My kill switch isn't working and i was wondering if it's bad to use the choke to kill the engine instead?
Please do tell.... how can closing the fuel valve be a detriment to the engine. If you notice, the engine is still running, draining the bowl of some fuel (releasing pressure on needle and seat), then I shut the engine down using the kill switch. Never said it ran out of fuel.Using the fuel petcock to stop fuel flow before shutting down the engine can cause a lean condition and reduce the amount of available lubrication, which can contribute to premature wear and difficulty starting.
Personally, I'd just shut off the fuel after engine shutdown, choke or otherwise.
IMHO I say there is way more so called pressure on the said needle valve when the bike is running. These engines vibrate. That is a night and day difference from simply sitting still.Wow. That's a lot to take in. Um, i guess i'm getting that's it ok to use choke to shut down the engine as long as i turn the fuel off too... it won't hurt the engine if i do it. I don't know why my kill switch stopped working, just kinda happened one day. I checked all the wires and they are still connected. So, i dunno. Anyway, thanks guys for answering my question...the outboard engine stuff was interesting too.
The easy to reach zip tie sounds nifty..Ive started to use the choke to turn mine off as well, I'm guessing the stock switch is crap and thy why when I hit the kill switch it just does mini not loud backfire sounds, takes about 8 seconds to die. I've also attached a long zip tie to the choke arm on the carb so it is fairly easy to just pit hand down and pull up.