| Author | Message | ||
     Livefreerunhard |
I am the proud owner of an 03 Blast, my first and only bike thus far. Long story short, using this forum I was able to diagnose and fix a problem. My Blast was not starting well and I, as an individual who is not mechanically inclined in any way, replaced the auto-enrichener and "das boot" thanks to the great help offered here. I'm sorry I haven't remembered all names, but if you have offered advice on these problems, you helped me revive my Blast, and I thank you all for it. I look forward to continuing my reading here to improve my Blast. You guys are an invaluable resource. | ||
| Ezblast |
And of course you did the oak tree ritual? EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Of course. He did say he "fixed" his problem. Your welcome (hopefully I helped) and Welcome to Badweb! You are now also qualified to help someone else  | ||
| Livefreerunhard |
No need for the oak tree yet, but if I discover more projects as frustrating as removing that gas tank I believe I'll be using it. Glad to be here now and looking forward to passing on the help. Prior to this recent Blast work my mechanical know-how consisted of changing the brake lights on my car. | ||
| Spade115 |
Its a great forum and the two who have posted have tons of knowledge and you can email and ask questions no matter how "stupid" they seem to you they help without makeing you feel stupid. Great group here. Just remember to keep parts numbers saved on a index card somewhere so when you need to order you already have everything ready with name/product number/website/phone number | ||
| Ohboyrico |
Great story LiveFreeRunHard! You just motivated me to work on the bike myself! I took my 2002 Blast to a shop last Friday (it seemed rather daunting to start taking apart my 1st bike, which I purchased 1 month ago). Well, the dude at the shop told me, "oh, we'll get you out of here today." That was last Friday. And today is Tuesady! I called, and they said, they MAY get to it sometime this week! WTF?!?!?!?! I'm gonna go pick it up tomorrow morning and NEVER going back to that shop ever again! Hopefully the bike starts... Some background on my bike: 2002 Blast with about 9,400 mi. 1) won't start easily. 2) when I do get it started (after million tries!), idles low and dies. Sometimes when I give gas, dies. 3) loses power or dies while riding. 4) backfires. 5) sometimes pop noise from airbox (carb side). I think that's about it. I LOVE this forum! Hopefully I can get it fixed; and won't do any harm to the bike.  | ||
| Ghostedrider |
sounds like the carb boot, and perhaps bad gas Diagnosing Problems / Causes / Intake Boot (Das Boot!) This is a summation of several posts on BadWeb (thanks to all) The Blast has a vacuum operated carburetor. The intake boot transfers vacuum created from the stroke of the cylinder. The Blasts carburetor is basically suspended by the intake boot and the air filter compartment. It is subjected to a large amount of vibration, and as it gets older, it starts to crack, allowing the vacuum to escape robbing your carburetor of the proper air & fuel mixture necessary to run your bike well Intake Boot Symptoms (Smallest to Largest) : *) Flat Power Loss - If you are experiencing loss of power while riding flat, not under load, not going up a hill or a steep grade *) Small increases in fuel efficiency - Do you normally get 65 to 70 miles per gallon, and now it seems your getting 70 to 75 *) Do you have random power loss followed by backfire, then a regain in power *) Bike will not start, will turn over, but will not start *) Will idle but dies when you apply throttle. Tests *) Make sure it is not a gas tank vacuum issue, try to start your bike with the gas cap off (If no continue) *) Have you checked your fuel is on, the fuel filter &main line into your carburetor? (If yes continue) *) Are you getting consistent spark from your plug? (If yes continue) *) Place your hand over your carburetor while attempting to start the engine. You should feel strong suction on your hand, (If not continue) *) Replace intake boot Replacement at a garage will run you just under $170, 2 hours labor + part, the part is about $10.00 retail and very easy to replace. Following the Service Manual instructions for checking fuel filter and removing carburetor will get you all the disassembly and reassembly instructions. Be sure you have the boot seated in the grooves correctly, and that the clamps are in the correct grooves and tighten sufficiently. NOTE: I noticed the smaller issues for about a month before my boot issue got to the point my bike would not start. It has also been