Hydrolocked even with a fuel shutoff valve.

[MarkT]

What if we turn off the petcock before turning off the engine?  Let it run for a minute before storing?  That should burn up a bit of the gas, don't you think?

Jim

If you believe the theory that it's the gas in the lines / rails that results in hydrolock - perhaps.  Assuming it can drain down w/o an opening to provide air above that fuel. (Recall the soda straw example)  I don't believe either, myself. If hydrolock comes from leaks from the fuel tank - your action won't stop it.  It will drain anyway into the space in the carb bowls that resulted from your running it for a short time without feeding from above the petcock.  Then continue to get past the leaking carb float, into the runners and past the open intake valve, and flood the cylinder.  A Dan-Marc is still the easiest way to stop it.

[Leathel]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

Sorry, you are just wrong about that assertion. There is plenty of fuel in the rails to HL a cylinder. Nope, I’m not a mechanic, I’m an engineer. Most of the folks in this discussion seem to assume that when I talk about the fuel rails, I’m talking about the two rubber hoses that “T” from the fuel line. I’m not, although their volume is included, the rails run along the length of each side of the carb banks to deliver fuel to each carb. Don’t take my word for it, see for yourself next time you remove your carbs. More than 1 oz of fuel. I’d venture several ounces.

we did the maths on fuel in the fuel rails and in the cross over hose, not enough if the shut off valve is at the T

The fuel the comes out when you remove a carb includes the fuel in the bowls...but it stays in the bowls and does not help hydroloc

[Jess from VA]

What if we turn off the petcock before turning off the engine?  Let it run for a minute before storing?  That should burn up a bit of the gas, don't you think?

Jim

Like most, I've never had a hydrolock (or even a hint), but I have had both my OE petcocks rebuilt from torn diaphrams, and checked since.

I've often wondered about the utility (and maybe good sense) of switching the gas off 2-3 miles from home, just to draw down the gas below the petcock (at shutoff).  I never have a problem remembering to turn them off, and I always turn them off.  But I don't know if I could remember to shut the gas off rolling for home every time. 

[Valker]

What if we turn off the petcock before turning off the engine?  Let it run for a minute before storing?  That should burn up a bit of the gas, don't you think?

Jim

I turn off my Pingel about a mile from my house.

[Gavin_Sons]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

[Earl43P]

SNIP/  I was on the freeway for at least five miles at 60/65 until the bike started it fuel starved syndrome.  I had forgotten to turn the fuel on.

You should retest that.
With the OEM petcoch left off, my IS will go 1.6 miles from a gas station that I use regularly (1/8 mile to the freeway ramp, then up to 70 mph) until the flow stops and it bogs from fuel starvation.

If yours goes way further than that at highway speeds, I suspect a bad petcock, but let others chime in.

[MarkT]

+1    As I've said - failing to activate my Dan-Marc (it's manually activated) results in starvation at just over a mile - actually about 1.3, at rural road speeds - 24-45 - every time.  On both daily riders.  This is part of my fuel security strategy - if I get hijacked, the plan is to hit the kill switch, hand the perp the bike, tell him to unkill it and hit the starter. As the ahole rides away, tell 911 the miscreant is 1 mile away on the side of the road he left on, on the big chrome bike.

[nogrey]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

With a pingle? I have met with much opposition regarding leaking float valves and other possible causes of HL and have heard many theories as to why it just can’t happen the way I am suggesting it can happen. The “soda straw” analogy doesn’t make sense to me because of the vent lines that are attached to the carbs. Honda did a recall on several gold wings to remedy HL issues due to these lines becoming clogged. Different bikes of course. But ours have vents as well. I’ve heard both sides on the possibilities of the fuel in the rails being enough or not enough to flood a cylinder. I’m still convinced that only due diligence in the proper maintenance of the carbs and petcock are the best assurance. I believe only time will tell if I’m right or not. It does seem that we’re seeing more and more cases of HL as these bikes age. If nothing else, hopefully this conversation will at least get folks to thinking more about it. 
Be well.

[98valk]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

With a pingle? I have met with much opposition regarding leaking float valves and other possible causes of HL and have heard many theories as to why it just can’t happen the way I am suggesting it can happen. The “soda straw” analogy doesn’t make sense to me because of the vent lines that are attached to the carbs. Honda did a recall on several gold wings to remedy HL issues due to these lines becoming clogged. Different bikes of course. But ours have vents as well. I’ve heard both sides on the possibilities of the fuel in the rails being enough or not enough to flood a cylinder. I’m still convinced that only due diligence in the proper maintenance of the carbs and petcock are the best assurance. I believe only time will tell if I’m right or not. It does seem that we’re seeing more and more cases of HL as these bikes age. If nothing else, hopefully this conversation will at least get folks to thinking more about it. 
Be well.

here is the simple solution for anybody who has a major concern and doesn't fully understand the mechanics of these motorcycles.

