Engine problems after rain
 

Ok, i recently got caught in a downpour on my '99 SV and lost my front cylinder. Read up on it, and I see that the little chute to discharge water sometimes gets clogged and causes this. So I decide to let me bike dry out overnight, started it up next morning, I cannot get it to start at all now. So took it one step further, took plugs out, sprayed a bit of WD40 in both cylinders to make sure to get out every bit of water I could. Let it sit like that for some decent time. Tried again this morning, same problem.

Checked plugs and Im getting a nice fire out of them, checked airbox - no obstructions, plenty of fuel in the tank. Engine will turn over but I cannot get enough of a fire to start it up. First bike, and Im unsure as to what could be causing the problem, as it would run (poorly) when soaked, but after drying out, it wont work at all. Got a Clymer manual for it, but it hasnt opened any doors yet. Any help would be appreciated.

Re: Engine problems after rain
 

Water in the fuel perhaps. You can open some drain screws on the carbs to get rid of it.

Re: Engine problems after rain
 

Im almost tempted to drop a splash of petrol in the carbs like I used to do with my old dirtbike. Not much harm in doing that to a street bike, is there?

Re: Engine problems after rain
 

OK, so splashed a bit of fuel in the carbs, engine fired right up for a couple seconds, sputtered, died. Tried cranking it again with the throttle full open, stayed up this time. So Im once again a happy sv rider. :grin: