2009 Honda VTX1300 Runs like CRAP! Let's FIX IT! Carb and Vacuum, Petcock issues!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 9 ก.พ. 2025
- 2009 Honda VTX1300 will start with the enricher but dies soon after, classic fuel problem usually on the pilot or slow circuit; like dirty pilot jet and such -- however, I come to find that there are other problems compounding like vacuum leaks not easy to find and a weird situation with the fuel switch/cock/petcock that I have never seen before. These damned vacuum actuated fuel cocks are almost always a problem!
Very nice work. Entertaining and informative. I pulled a carb off of a neighbors VTX 1300 this weekend and went through it for him. I should have watched your video FIRST, some nice tips there. His carb was filthy. I did notice during disassembly that the boot bands for his carb were very loose as well. Keep up the nice work, new subscriber here!
Thanks, glad it helped even in retrospect. Appreciate the sub. Cheers.
With my Valkyrie there was room to install an inline fuel filter. Extra protection besides the petcock screen in the tank.
Doesn't look like the VTX has room for something like that. Always enjoy your videos. Starts my day off right.
Thanks. I dislike in line filters. They tend to cause more headaches than they’re worth. If the mothership imagineers didn’t use one, long as the fuel cock gets replaced or rebuilt, that’s all they get. At one time I threw a filter on everything just about, and ended up with poor fuel volume to the carbs. Cheers.
I guess since my 78 GoldThing had one stock, I would duplicate it. The Valk almost hydrolocked once so I was trying to keep any crud out of the needle valve/seat. Hate vacuum actuated petcocks. Replaced with a Pingel that I shut off when parked.@@MotoRestoFL
Have you ever seen fuel pooring out the petcock when trying to start it , the bottom part there is a small pin hole ?@MotoRestoFL
@@rideordie2736 sure. Petcock is bad. Rebuild or replace.
@@MotoRestoFL thanks for the fast response
I just purchased a 05 VTX 1300r just like this one. It runs good but I bought it specifically to learn to work on. I'm very nervous about tearing into the carb. I appreciate your videos :) ty.
Thanks for watching and commenting. The best place to start is looking at parts diagrams, or exploded views. They are a skill in themselves. I used the all the time, not just to buy parts, but heck, I sometimes forget how something goes together after being apart six months. The parts fiches online are great for this, virtually all parts sellers have OEM parts diagrams. It gives you a good idea how things go together and again, it's a skill in itself to read the things. I have a video on this, it may help. th-cam.com/video/xLT3tCfHFJA/w-d-xo.html
Great vid....I got a 07 vtx 1300..had some of the same symptoms..tuned out to be a small hard to find vacuum leak ..( got lucky found it).. she's been riding sweet since...awesome bike....also got a 97 magna 750. Just about ready for a carb rebuild.( HINT HINT) new subscriber..great presentation, content.. HELLO FROM SAN DIEGO
Hello. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Thanks for your reply. Have a great day and Merry Christmas.
You are missing some key words in your description / title. Try to include some technical information / common problem names to bring more people in. Unless you want to keep this video as a secret.😉
Try to search for your own video on TH-cam (from a new device) and see how deep your video is hidden.
You producing a great videos, now it’s time to inform the entire world about it !
Good luck !
Excellent suggestions, I always include "tags" in the upload process, I was under the impression that those were the key searching feature for viewers. Those tags are attached to this and all my videos. TH-cam searching as I understand it, has a lot to do with a channel's analytics and views/subscribers; whereas, the bigger channels will come up more often with the same or similar content -- than a smaller one. Again, that's how I understood it, but could be wrong. I'll try this and thanks again.
Had my fuel system tank and carb cleaned on my 07 vtx1300c, helped but not right. On the trip to Bike week added 2oz marvel mystery oil 4 gallon on the 4th tank same mixture amazingly felt it clear. Something is now working that was stuck.
So you're saying it's... wait for it... a Mystery? hehehehe
Your Harley friend doesn't realize the good bike he has and that he needed to authorize just that little bit more work.
Great informative video. I fitted an air/fuel adjusting tool from Glens VTX garage.
Thanks. Huh, I'll have to look that up. I know some folks make 'em for dual sports and other thumper carbs, never heard of one for a girl with big jugs like this. Cheers.