1. sell it and buy some other fuel injected motorcycle
or
2. every time one stops their bike, make sure whatever the petcock of choice is, turn it to the off position and drain all six bowls via the bowl drain screws and leave those drains open. shut them before next ride.
3. result, zero HL possibility.

[Avanti]

No matter what the key elements are that cause a hydrolock, maintenance of the fuel system is the best defense and a crucial ingredient to keep it from occurring.

Maintenance is a deterrent, not a guarantee!

"Do Your Best and Forget The Rest"
  

[The emperor has no clothes]

"Do Your Best and Forget The Rest"
  

[Leathel]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

The math says it can happen if there is not shut off at the carbs T, even with the shut off at the carbs it can lock if you turn the fuel on and leave for a wee while before starting the engine with a leaking float valve it can happen

never say never

[Jruby38]

I beg to differ. YOU are wrong. If I haven't had a problem in 17 years, I have more important things to worry about and argue with you.

[Gavin_Sons]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

With a pingle? I have met with much opposition regarding leaking float valves and other possible causes of HL and have heard many theories as to why it just can’t happen the way I am suggesting it can happen. The “soda straw” analogy doesn’t make sense to me because of the vent lines that are attached to the carbs. Honda did a recall on several gold wings to remedy HL issues due to these lines becoming clogged. Different bikes of course. But ours have vents as well. I’ve heard both sides on the possibilities of the fuel in the rails being enough or not enough to flood a cylinder. I’m still convinced that only due diligence in the proper maintenance of the carbs and petcock are the best assurance. I believe only time will tell if I’m right or not. It does seem that we’re seeing more and more cases of HL as these bikes age. If nothing else, hopefully this conversation will at least get folks to thinking more about it. 
Be well.

here is the simple solution for anybody who has a major concern and doesn't fully understand the mechanics of these motorcycles.

1. sell it and buy some other fuel injected motorcycle
or
2. every time one stops their bike, make sure whatever the petcock of choice is, turn it to the off position and drain all six bowls via the bowl drain screws and leave those drains open. shut them before next ride.
3. result, zero HL possibility.

I disagree. My pingle was shut off turned it on to start the bike and CLUNK. found the float was stuck and a faulty needle valve. So it can happen no matter what you do.

[98valk]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

With a pingle? I have met with much opposition regarding leaking float valves and other possible causes of HL and have heard many theories as to why it just can’t happen the way I am suggesting it can happen. The “soda straw” analogy doesn’t make sense to me because of the vent lines that are attached to the carbs. Honda did a recall on several gold wings to remedy HL issues due to these lines becoming clogged. Different bikes of course. But ours have vents as well. I’ve heard both sides on the possibilities of the fuel in the rails being enough or not enough to flood a cylinder. I’m still convinced that only due diligence in the proper maintenance of the carbs and petcock are the best assurance. I believe only time will tell if I’m right or not. It does seem that we’re seeing more and more cases of HL as these bikes age. If nothing else, hopefully this conversation will at least get folks to thinking more about it. 
Be well.

here is the simple solution for anybody who has a major concern and doesn't fully understand the mechanics of these motorcycles.

1. sell it and buy some other fuel injected motorcycle
or
2. every time one stops their bike, make sure whatever the petcock of choice is, turn it to the off position and drain all six bowls via the bowl drain screws and leave those drains open. shut them before next ride.
3. result, zero HL possibility.

I disagree. My pingle was shut off turned it on to start the bike and CLUNK. found the float was stuck and a faulty needle valve. So it can happen no matter what you do.

with the six bowls drained and the drain valve left opened?

[Gavin_Sons]

Way to go Regis. poop can the OEM  POS  and shut the Pingle valve off. You will never have to worry about hydo
lock again. I did 16 years and over 100k miles ago.  No mater what the others say, they are not machianics, there is not enough fuel in the line when its off.

I had a lock 2 years ago with a pingle. So u still want to tell me it can't happen?  Had a stuck needle on #2 even with the gas off there was enough to lock it.

