z400 stops running

phillyz400 · 01-23-2012, 11:13 AM

About to buy an 03 z400 from a buddy that bought it used. it runs great all day then it suddenly feels like its not getting fuel. Air filter is new. It has an aftermarket exhaust but not sure if its been jetted or not. It idles fine but tap the gas and it stalls. We got it home (about an hour of sitting on the trailer in 30* weather) and the issue was still there. What could be the cause? Im good with engines but haven't got a clue with quad motors. Im upgrading from an 02 blaster i bought new so this is all new for me. My blaster never gave me a problem but i kept it stock so that i wouldnt have to mess with it. Thanks for any help with this. I won't buy the 400 till its workin right.

spize909 · 01-23-2012, 11:19 AM

Check to see that the gas cap is venting right and try running it on Prime instead of on.
If it runs right on prime the issue is the petcock.

CFM-Z440 · 01-23-2012, 12:03 PM

Got some water in the gas? Try bringing it in out of the cold for a few hours, and take a fuel sample.

phillyz400 · 01-23-2012, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spize909

Check to see that the gas cap is venting right and try running it on Prime instead of on.
If it runs right on prime the issue is the petcock.

I'll try to see about the gas cap. Ive heard about the petcock issue. What exactly is going on with the petcock that makes it work on "prime" and not "on" position and why would it act up after hours of riding? Vacuum problem? Clogged fuel line? What is the "Prime" position used for? sorry for the noob questions....................Just want to get it fixed before i buy it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CFM-Z440

Got some water in the gas? Try bringing it in out of the cold for a few hours, and take a fuel sample.

The gas was just bought that day.

beaverclever02 · 01-23-2012, 05:01 PM

Just cause you bought gas that day, dosn't mean it still can't be a gas issue. You could have water in the tank, the station could have a higher water level than you'd think..

Prime lets the gas flow without the assistance of the vacume. Sometimes the rubber diaghram in the petcock gets chewed up and causes the petcock and fuel flow to get boogered.

I will throw out the tip I always throw out and that is check the plug. First when you pull the plug boot do it slowly and see if there is moisture on the boot, if so the drain on the plug well could be clogged and causeing condensation to build up and ground the plug out its happened to me numerous times. Next make sure the plug is not fouled or burnt, cold temps mean a leaner run, you could have melted the plug a tad.

Check the connection at the cdi. Otside left corner of the airbox. 3/4" thick 2x3 black box. Check the connection for corrosion and a tight fit....hope that helps

phillyz400 · 01-23-2012, 05:31 PM

Thanks for the response. I should have mentioned that this exact same issue happened about a month ago (52* Sunny weather). I checked the air filter and it was half gone like an animal was in there taring it apart. He took it to the Suzuki Dealer and they said they went through it, replaced the air filter and it was good.

I'll do the checks when i get the quad. Thanks for the info.

phillyz400 · 01-24-2012, 09:43 PM

this is the first time it acted up:

Z400 Stall - YouTube

ltz400dave · 01-24-2012, 10:09 PM

sounded like mine before i cleaned the jet in the carb, would run fine then all of a sudden crap in the bowl would get caught in the jet. cleaned every thing up, put a fuel filter on and cleaned the tank and all is great until took out the valves

phillyz400 · 01-25-2012, 12:00 AM

cool thanks

z455 · 01-25-2012, 01:17 AM

Ya clean carb and check petcock.

In the video when you race the white Z, are you shifting without the clutch?

jasmf24 · 01-25-2012, 09:17 AM

+1 on carb cleaning. Also make sure your spark plug is newer, and clean out the hole where the plug goes into the head with compressed air blown threw the weep hole. While your in there make sure your coil has good tight connections.

phillyz400 · 01-25-2012, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by z455

Ya clean carb and check petcock.

In the video when you race the white Z, are you shifting without the clutch?

Thanks.
yea, is that not good? I did it all the time with my blaster.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasmf24

+1 on carb cleaning. Also make sure your spark plug is newer, and clean out the hole where the plug goes into the head with compressed air blown threw the weep hole. While your in there make sure your coil has good tight connections.

