Water in carbs? How?

[finfanmo]

So, I bought my '02 Katana after a guy killed himself on it (mistake #1--it's cursed). The plastic was shredded, but everything else seemed to be in good shape. It rides great, but there is one issue:

This is now the second time I've had a problem with water in the carbs (I'm assuming). This last time, I got caught in the rain. I only had to ride about 5 miles, but I hit a puddle with maybe 4-5 inches of standing water. Rode through with no trouble, but got maybe another 2 miles. The bike sputtered and eventually died. Since then, no luck starting at all.

Can anyone help me with the steps to diagnose the problem (i.e. spark plugs or carbs), and figure out why this would be happening ($350 to clean carbs is a lot for me). I've had a couple bikes in the past, and riding in rain wasn't a problem. If it is water in the carbs, is there an alternative to removing them?

Any assistance, including removing the curse, will be appreciated.

[LAsunbird86]

wait..you paid $350 to CLEAN the carbs? You could have gotten a brand new, rebuilt set for that..(I know, not on topic, but wow).

[professa_riddler]

wait..you paid $350 to CLEAN the carbs? You could have gotten a brand new, rebuilt set for that..(I know, not on topic, but wow).

I think that is the price he probably was quoted, he didn't state he paid that amount.

[Black_peter]

It say crap in the tank..

[LAsunbird86]

I think that is the price he probably was quoted, he didn't state he paid that amount.

My reading/observational skills increase with coffee....time for cup #2.

[Kreylyn]

If you only have a liquid (water) in the carbs you want out, then just drain the bowls. Each one has a screw on the bottom that you open and drain from.

How the water got in there would be the bigger concern. If your tank has not been flushed, do so NOW. Check to make sure the drain tube is working properly, and is not cracked/broken to allow water to flow into the tank as well.

Krey

[diavolo]

I would also check the cap gasket - make sure it is there, in place and not cracked/broken - that would also allow rain to enter the tank. After draining the tank, get a can of dry gas, and add that to the fresh fuel - it will help get rid of any residual moisture in both the tank and carbs.

[Black_peter]

Check to make sure the drain tube is working properly, and is not cracked/broken to allow water to flow into the tank as well.

Krey

Good one!
Also check the airbox drain. Based on the history of the bike..
The airbox has a tube about 3/8 in diameter with a plug at the end, the end should be around the bottom of the bike. (near the others but the swingarm) remove the plug, drain it and replace.

The drain Krey mentioned is at the fuel filler. It lets water (or over fill fuel) to drain rather than make it's way into the tank. That one might be pinched..

[manowar1313]

I would drain the bowls/tank first, then if that doesn't work it might be something electrical got wet.

As for the curse. You'll need to get a exorcist to cast out the PO's spirit. Honest to god I have had everyone of my bikes blessed by a Catholic priest.

[wfrpalm]

It sounds more electrical than water in the carbs.

[hardlydangerous]

if you hit a puddle and the bike died its water in the electrical not the carbs

chances are the water drains are plugged in the spark plug holes and you have water in there and or the wires

[Giaco]

As for the curse. You'll need to get a exorcist to cast out the PO's spirit. Honest to god I have had everyone of my bikes blessed by a Catholic priest.

I think i'll try that from now on.... it worked with golf clubs in the movie dogma...

[arsenic]

if you hit a puddle and the bike died its water in the electrical not the carbs

I concur

[finfanmo]

Well, I must confess that, yes, I paid a dealer somewhere around $350 the first time. Now that I've seen your posts, I realize I got ripped off. I called another bike shop this time, and they told me $300. That's why I wanted to get the opinion of folks who don't make money off of this. I'm pretty mechanically inclined with cars, so I figure that, with some guidance, I can figure this out and fix it on my own.

Going to take everyone's advice in order, and I'll let you know what happens. I'm not religious, but maybe the bike is, so I'll try the priest as well.

[rexazz2]

less than $1 for a bottle of gas line de-icer or methol alcohol
If you are running ethanol blended fuel it draws moisture like crazy
I have bought a bottle on the road and its a lot easier than draining the carbs