Posted by Polar Pilot on May 18, 2000 at 18:14:09:
In Reply to: I read your post posted by Linnette on May 18, 2000 at 13:29:12:
Let's see
The main tank as WD pointed out drains the fuel to the carb from a stand pipe which rises above the floor of the gas tank - the height of the rise depends on the shape of the tank and the vintage of the bike.
The reserve tank is simly that - fuel which is below the stand pipe. When you select the Reserve tank- you are draining down the fuel from the floor or bottom of the gas tank.
In the case of the Savage the shape of the tank and the location of the fuel selector switch means that all the fuel is accessable in the reserve position so it is possible to "drain the tank dry" while riding.
In past years - quite a few past in fact - the reserve section also served as a settling area for crud that was carried in the gasoline - when I started riding we preferred not to go to reserve because the crud then flowed into the carb with usually clogged jets or needles and seats as a result. Modern screening and gasolines help prevent this problem today
Suzuki adds a "priming position" to help refill the carb after a long layover when the gasoline might have evaporated from the carburator - there is a vacuum line which lets fuel flow down in the on and reserve positions - in the prime position the vacuum is broken and the fuel flows by straight gravity with pressure keeping it flowing until the carb is full - and frequently full to overflowing! The carb has overflow ports which will allow the excess to drain out if the selector switch is in the prime position indefinitely.
Hope this explaination helps - keep on main - only use your reserve as it is needed and enjoy riding -
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot