Hi Guys,

I changed the TB rubbers and manifold stubs/gaskets, and injector 'O' rings and since then she is harder to start. Used to be on the buttoin with no choke, now if I don't catch it with the throttle first time she needs a hefty bit of choke to start. Suggest to me mixture is too weak? There also seems to be white and/or blue smoke from the exhaust - not sure it was there before. After a minute or two she will idle happily as normal and engine performance seems fine.

Am I being an old woman and looking for problems or have I perhaps inadvertantly altered some settings while doing the TB work? Maybe air getting in?

Any thoughts appreciated
Thanks
Dave

I am not an expert in these but I had a similar problem in a car that was due to an air leak in the fuel lines. If all was right before hand I can only suggest that there may be an issue. Also check the intake connections.

The other thing I noted on the K last year was I had a spark plug fail very shortly after a service and now carry two spares all the time. I thought it might be a gap but it was a dud plug. €5 at Halfords bought me replacements.

If you use choke to start and then she runs fine maybe check the colour of the plugs, if they are the correct colour maybe all is right where before it was not?

Thanks mate , I've taken the side panel off and tightened everything up. reckon it must be air getting in. Seems better - starting first time again so we'll see in the morning. Puttings some miles on the bike this w/e so we'll see how she runs.

Best
Dave

Dave, for where you are, with those temperatures, its quite normal to have to use the choke to start it. I don't see anything wrong with what you describe. I would be more worries if it easily starts now as I would then wonder if the bike is adjusted too rich.
Further air leaks can result in a rough, but quite often faster idle, so no surprises there either.