Feedback Loop
FEEDBACK LOOP
In response to your reply to Kevin Kelly (“Mending broken Wings”) in the January issue, I have been a welder for 25 years, and during my training, “machine inert gas” was not the definition we students were given for the acronym “MIG.” We were taught that it stood for “metal inert gas.” Bruce Anguish Springfield, Ohio
Well, I guess I’ve failed my welding-instructor’s examination, haven’t I? I know how to do most kinds of welding, including both TIG and MIG, but I’m self-taught, with no formal training. Quite a few years ago, an experienced welder who offered me some instructional advice referred to MIG as “machine inert gas, ” and I’ve carried that definition around in my head ever since. Most people who know anything about welding simply refer to this process by its acronym, MIG, rather than by its full name, so this is the first time my understanding of the term has been called into question. I stand corrected.
In the January, 2004, issue, you an swered a letter from Albert Anchondo ("The little vent that won't") of Santa Maria, California, who has a GSX1100F Katana with a fuel-starvation problem. Your answer was incorrect, and it seems you have confused the Katana with a GSX-R. A few of the California-model Katana 1 100's can suffer a "vapor lock" condition, only If (1) the tank is half full and (2) the engine is operated at high cruising speed. The manifold vacuum ap plied to the tank to vent the fuel vapors can exceed the amount of fresh air al lowed to enter the tank through the fuel cap at certain speeds. This can restrict fuel flow slightly, causing the symptoms Mr. Anchondo described. The Suzuki fac tory provided American Suzuki with a re placement for the rubber hose that's located between the charcoal canister and the fuel-tank vent's rollover valve. The re placement hose contained a #180 Mikuni carburetor main jet that had the effect of metering the vacuum applied to the fuel tank, eliminating the symptoms de scribed. If the customer inserts a jet of approximately this size into the hose, his problem will likely go away. This is a very rare problem, and I've only ever heard of it occurring a few times. Ed Hopkins American Suzuki Technical Department Brea, California
I did not mistake a GSX-F for a GSX-H; / simply was unaware of this highly uncom mon problem with California-spec Kata nas. The solution-requiring the installation of a fuel jet in the vacuum hose-is ingen ious but not something that any of the Suzuki dealership mechanics / know have ever heard of. Thanks for the insider tip, however; Mr Anchondo will be grateful, and possibly a few other 1100 Kat owners in the Golden State will be, as well.
Got a mechanical or technical problem with your beloved ride? Can’t seem to find workable solutions in your area? Or are you eager to learn about a certain aspect of motorcycle design and technology? Maybe we can help. If you think we can, either: 1) Mail a written inquiry, along with your full name, address and phone number, to Cycle World Service, 1499 Monrovia Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92663; 2) fax it to Paul Dean at 949/6310651; 3) e-mail it to CW1Dean@aol.com; or 4) log onto www.cycleworld.com, click on the “Letters to the Editor” button and enter your question. Don’t write a 10-page essay, but if you’re looking for help in solving a problem, do include enough information to permit a reasonable diagnosis. And please understand that due to the enormous volume of inquiries we receive, we cannot guarantee a reply to every question.
