Why A Blocked Tank Breather Can Make A Motorcycle Stop Running
Sometimes a motorcycle can develop a fuel problem even when the fuel system itself is perfectly clean.
The cause may be something as simple as a blocked tank breather.
As fuel leaves the tank, air needs to enter to replace it. If the breather becomes blocked, a vacuum can gradually build inside the tank, reducing fuel flow to the carburettors.
The symptoms can be frustrating. The motorcycle may start and run normally, then begin to lose power after a few miles. In some cases it may stop altogether, only to restart again after being left for a short time.
Before stripping carburettors or replacing parts, it is worth checking that the tank can breathe properly.
It's a small detail that is often overlooked, but it has caught out many experienced mechanics over the years.
Have you ever solved a motorcycle fault that turned out to be something surprisingly simple?