with exhaust pressure. The more exhaust pressure, the less water it shoots into the pipe, allowing it to heat up and rev high with HP. and cool down and have more HP at low RPMs. there is a rubber piece that wears against a metal clamp and can get holes in it.

it looks like a RAVE valve on top of the water box.

 

[pwgsx]

Here ya go:

Since this seems to be a common problem with the 90 degree plastic elbow cracking on the vts rod (see first pic), I decided to fix it my way and it turned out great. Hope this helps someone out!! This is on a 99 gsx limited, but Im sure it will work for other models too.

All you need is a 1/4 drill bit, a file, (1) 1/4 bolt that is 1 1/2 inches long, about 4 washers to match and a nylon nut.

First remove the remaining plastic that is still stick on the rod. You will notice there is a small hole already drilled in the metal. Next use the 1/4 bit and drill the hole larger, be careful not to make it too big and end up cutting the side off. Next take the piece that fits into the trim tab on the steering nozzle and use the file to flatten the side that cracked. Next, use the 1/4 bit again and drill a hole all the way through. Now piece it all together, I had to use 3 washers to make sure everything lined up and one washer on the side with the nylon nut.