Thanks

phillyz400 · 01-25-2012, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ltz400dave

sounded like mine before i cleaned the jet in the carb, would run fine then all of a sudden crap in the bowl would get caught in the jet. cleaned every thing up, put a fuel filter on and cleaned the tank and all is great until took out the valves

What kind of fuel filter should i get? Just a universal one from an auto parts store?

jasmf24 · 01-25-2012, 09:48 AM

You can get a in-line fuel filter at your local dealer or auto parts store. But, your petcock has a screen filter already on it as well as your carb.

phillyz400 · 01-25-2012, 09:12 PM

Thanks. I ordered a new petcock and i'll install it when i get the quad. My buddy started it and ran it today without any issue. Is this common when the petcock is going bad for it to stall out one day and a few days later run perfectly fine? Just seems so strange that we can ride all day then stall then a few days later run fine again like nothing ever happened.

01-23-2012, 11:13 AM	#1 (permalink)
phillyz400 :::Mini LT50 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 106	z400 stops running About to buy an 03 z400 from a buddy that bought it used. it runs great all day then it suddenly feels like its not getting fuel. Air filter is new. It has an aftermarket exhaust but not sure if its been jetted or not. It idles fine but tap the gas and it stalls. We got it home (about an hour of sitting on the trailer in 30* weather) and the issue was still there. What could be the cause? Im good with engines but haven't got a clue with quad motors. Im upgrading from an 02 blaster i bought new so this is all new for me. My blaster never gave me a problem but i kept it stock so that i wouldnt have to mess with it. Thanks for any help with this. I won't buy the 400 till its workin right.

01-23-2012, 11:19 AM	#2 (permalink)
spize909 :::Get a life! You're over 5000 posts::: Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 5,245	Check to see that the gas cap is venting right and try running it on Prime instead of on. If it runs right on prime the issue is the petcock. __________________ 2005 Z-400 Mine *January* *2011 QOTM* 2004 Z-400 Brad'Z *October 2011 QOTM* http://www.suzukicentral.com/forums/...tm-winner.html 2004 Z-400 Wife's 1996 Sandsprite IV (sandrail) MINE Sponsors: Coors Light.............I sponsor them! *Life is tough...........it's tougher if you're stupid.*

01-23-2012, 12:03 PM	#3 (permalink)
CFM-Z440 Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Southern Minnesota Posts: 6,437	Got some water in the gas? Try bringing it in out of the cold for a few hours, and take a fuel sample. __________________ 03 LT-Z 470 Max Power 12.5:1 94mm Piston, Hot Rods +5 Stroker Crank, Web Cams 539 (+6) IN / 539 EX, with Hot Cams sprockets, Ferrea +1 Valves, LTZ/DRZ springs (IN)DRZ springs (EX), DRZ Manual Decomp. Ported head, FCR 41 with Noss adaptor, Home made intake, Modified HMF Full System, Home made header, Trailtech flywheel, Dyna Programable 54hp 36ft lbs

01-23-2012, 05:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
beaverclever02 :::LT500 Rider::: Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Holt, Mo Posts: 1,737	Just cause you bought gas that day, dosn't mean it still can't be a gas issue. You could have water in the tank, the station could have a higher water level than you'd think.. Prime lets the gas flow without the assistance of the vacume. Sometimes the rubber diaghram in the petcock gets chewed up and causes the petcock and fuel flow to get boogered. I will throw out the tip I always throw out and that is check the plug. First when you pull the plug boot do it slowly and see if there is moisture on the boot, if so the drain on the plug well could be clogged and causeing condensation to build up and ground the plug out its happened to me numerous times. Next make sure the plug is not fouled or burnt, cold temps mean a leaner run, you could have melted the plug a tad. Check the connection at the cdi. Otside left corner of the airbox. 3/4" thick 2x3 black box. Check the connection for corrosion and a tight fit....hope that helps __________________ 03 Z400, Fly Aluma Steel Bars, Blob removed, fly kill switch, ASV levers, Power Madd hand gaurds, MQ park brake block, DG O-series pipe with Curtis sparks header, Pro Armor full nerfs with heel gaurd, CST Ambush Front and Rears, GBC Sand shark and shark fins on douglas blue label, No lid,pro design air filter, no snorkel, 6000k HID conversion, procom cdi, 06 ressie shocks, FCR39 tuned.

