NC30: running like crap --FIXED--
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- Location: Hampton Wick - UK
NC30: running like crap --FIXED--
bike background:
NC30 VFR400 1990.
stock everything (exhaust, carbs).
M max box fitted (was there when I got the bike).
Kph -> Mph adaptor (blue one).
Rick Oliver (from Radtec) upper and lower radiators.
Overwride switch for the fan.
Until a few days ago the bike was running perfectly fine.
Now here's the issue, which is an odd one to be honest.
You can start the engine without any problems (hot or cold), you start driving and it's still fine, however as soon as you go over a small pot-hole or on a not so smooth road surface the engine will die (but not cut out) (ie: revs will drop a lot).
It feels very well like a fuel starvation, same symptoms
This almost only happens on a bumpy surface, I can ride the bike on a smooth road and it nearly won't happen.
This is what I've done so far to diagnose the problem:
1.
Removed the vacuum hose (fuel tap) and started the engine.
I do get a strong vacuum pulse. Vacuum hose is not kinked, nor cracked, nor stuck anywhere.
2.
Removed the tank and using a manual vacuum pump (the one you would use to bleed your brakes) connected to where the vacuum hose would go, the fuel is gushing out from the tap without any issues.
3.
Removed the air-box and checked for any debris, it's all clean inside.
Also managed to move the black slides inside the carburettors by gently blowing (or sucking, can't remember now) in the two medium sized hose at the back of the air-box.
I'm open to all suggestions and I hope it's not something too serious
.
thanks for your time
Stephane
NC30 VFR400 1990.
stock everything (exhaust, carbs).
M max box fitted (was there when I got the bike).
Kph -> Mph adaptor (blue one).
Rick Oliver (from Radtec) upper and lower radiators.
Overwride switch for the fan.
Until a few days ago the bike was running perfectly fine.
Now here's the issue, which is an odd one to be honest.
You can start the engine without any problems (hot or cold), you start driving and it's still fine, however as soon as you go over a small pot-hole or on a not so smooth road surface the engine will die (but not cut out) (ie: revs will drop a lot).
It feels very well like a fuel starvation, same symptoms
This almost only happens on a bumpy surface, I can ride the bike on a smooth road and it nearly won't happen.
This is what I've done so far to diagnose the problem:
1.
Removed the vacuum hose (fuel tap) and started the engine.
I do get a strong vacuum pulse. Vacuum hose is not kinked, nor cracked, nor stuck anywhere.
2.
Removed the tank and using a manual vacuum pump (the one you would use to bleed your brakes) connected to where the vacuum hose would go, the fuel is gushing out from the tap without any issues.
3.
Removed the air-box and checked for any debris, it's all clean inside.
Also managed to move the black slides inside the carburettors by gently blowing (or sucking, can't remember now) in the two medium sized hose at the back of the air-box.
I'm open to all suggestions and I hope it's not something too serious

thanks for your time
Stephane
Last edited by gonzothegreat on Fri Aug 06, 2010 9:26 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- skinnydog0_0
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- Location: Pembrokeshire West Wales
Re: NC30: running like crap (with a twist...)
I might be electrical, loose connection shorting when you go over rough/bumpy roads.
An NC is for life, not just for Christmas!
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- Joined: Wed May 26, 2010 10:32 pm
- Location: Hampton Wick - UK
Re: NC30: running like crap (with a twist...)
Good call.
I've been doing some search on the forum all day today.
found as you said a loose connection, rec/reg, killswitch etc..
I will do some electrical fault finding this week-end.
I've been doing some search on the forum all day today.
found as you said a loose connection, rec/reg, killswitch etc..
I will do some electrical fault finding this week-end.
- CMSMJ1
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- Location: Chesterfield, United Kingdom
Re: NC30: running like crap (with a twist...)
is your battery secure? Could be jolting in the tray and not have the best earth connection.
It doesn't sound like fuel to me - if you turn the tap off you can ride for a minute or so with the fuel in the carbs....
Electrical issue...
It doesn't sound like fuel to me - if you turn the tap off you can ride for a minute or so with the fuel in the carbs....
Electrical issue...

IMPERATOR REX ANGLORUM
The V4 is the law..
NC30 - No9 - my old mate
The V4 is the law..
NC30 - No9 - my old mate
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- Site Supporter
- Posts: 200
- Joined: Wed May 26, 2010 10:32 pm
- Location: Hampton Wick - UK
Re: NC30: running like crap (with a twist...)
Funny thing is, it only started after I installed my fan switch.
I know the switch wiring is fine, but I must have knocked off something, like a plug or a wire.
will double check this week-end
I know the switch wiring is fine, but I must have knocked off something, like a plug or a wire.
will double check this week-end
- Cammo
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Re: NC30: running like crap (with a twist...)
^^ What he said!CMSMJ1 wrote:is your battery secure?
"It's just a ride" Bill Hicks
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Re: NC30: running like crap --FIXED--
It is now fixed, and it was VERY silly
When you remove the seat (cowling), you need to disconnect the tail light plug.
Now this was fine, but beneath that plug there is another little black plug (4 wires) which was loose
Took me less than 5 min to figure it out.
I tried to start the engine with that plug disconnected and it wasn't going
Took the bike for a ride, same road as yesterday and the bike ran great
Thanks all for the help


When you remove the seat (cowling), you need to disconnect the tail light plug.
Now this was fine, but beneath that plug there is another little black plug (4 wires) which was loose

Took me less than 5 min to figure it out.
I tried to start the engine with that plug disconnected and it wasn't going

Took the bike for a ride, same road as yesterday and the bike ran great

Thanks all for the help

-
- Regular Member
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- Bike owned: RVF400 NC35
- Location: Bedford, Bedfordshire
Re: NC30: running like crap --FIXED--
dont ya just love a nice easy fix that dont cost anything! 
