2007 Buell P3: Fuel System 4-21
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AUTO-ENRICHENER 4.5
GENERAL OPERATION
The auto-enrichener is one of the first idle devices to be oper-
ated by a wax element. A silicone liquid is enclosed in the
wax and its volume increases or decreases with changes in
temperature. Based upon whether the wax element is being
cooled or heated, the enrichener valve automatically opens or
closes.
See Figure 4-17. During a cold start, the enrichener valve is
open. Whether the valve is fully or partially open is dependent
upon the ambient temperature. The extra fuel and air supplied
to the engine causes it to idle fast.
See Figure 4-18. Starting the vehicle also supplies 12 volts
from the motorcycle power supply to the heater. As the heater
warms the wax element, the silicone gradually expands to
push the plunger out, eventually closing the enrichener valve
at the end of its stroke. When the enrichener valve is closed
NOTE
About 2-5* minutes from the time the engine is first started
cold, the passageway that supplies the extra fuel and air is
blocked and the fast idle stops. (* May be as long as 10 min-
utes in very cold temperatures.)
See Figure 4-18. When the ignition is shut off, the power to
the heater is cut. Deactivation of the heater causes the wax
element to begin to cool. During some hot (warm) starts, the
wax element may have cooled quicker than the engine, which
can result in a fast idle period of short duration.
See Figure 4-17. When the wax element has cooled suffi-
ciently, the silicone gradually contracts to pull the plunger in.
At the end of its return stroke, the enrichener valve is open
and the vehicle is ready for the next cold start.
Figure 4-17. Cold Start/Plunger is Open
Figure 4-18. Hot Start/Plunger is Closed
1. Enrichener valve
2. Heater
3. Wax and silicone contracted
4. Oil
5. Air/Fuel passageway (open position)
3
4
5
2
1
1. Enrichener valve
2. Heater
3. Wax and silicone contracted
4. Oil
5. Air/Fuel passageway (closed position)
3
4
5
2
1
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