I have 1300s.. it's running a little rough. Going to get air filter cleaned and replaced, hit it with carb cleaner and lower octane....3 easy first steps from another vid. Not sure I feel comfortable pulling carb apart this far...no experience here at all
Update...I lowered gas octane to 88, changed air filter and runs better! Been a great summer and fall of riding
Now after going thru all that (had to do mine too) because the previous owner neglected to do any off season preventative maintenance.
Now just make sure you add 2 oz. of Seafoam before you store the bike for the winter months and plug the battery into a float charger, and it will start and run just like you just shut it off in the spring.
Hello, went through the carb, great video thank you. Put back together and it started right up. Sputters when I get on it at about 30mph. Long story short pulled petcock and the screen filter was rotten and broke off into the tank. So been "rinsing" the tank with fuel and filter screens. Lots of debris. Rinsed with about 12 gallons of gas and still debris comes out. Is there a faster way? This will take forever. Thank you. 2005 Honda VTX 1300.
Depends upon what you mean by debris. If it's rust, you have three choices: some sort of acid, EvapoRust or a professional gas tank restorer who uses commercial equipment. If it's not rust, then I'd try acetone. A disclaimer first: this is dangerous using any chemicals and you need to wear PPE and work in an appropriate area. Fuel tanks are a pain in the backside when they're rusted up inside, which is what I suspect you have. If your tank is really bad, I'd consider replacing it with a better one or send it out to a shop who does this work. Believe me, you'll be thanking yourself if you do. That way, they can clean and seal the tank. There's a place in Tampa not too far from me, it's about $400 bucks to do a tank this size. Anyway, that's the short answer. Check TH-cam for other folks videos on doing the actual tank wash if you so choose to do that yourself. Thanks for watching, cheers.
@@MotoRestoFL visually from the top there is so slight, small spoty rust. I used an endoscope to locate and retreive the broken screen filter from petcock. During that mission I did not see any rust. I believe what I'm dealing with is the debris from the other half of the filter that broke off and went into the tank. There are many pieces coming out with each flush that I do. Thank you.
@@MotoRestoFL I cleaned the tank the best I could. I put new plugs in it. It starts right up same as before. Before I went through the carb which looked totally fine, the air/gas was set at about 1-7/8 turns from closed. As I recall it had some backfire when releasing throttle and coasting. (Been awhile since I rode it.) Plugs were pretty much black so maybe too rich.
I then set it at 1- 1/2 and it still sputters/hesitates at about 30mph accelerating.
It's now set at 1-3/4 and still hesitates when you're on it starting at about 30 mph. I think if I slowly accelerated I could get through that... I also pulled the choke out slightly to see if it would improve acceleration or make it worse. It was worse.
Any thoughts on which way to go with the air/gas screw? Thank you.
Fill tank with white vinegar and let it set overnight. Will remove rust.
@@dwightoliver952 Thank you very much
I recently found your channel, and love your presentation and explainations on issues you run in to when diving into bike issues.
I have a 2004 VTX 1300 with around 14k miles. It sits through the winters, but has been ridden every year since I bought it new. It starts fine, idles well, and accelerates well under heavy throttle. The issue I have is if I'm cruising at a steady speed, then give it just a little throttle it sputters a bit, then goes. If I give it heavy throttle it's fine. Last year I changed the spark plugs and put in a new air filter and no change. I recently watched one of your videos and thought it might be the acceleration pump, but I verified that it is working fine. What would be your opinion on this?
Unfortunately I cannot help at this time as I am experiencing serous medical issues and will be radio silent for some time.
@@MotoRestoFL I'm really sorry to hear that. I pray that everything works out well with your issues and you are back on your feet soon. Take care of yourself.
I am having basically the same problems that you had in this video. It is driving me nuts trying to get this fixed. This bike sat for 10 months before I purchased it. For some stupid reason, I thought it was fuel-injected, that's why I bought this Honda, but I was dead wrong. I bought it on eBay and had it shipped to me in Atlanta from FL. Now I am stuck trying to fix it. The bike was blowing black smoke (carbon) I had to change to plugs twice, that helped a little. I think there is a vacuum leak somewhere. I have taken the carb off twice, cleaned it because of the nasty gas in the tank. Put a new petcock in it, what a mistake, I bought the cheaper one (Chinese junk), now I am going to put the original one back in and change the filter again in the tank. I was not able to take the airflow screw out because I couldn't find a D-type remote screwdriver bit as you have. The setting might be off. This bike sound like a Harley idling, not smooth at all. I wish you were here in Atlanta. I did put a new float in the carb, I might put the old one back because I think it might be Chinese junk and might be off a little. Thanks for any advice you can give me even it is junk the bike, lol. The bike is in excellent condition, I just need it reliable so I can ride it now.
Email me a video like 30 seconds minimum of it running and I’ll contact you back via email. Motorestofl@gmail.com
@@MotoRestoFL whoops, sorry Tom, it was less than 30 seconds. I didn't see the time minimum.. I emailed the icloud links because the video was too big. Thanks for any advice.
It's a fixed float. It can get stuck, not seal properly or something block it. But it's not adjustable. (It's one of the better things they did in this bike.)
Glens has a cable remote adjustment screw available so you can adjust the mix without tearing anything back apart. Comes with D socket to remove the original screw. A .22 cartridge with a flat spot will work in a pinch tho.
@@jeanettejack2152 Good info, I didn't think to check on that because I usually don't have to re-adjust. But for the gentleman having issues and perhaps others, thanks. This would be of particular use with mild modifications like exhaust and air intake. With those all bets are off and tweaking would be necessary.
Great video… what was the final adjustment (turns out) on the air/fuel mixture screw? My Clymer manual says 1-3/4 turns out but I think your manual suggested more… 🙏
Thanks for watching and commenting. Good question. Normally, I write that down in the narrative of the service ticket, unfortunately on this job I didn't. I can't exactly recall the service data I used, it may be out on the shop computer and I can't figure out how to network a Win 10 and 11 computer together... (dang Microsoft!). Let me check back with you on this later, if you don't hear back soon it means I forgot because I'm old; so please send me a reminder. You can also email me at motorestofl@gmail.com. Cheers.
@@MotoRestoFL No worries… thank you for the reply 👍
@@majr25_13 I think I went 2-1/2 turns but maybe 2-3/4 turns. There's an idle drop procedure which requires adjustment of the pilot screw while running. adjusting curb idle during the process and opening the pilot screw 5/8 of a turn past the point in which the procedure states after a drop in idle speed from turning in the screw. I never found Honda's initial and final pilot screw procedures very practical. They've never really worked for me so I go off my ear. If I didn't do 2-1/2 I may have done 2-3/4. The suggestion I'd give to you is 2-3/4 turns out, assuming everything else is 100% in order, engine and intake, good gasoline, etc. It's a pain to get at that screw if I recall, even with my special tools. I think that's a "D" headed screw that Honda loves to use, but I cannot exactly remember. I work on a lot of stuff... lol.. hope it helps.
@@MotoRestoFL Thank you for the reply… that is a crazy coincidence, I also adjusted mine to 2-3/4 turns out (mostly because it improved my cold starts). Off the line starts also seemed to improve… 👍
@@majr25_13 same here 2 3/4 A/F/M If you don't have Glen's A/F/M Screw look it up if you ride your X higher altitude you need it adjust the A/F/M just by reaching down by the air box.
I believe i heard you say , Nipples, and " Hot Jugs" in the same video ! ! I had to stop the video, go to Confession, and then come back and restart the video. Which is weird, cuz i am not even Catholic :) Lol
I was once talking to a girl, and we were talking about some sort of a food item because it was at a grocery store, and instead of saying nibbles I said nipples. We both got a little charge out of that but the guys that I was with on the job with the fire department, would never let me forget that one.
@@MotoRestoFL , ahhh, some would say a " Freudian Slip" I just say, yeah, it's a guy thing :)
Genius video. It explained a lot of things about my bike and what it’s doing. And that told me that other than replacing the petcock, because i already bought one, i need to take this to someone who knows!!
Do you remember and can you share, about how much you charged for this this carb tuneup? Just wondering what’s in store for me when i take it in in colorado.
I did this particular job on the cheap, gave the customer a discount because he brought the parts and it was pretty much just labor. But, my labor rate at that time was nearly half of what it is now. If a shop is going to charge you $110 an hour which is about typical for a commercial enterprise, probably around $700 bucks assuming what you saw in the video is the only thing needing to be done. This, of course, is a very broad guess, I have no idea where you're planning on taking it or whether it'll be a dealership or an independent shop. It's even doubtful a dealer will work on something this old being carbureted, but you never know. Thanks for watching, consider subscribing -- liking -- sharing for more content like this.
Very professional. Outstanding.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Great video.
I have an 04 VTX1300.
Just wondering if you could help me out. Issue just started recently. On cold starts when i engage the enricher circuit by pulling out the choke the bike wont start. When the choke is in it starts run a little rough for 30-40 seconds then no issues after that.
Thanks in advance.
I'm so sorry for the delay in responding. TH-cam moved the dang comments section in the creator studio page and I couldn't find it until now. As to your question, sounds like the enricher circuit is blocked, probably the enricher jet. All that enricher plunger does is open a separate vacuum circuit to favor pulling fuel from the enricher jet up through the channel where the plunger lives and dumps it into the throat of the carb. If the enricher circuit inside the carb was blocked due to a situation like a plugged jet, all it would be doing is inducing a large shift in vacuum which would explain why it starts better when the enricher is closed rather than open; as the slow circuit is working as it should and probably your accelerator pump, in concert with each other are enough to get it to fire up. Net sum, you'll need to pull the carb and investigate.
H😂e hehe he said nipple😂😂😂,Beavis and butthead would love that line😅
where does one get that special tool to adjust the fuel air screw dohickey? i just bought one of these and its running the same way yours first was... i already replaced the petcock and filter there... ive got the carb apart gotta wait for a new carb bowl gasket to come in... looked like it had been damaged some someone sealed it with silicone which had turned into a gel
I made this one but they’re available I’ve seen them online. Just do a search for pilot screw extension for the VTX.
If we were in the Roman Empire I’d worship your carb skills as a god. Lol. Great video……..again. Now back to the VFR video.
Ha! Don’t hear that everyday. 😁I’m editing the third VFR video right now. Thanks for watching and commenting.
Super informative as this is my first time dealing with a carb issue on my 2007 VTX 1300 S. The air hose is dumping fuel when its running. Its been sitting for 4 years (I wrecked it). My thoughts is that the float is gummed up and forcing to much fuel in and is emptying out the air hose. If you have any suggestions I’m all ears. (Air hose meaning the hose that comes out and leads nowhere and connects to nothing on the left side when looking at the carb bolted on the bike)
Mine was the on -off- fuel valve they sell on with a fuel filter
Mine had a small split in the diaphragm on the vacuum slide
Great video! My friends 08 starts up fine but will not go faster than 40 kph. I was thinking the diaphragm might be pooched? Only will know is to check. Btw! Where can you get the proper D socket?
Thanks. You sure it's fuel causing it? Could be many reasons. It's easy to get a vacuum leak on this bike and not see it, pull the tank and examine all the vacuum hoses first, there's only a couple but they source from two places I think and each is divided with a Tee. The D tool is available here from me, for $100 each. Just kidding... Amazon, anyone just about has 'em. Mine came with my Motion Pro carb adjustment tool. This is one example: www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-D-Shape-Replacement-08-0229/dp/B003CMWC4U
2003 1300
Hesitates/sputters on moderate to hard acceleration.
Gravity only petcock on this year (went to vacuum in 04)
Any suggestions?
Wow, that could be many things, I'd need to know more, but likely fueling over spark, but you probably already suspected that.
Hello there, just subscribed. Like your tutorials. Q: I have a 2007 VTX 1300c. I live in hot Arizona and I want to know if I can use 15w 50 oil in my bike? Please advice and thank you per request. I bought a jug of Motul 300v 15w 50 syntheic.
Long as it’s wet clutch compatible it should be fine. Oil sometimes causes emotional debate on forums and social media. I don’t know about the synthetic, I never use it. Some clutches don’t like it. You could also do well with Shell Rotella 15w40 diesel oil. The T4 is conventional oil and is JASO MA/MA2 we clutch compatible. I run it in everything. Thanks for watching and commenting and subscribing.
I need ur help with my carb My bike had got flooded in a rainstorm and we remove the carburetor had the carburetor completely cleaned and rebuilt. We put the car back on and now it’s still not wanting to crank like either it’s getting too much air or not enough turns, and when I tried to start it yesterday, it shot a little spark outside of the carburetor. I’ve spent so much money on this by that I’m broke. I really need some help. I have a 2004 Honda VTX 1300c
Ok, I need more info. When you say flooded do you mean the engine got filled with water? If so, was it cranked over with water inside the cylinders? Please clarify “flooded in a rainstorm.”
@@MotoRestoFL we were on the bike and we have the pointed con air intake on the bike. We got caught in rain out in the middle of nowhere and it sucked water up into the carburetor so we had to have the bike completely drained, new air filter and new spark plugs Noyle we flushed the radiator fluid and everything we had to take the carburetor apart and clean it, I put the rebuild kit on it took it to a motorcycle shop and they cleaned it. Put it in some kind of machine and cleaned it.
@@MotoRestoFL she was running but idling very high and after we had the carburetor cleaned in the machine and they put it back together now it’s like Excelerator pump don’t want to work and I’m just at a loss we put a new fuel line on put new hoses on I just really need some guidance because I’ve spent more money fixing the bike than what I paid for the bike and this is our second source of transportation.
@@greeneyechristie ok, I'm still not getting the answer I need, did it get water inside the engine where the oil is? Also, and this is important, did the rain water kill the motor where it would not crank or anything? I'm trying to figure out if you possibly got water into the cylinders while it was running because if so, I'd just scrap the engine. Possibly bent a connecting rod. I'm trying to see if the rain water hydro locked the engine or not. I'm not getting that yet. It's very important.
What goes first the little rubber grommet or the little washer....
On what? Are you referring to the slow screw (fuel screw) o ring and washer? If so, the o ring goes in first then the washer then spring. Stack them on the screw and insert that way. So from the pointy tip it’s o ring, washer, spring.
@@MotoRestoFL the o ring and washer on the screw with 2 and half turns...
@@garythompson1629 I answered you above.
@@MotoRestoFL thank you
Great, Tight, Considering new carb for 1300 vtx, any suggestions, Thanks Tom
New carb why? Performance or simply replacing a stock that’s too far gone?
my 2007 vtx 1300 will start easily, but stumbles or even completely shuts off when the throttle is turned (after you warm it up for way too long, like 5 minutes, it'll start to be able to twist throttle and not die). very loud backfire, i even took an 8 second video of it and you see a flame shoot out! It has "cobra" pipes on it. My question is: after a meticulous inspection of all vacuum hoses, hose and air inlet connections, fuel and fuel filters, bowl/carb condition - and I still have the problem - do you think I can adjust the A/F mix to correct it, or would I have to get different jets?
If there's just no stinkin way possible to answer that question without having the bike running in front of you, I understand! thank you for the helpful video!
That carb has an accelerator pump. Did you check the function? Twist the throttle and see if it squirts. Otherwise, you need to snatch the carb off and check the rubber carb holder(s) for cracks, double check every vacuum hose and triple check the float level. Make sure that's spot on. Cobra pipes shouldn't make a big difference unless there is a less restrictive air intake installed. Sure, may need re-jetting, but without large changes in intake/exhaust flow dynamics, it shouldn't. Thanks for watching and commenting.
@@MotoRestoFL Hey man! Sorry for neglecting to reply to you. I really, really appreciate you taking the time to respond to me when I had this question. I still run and ride my blue VTX hard and she purrs like a kitten now. I took your advice and took action on it, and I'm glad I did. When I checked everything you mentioned, I didn't find anything. So I came back on youtube, read your response again, and went and checked again - and I found a little vaccuum hose that goes to a valve (you can't see it without the gas tank removed) --- the hose had been disconnected. There's the massive leak! Soon as It was back on, the bike's ran fantastic ever since and I owe you one big time!!!!
Too bad the video can’t pay enough to pay for the carbs to be done right… did the exhaust have anything to do with the popping? If you reduced the back pressure too much it can make it idle poorly, correct?
The video? I don’t understand. Yes, but that kind of situation really shouldn’t have that much impact.
Where can i purchase the kit for the carb for my 08 honda vtx 1300c
Check with JD Jetting and also Randakks Honda parts. Or you can piece out OEM.
I have the same bike, with stock exhaust, do I need to rejet it for a straight pipe set up or can I get away with just adjusting the mixture screw?
I don't know. I wouldn't do a straight pipe even if someone paid me double. It's not good for an engine to not have exhaust backpressure as designed by the engineers and it's too damned loud. Sorry.