01-24-2012, 10:09 PM	#8 (permalink)
ltz400dave :::LT500 Rider::: Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Fuquay NC Posts: 1,222	sounded like mine before i cleaned the jet in the carb, would run fine then all of a sudden crap in the bowl would get caught in the jet. cleaned every thing up, put a fuel filter on and cleaned the tank and all is great until took out the valves __________________ ltz400 DRZE kit, pro taper bars, Nerf bars, Holeshot tires, hollowed out stock can with a straw for a header, ripped up seat, slightly over sized battery, stock jetting with removed snorkel, bent up skid plates, but its MINE Up graded from a mickey mouse electric to a TAO 110cc (my sons) he is 3 1999 red Mitsu Eclipse RS (Hers) NEW ADDITION: 97 F150 King cab Triton 4.6 v8 and a Suzuki jr80 dirt bike. DON'T JUDGE ME, it could be bad for your health

01-23-2012, 05:31 PM	#6 (permalink)
phillyz400 :::Mini LT50 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 106	Thanks for the response. I should have mentioned that this exact same issue happened about a month ago (52* Sunny weather). I checked the air filter and it was half gone like an animal was in there taring it apart. He took it to the Suzuki Dealer and they said they went through it, replaced the air filter and it was good. I'll do the checks when i get the quad. Thanks for the info.

01-24-2012, 09:43 PM	#7 (permalink)
phillyz400 :::Mini LT50 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 106	this is the first time it acted up: Z400 Stall - YouTube

01-25-2012, 12:00 AM	#9 (permalink)
phillyz400 :::Mini LT50 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 106	cool thanks

01-25-2012, 01:17 AM	#10 (permalink)
z455 :::LT500 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: North Carolina Posts: 1,229	Ya clean carb and check petcock. In the video when you race the white Z, are you shifting without the clutch? __________________ 04 LTZ 445 95mm CP 12.78:1************ Elka stage3 front & rear Web 540-539************* JRD +3 LT A-arms 42mm Kehin*************** Burguard +1.75 swingarm Full HMF shorty *********** Hiper tech3's in Kenda klaws Dyna programable********* Lonestar axle, carrier & stem

01-25-2012, 09:17 AM	#11 (permalink)
jasmf24 :::KFX 400 Rider::: Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 917	+1 on carb cleaning. Also make sure your spark plug is newer, and clean out the hole where the plug goes into the head with compressed air blown threw the weep hole. While your in there make sure your coil has good tight connections. __________________ 2004 KFX400, 12.2:1 Wiseco, HMF full exhaust, FCR-39 (170 M/ 42P/ 40L/ NCVQ, DRZ-E boot w/ compact head-stay), OSHC's, K-W valves w/ drz springs, Dyna Fs NP, Raptor Petcock, Wiseco cam chain, 400ex boot, Oversized clamp on UNI/K&N no lid, DRZ-E Base, DRZ Flywheel, LTR450 Front Shocks, blob-less ProTaper Contour bars (ATV High) w/ hot-start reverse, odi grips, Tusk nerfs, Full skids, 14/40, (R) Holeshot ITP HD (F) Rzr2, Port-N-Polish by me.

01-25-2012, 09:48 AM	#14 (permalink)
jasmf24 :::KFX 400 Rider::: Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Pittsburgh Posts: 917	You can get a in-line fuel filter at your local dealer or auto parts store. But, your petcock has a screen filter already on it as well as your carb. __________________ 2004 KFX400, 12.2:1 Wiseco, HMF full exhaust, FCR-39 (170 M/ 42P/ 40L/ NCVQ, DRZ-E boot w/ compact head-stay), OSHC's, K-W valves w/ drz springs, Dyna Fs NP, Raptor Petcock, Wiseco cam chain, 400ex boot, Oversized clamp on UNI/K&N no lid, DRZ-E Base, DRZ Flywheel, LTR450 Front Shocks, blob-less ProTaper Contour bars (ATV High) w/ hot-start reverse, odi grips, Tusk nerfs, Full skids, 14/40, (R) Holeshot ITP HD (F) Rzr2, Port-N-Polish by me.

01-25-2012, 09:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
phillyz400 :::Mini LT50 Rider::: Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 106	Thanks. I ordered a new petcock and i'll install it when i get the quad. My buddy started it and ran it today without any issue. Is this common when the petcock is going bad for it to stall out one day and a few days later run perfectly fine? Just seems so strange that we can ride all day then stall then a few days later run fine again like nothing ever happened.

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