Carburetor drain modification:
There is a drain/overflow tube, which runs from the bottom of the carburetor bowl down to an area near the recoil starter on the rear of the engine. This tube serves as both a carburetor bowl overflow and a drain. There is a small check valve near the end of the tube.
We have found that this check valve fails to prevent water from entering the carburetor bowl when riding deep water for extended periods. Therefore we plug the drain/overflow tube with a small stick or screw when riding deep water.
Be aware that plugging this tube prevents the carburetor overflow from functioning. This will cause problems in certain situations where carburetor overflow capability is required. Some of these situations include trailering (traveling) or riding in off-camber (tilted/side hill) situations.
Plugging this tube can cause the air box to fill with fuel when traveling and can actually fill the cylinder up with fuel to a point where the bike will not turn over (crank). We always remove the overflow plug and turn the fuel off when traveling.
Plugging this tube can also cause the bike to flood out in off-camber (tilted) situations such as when one side of the bike is in a rut and the other side is riding higher out of the ruts. This situation causes the float to allow fuel to run freely into the bowl faster than the engine can burn it. The bike will flood out and will not start until the overflow drain plug is removed and excess fuel is allowed to drain out. Fouling of the spark plug often results from this situation.
Carburetor drain procedures:
It is recommended that the extreme rider becomes thoroughly familiar with the carburetor drain and the procedures involved with accomplishing carburetor bowl drainage. There is a small brass flathead screw on the bottom of the right side of the carburetor bowl, it can be easily accessed by removing the right side cover from the ATV. (This is the triangular cover which snaps on/off the right side of the Foreman.)
In instances where water has infiltrated the carburetor bowl, drainage is necessary. This situation can be recognized by several indicators:
* The ATV will be difficult to start or not start at all.
* The ATV will start and run only if the choke (enrichener) is engaged.
* The ATV will tend to die out when throttle is applied.
Keep in mind that the carburetor drain/overflow must be unplugged to accomplish carburetor drainage. Also be aware of the environmental impact of the drained fuel and the flammable situation, which exists.
Carburetor vent extension:
The Foreman carburetor has a slide throttle, which is actuated by varying pressure/vacuum against a diaphragm. This slide (which houses the needle-see Snorkit instructions) operates against atmospheric pressure, which is provided by the vent lines on top of the carburetor. These vent lines must be clear for proper operation.
In order to ensure proper performance, deep-water riders often extend this vent line to a higher location. We do this by removing the factory tube from the "y" connector and using a longer tube to route the vent near the headlight pod or near the brake lever on the handlebars.
This modification is not entirely necessary but can help in certain situations.
Crankcase vent reroute:
Perhaps the most important modification to the Foreman to protect against water/contaminant infiltration is the crankcase vent reroute!
The factory crankcase vent runs directly from the crankcase connection (near the oil fill dipstick) to the lower front side of the air box. It connects to the air box with a small white elbow with clamp type connectors. This configuration lends itself to water running down the tube into the crankcase when/if water infiltrates the air box. This can occur with as little as 1 1/2" of water in the air box.
We generally reroute the vent tube by replacing it with a section of 1/2" dia vent hose (approx 27" long). We route the new hose up and over the carburetor from the factory air box connection. We route the hose as follows: up the left side of the carb...over the top... down the right side... back under to the left...to the factory crankcase vent connection near the oil dip stick.
This route generally avoids interference with the exhaust pipe and provides an elevated area of the line (over the carburetor), which helps prevent the water from running straight downhill into the crankcase. We also replace the factory clamps with screw type clamps to ensure good connections.
Be certain to protect the integrity of the connections and use a quality hose (fuel or crankcase vent) to ensure proper venting and a quality seal.
Fuel tank vent:
On rare occasions water can enter the frame of your Foreman when riding in deep water. The fuel tank vent runs from the fuel tank fill cap in to the steering tube (frame) of the Foreman. Occasionally this water can prevent proper fuel tank venting thus preventing the proper flow of fuel to the carburetor. This situation can be recognized by the bike appearing to run out of fuel. Carburetor draining will produce no flow.
We often remove the vent line from the steering tube and simply let it sit beside it.
Good Luck!
Triangle ATV
Goin' Deep! |