Have a vtx1300 question on rear jug crankcase breather ventilation is it A bad idea to tap out stud post on rear cover
Have no idea what you mean, how does one tap a stud post? Wouldn't that need a die? Is it a broken out stud post?
Liked and subbed. Great video! I have a 2003 vtx1300s.
Hi Tom, been thinking about making that 500-mile trip to bring my bike down to you. I am tired of screwing around with trying to fix it myself and not riding it. How backed up with work around you now?
Email me motorestofl@gmail.com. Refresh my memory on the behavior. I don’t remember. That will give me a better idea of when I can get it in.
Ok. I need to get the fuel filter and fuel lines out of the inside of the gas tank. Can you please tell me how to do this please? I need to do this so I can get the inside of the gas tank refurbished/redone. Thanks
Assuming it’s the same bike as this 2009, all you do is pull the fuel tank, remove the fuel cock and you’re done.
@@MotoRestoFL thanks
They make a nice little D-type remote screwdriver that you can reach in from the left side of the bike to adjust the pilot mixture screw if you didn't get it right the first time at install.
Yes. I have two of them.
Hi, I have been trying to find a D-type remote screwdriver that is shown in this video. I am unable to find it, would you happen to know where I can buy one? Thank you.
@@GrillWarrior Mine is a bit that is part of a set that goes in a 90 degree short profile adjustment tool made by Motion Pro. However, I have made two of them before as well. Here is just the bit (replacement part) for the Motion Pro tool, you can get one or more and simply use in a 1/4" hex screwdriver, typical to the ones you can get at any hardware store that has all the different bits. www.amazon.com/Motion-Pro-D-Shape-Replacement-08-0229/dp/B003CMWC4U
Has anyone ever successfully charged cam timing to get a closer sound of a Harley? Jst curious, everyone has done about everything.
You got me. That's way above my pay grade. Cheers.
Can I mail you my carb ? I also have 2005 Honda vtx 1300. I had two mechanics work on it and I still get trouble with the bike being fully warmed up and the acceleration being smooth. It puts puts
Sure. I need more info. Please email my business email address: motorestofl@gmail.com.
I had a Yamaha Virago new in 84 & the one pipe rusted thru in less than a year with 4000 K.M.s on it . Because I was over the 90 day warrantee ; Yamaha told me I was S.O.L . I've never bought another Yamaha since then . 11 bikes later .
What kind of screw is coverd by a Welch Plug?
What’s a Welch plug?
I have a question about a 2004 honda vtx carb.
Fire away.
@@MotoRestoFL my carb I replaced everything like you did and it sputters just on take off do you think my air/fuel screw could be causing the problem the rest of my carb is clean and the jets are good and replaced.
@@garyharpole2501 did you check the accelerator pump?
@@MotoRestoFL yes I checked it with air
@@garyharpole2501 I'm unsure what checking with air means, I just look into the carb throat with a flashlight and the airbox off, of course, and crack the throttle. If it squirts, it's good. I'd need more info to possibly help you. Send me an email motorestofl@gmail.com. What I need to know, exactly what do you mean by sputtering upon taking off? Is that light throttle? Heavy throttle? Does it sputter without any load like snapping the throttle? What is the slow screw set at now? What are the jet sizes are they stock and is the air inlet/filter stock? I need more detail. Cheers.
How much is a job like that worth to clean the carbs
It really depends. If I have to R/R the carbs then rebuild, about 1 hour for the R/R and 2-3 for a basic carb clean but add 2-3 more if they have to be taken to bits and split. Plus parts, and it depend upon OEM vs aftermarket. Anywhere between $475 and $700.
Where are you located out of. My 2006 vtx 1300 has the same issues as this one. I’m not mechanically inclined on motorcycles, I’d rather someone that knows what they are doing fix it.
Bradenton Florida.
great work on a cool bike
Great videos!! Thanks
Should change the valve, if the screen & tube are rusted. all kinds of junk will end up in the carb.
Best bike made. Runs forever and doesn’t have an oil locator like Harley Davidson
Well, the AMF years really stigmatized Harley. Although they don’t leak like they did at least, their refusal to reduce engine heat away from meltdown temps by liquid cooling, is why those motors need rebuilding while the Honda’s never need it.
It looks like it fell over at some point. May be the cause of a hole in the exhaust…
Good point. Quite possible.
90% of the time rubber boot is off/ tight enough,fuel mixture screw is off or clogged jets that's all.