suggested that you regularly change the intake boot at least every 2 years. For resolving the issue: Yes - but also check your front and rear grounds and battery connections. doing the boot is simple: To replace the "Boot" (Manifold-Carb Coupler),you need to loosen both sides of the airbox first....then you can pull the airbox with the carb attached - a little bit away -so THEN you can pop out the Boot ! Ok- on the left side of the airbox lower down- you locate and remove the TWO bolts that hold the airbox to the triangular bracket that bolts to the block- But DO NOT remove that Third Bolt that holds the bracket to the engine block- that one remains intact ! Then on the right side of the airbox, remove the one bolt that goes thru that small metal tab on the underside of the airbox- that attaches it to the engine block.. after that- the box and carb are free to move enough to safely pop off the intake boot (manifold connector) and replace with a NEW one. Now time to button it back up. When you're done snugging up the boot clamps(don't overtighten and shread the rubber!) you Then use "Blue" loctite on the CLEANED threads on the lower right side bolt and tighten snugly (the Torque is 10-12 ft lbs)-don't strip the aluminum threads in the block. On the left side, the bolts insert into a brass(threaded) insert into the airbox, just use ONE drop of (low strength)"Purple" loctite on THOSE cleaned threads, and snug them up(Torque is 3-5 ft lbs)- but don't strip by over tightening. And thats all there IS to it! EZ Clutch Diode Flip link: http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/55319.html trouble shooting info http://www.badweatherbikers.com/buell/messages/201 64/150578.html?1336515248 | ||
| Ezblast |
Bravo! Correct - the man actually read the forum!!!! Kudos to both of you! EZ | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Welcome Eric O (hmm, that sounds familiar)! I'm close to you, not sure how close since Anaheim stretches a great distance. What zip code are you? "das boot"! It has all the classic signs, certainly start there first. | ||
| Ohboyrico |
OK, update on the situation. The shop called just couple hours after I posted my rant. The owner told me that her mechanics were able to look at it that day. That's much better than "later in the week" she told me earlier. Their diagnosis: Apparently Das Boot on my bike isn't even a Boot! She said it's some giant water hose or something. I decided to leave the bike there and have them work on it since I'm not sure whether I can even get it home safely (starting it has been getting tougher and tougher), and with sudden loss in power, I'm afraid of getting run over on the road (this almost happened few weeks back with some ••••••• in a monster truck). The Good: they're gonna rebuild the carburetor, so at least I'll have a clean carb. The Bad: they can't find the manifold intake coupler! I just ordered one from Buell Parts & I'm gonna take it to them. The Silly: really? Giant water hose??? Gearheaderiko, my zip is 92805. I'm right near 91 & State College. Sycho messaged me and told me there's another Erik on this forum. Good to know I have Blasters nearby. | ||
| Sycho |
Ouch, ask them to buy you dinner before they *@ck you on the Carb Cleaning. I have an extra Das-Boot still sealed in package I could have gotten to ya. And if the mechanic lost the intake coupler I hope they offered to pay for the new one. My mom lives by the 91 and State College and Erik works right in that area, lol. We definitely need to hook up and compare notes and see if we ( I mean mostly Erik ) can help you with your troubleshooting. | ||
| Ohboyrico |
isn't intake coupler and Das Boot the same thing??? doh! I ordered this: Blast Coupler from Carb to Intake [27443-00Y] (I couldn't post a URL link to the part on Buell Parts(?) | ||
| Styxnpicks |
thats the right part# for das boot! aka intake coupler aka curse of the blast | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Sorry, but I'm going to say this sooner or later. I'm pretty darn sure you don't need a carb rebuild. Sigh  | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Ps while they're "rebuilding the carb" have them install a #45 slow jet. It's stock slow jet on Sportsters and big twins. they'll be in there anyway and it'll save me the trouble! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Yes, I'm about 6 blocks away, every day! Sadly, since I can barely find the time to check-in here lately, and its mostly done on my iphone, I tend to miss things such as YOU HAVE A CALIFORNIA BLAST!!! I'm glad they found the bad boot, but you still have the CA only EPA mandated charcoal canister on your bike which will also cause the problems you described. If it is causing problems I hope they dont charge you an arm and leg to find them. On the plus side, since they are "rebuilding the carb", you can hold them accountable if it doesnt run right. But as soon as you get your Blast back 'we' need to "49 state" your Blast. Its very, very easy to do and if its not done IT WILL cause problems sooner or later (more than likely sooner, if not already). DO NOT let them talk you into a "Jet Kit" for your Blast. Its not needed and will cost $100+. The #45 slow jet is about $6 and is all you need and they need to take it out if they are rebuilding your carb anyway. They shouldnt charge you extra to install it. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
On a good note your Blast looks largely unmolested with only a tank decal change and flyscreen removal (what I can see from the picture). When you need a front tire dont get another Dunlop. Get a Pirelli. | ||
| Sycho |
Hey Erik-O just met up with Eric-O and got him an extra Das Boot I had still sealed in package. Hopefully his Blast will be back on the road by next week. I'm excited for him to be new to motorcycling and a new SoCal Blaster to boot. I hope we can all get together soon but I do need to clean mine up again as the oil is all over the place again. | ||
| Ohboyrico |
Gearheaderiko, I'm sad to say that I didn't see your comments until today. They finished the carb yesterday. Sigh~ So no #45 jet for me. Yes, Sycho did tell me about the EPA canister. I guess that'll be the first mod I do to the bike. =) I'm already so grateful for all you folks on this forum. You guys rock! I'm hoping to pick up my bike this Sat. Will keep you updated. Also, thank you, Sycho, for lending me your DasBoot! Yes, the Boot I picked up from Sycho looks NOTHING like the "oversized water hose" I have on my bike now. | ||
| Bluv21 |
You can still add the 45 jet. Easy operation providing you can get the cheap a$$ float bowl screws off. I recommend replacing then with more user friendly hardware. I would suggest replacing these with new screws (316 stainless is preferable and readily available but 18-8 works too) The spec is M4 - 0.7 thread pitch 14 mm length. You really can't find a 14mm length in the hardware store without ordering it from mcmaster or fastenall. Try to locate a fasten all near you and give them the spec of a M4-0.7 thread pitch and a 14mm length in a socket head cap style head (3mm drive I believe is standard). If they don't have a 14mm length, they should have a 16mm lengh that should work ok and make sure you it is at least a 18-8 stainless. Plain alloy steel will corrode over time. PM me and I can send you the carb section of the manual (in pdf) if you want. (Message edited by bluv21 on May 11, 2012) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Bowl screws should be easy since they were just unscrewed. He has a McFadden Dale hardware store less than 2 miles from him! | ||
| Ohboyrico |
Picked up my bike today. SAME PROBLEMS! They didn't fix $#*&! I'm taking off the EPA canister right now. But before I do that I'm calling the shop. Here's a photo of "boot" they took off my bike:  | ||
| Ezblast |
Sure the y did - I bet it idled and revved just fine - lol - EZ | ||
| Fathermike |
O-boy, that pic of your "boot" is great. I had one like it, but I put it on myself as a stop-gap measure until I ordered the real solution, which is Dan's boot. Look him up on ebay. It may be overkill if you plan to leave the craptory airbox on, but when you decide to let your bike breathe, the only other thing to hold up the carb is EZ's old spring job (which even he has abandon in favor of Dan's boot, right Ed?). Welcome to Thumperville. You are among friends, some of them pretty smart ones. They got me through most of my mods & probs, whether due to my own shortcomings or the original engineering of my little beast. Thank you all again (as it's been awhile) & I'm still Blasting away! Still lurking here on the board too & happy to know our community is strong. | ||
| Ezblast |
Fath.M. - I run both, lol - paranoid - lol EZ | ||
| Ohboyrico |
WooHoo! Replaced DasBoot, disconnected the EPA Canister, and undid some mess up job done at the repair shop; let my bike run for a while to "flush out" whatever bad karma it had, and now runs great! No backfiring, no stalling, and best of all, it starts when I push the starter switch! Thank you so much for the help, everyone! This community is awesome!!! | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
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| Gearheaderiko |
Fwiw: I run neither! |