With a pingle? I have met with much opposition regarding leaking float valves and other possible causes of HL and have heard many theories as to why it just can’t happen the way I am suggesting it can happen. The “soda straw” analogy doesn’t make sense to me because of the vent lines that are attached to the carbs. Honda did a recall on several gold wings to remedy HL issues due to these lines becoming clogged. Different bikes of course. But ours have vents as well. I’ve heard both sides on the possibilities of the fuel in the rails being enough or not enough to flood a cylinder. I’m still convinced that only due diligence in the proper maintenance of the carbs and petcock are the best assurance. I believe only time will tell if I’m right or not. It does seem that we’re seeing more and more cases of HL as these bikes age. If nothing else, hopefully this conversation will at least get folks to thinking more about it. 
Be well.

here is the simple solution for anybody who has a major concern and doesn't fully understand the mechanics of these motorcycles.

1. sell it and buy some other fuel injected motorcycle
or
2. every time one stops their bike, make sure whatever the petcock of choice is, turn it to the off position and drain all six bowls via the bowl drain screws and leave those drains open. shut them before next ride.
3. result, zero HL possibility.

I disagree. My pingle was shut off turned it on to start the bike and CLUNK. found the float was stuck and a faulty needle valve. So it can happen no matter what you do.

with the six bowls drained and the drain valve left opened?

You have to fill those six bowls with gas and have the drains closed to start it. If you have a float sticking and a bad needle valve in the same carb there is nothing anyone can do to prevent a hydrolock. I specifically installed a pingle because I once thought it would solve the problem. Then one day CLUNK. I knew exactly what it was and was already in the habit of just tapping the starter. No damage but had a cylinder full of gas. I always run my bowls dry before I put it away in the garage. Well maybe not dry but low enough it starts starving for gas. And I always crank it over before turning my gas valve on. I dont know the answer but I know this shitty gas we are buying is probably the culprit so I use ethanol free as much as possible.

[indybobm]

with the six bowls drained and the drain valve left opened?

i doubt if anyone would go to all that trouble every time they they ride.

[nogrey]

There was a poll taken last year in January by Gavin_Sons. He was asking how many had experienced hydrolock. About halfway down the page he explains that he had a pingle and a Dan Marc fuel shutoff installed on his bike. He had a hydrolock with that setup. He was asked if the Dan Marc was faulty and said that he tested it outside the bike for over a week and it functioned fine. He also found a stuck float and a faulty float valve in his carbs when he went through them.
You can read it here: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,98987.0.html

If you haven’t already, take the poll and you’ll see the results. When I took it, only 85 people had responded. Of those 70 had no hydrolock, like most of us I’m sure. 15 had reported a hydrolock. Not enough data to really be accurate, but interesting none the less.

[MarkT]

Harrumph!

Well until more is known on this, for discretionary reasons I'll try to get in the habit of bumping the starter first.  Next we'll hear bumping the starter damages it.  Meanwhile my bikes run great so I'm going to assume I don't have a float valve problem.

[MnM Valk 97]

Hydrolock - again. My '97 has been in storage back east after along repair session (broken starter gears from previous hydrolock) without a lot a riding since then, but no sign of trouble.

Finally fired it up yesterday to go for a solo ride (Woohoo! 65 degrees on Christmas day!), parked it on a slanted area of the driveway - leaning heavy on the left side.

Then I got a passenger, so switched to my '15 Valk on the off chance we'd need the heated seat (which didn't happen).

Shut off the '97 and turned off the NEW fuel petcock, but left it parked leaning hard left. When I returned from the ride I tried to start it again to put it away, but no joy. Locked up.

So, this is with a new K&L Petcock, new K&L float valves BUT a stock float that was just outside of spec. I had tried adjusting with a little heat, but I guess maybe it went back to its old "set"?

FWIW, it rode 1500 miles in a trailer last week with the petcock off without a hint of hydrolock when I unloaded it. I was loaded vertically, but ended up leaning hard RIGHT for an unknown portion of the trip when a strap let go. Also, after unloading from the trailer it was parked on a level surface for a few days before I started it for this particular ride. Again, that was a clean start with a battery that hadn't been tended for the last 6 months.

So more new parts for me this round (including floats), unless I find another piece of obvious debris under the needle. Might as well get the Red Eye gasket kit while I'm in there.

I don't know when I'll tackle this, because I have other vehicles that need love more than this (plus have the 1800, after all). I don't want to shotgun parts, so I'll step thru methodically to find the culprit. I'll try to post any revelations I find.

TLDR: So far it seems like more evidence for hydrolock despite the petcock being off.

Happy Holidays everyone!

[hubcapsc]

I think it would take very little gas to lock a cylinder
that was almost at TDC when it stopped.

I like the OEM petcock on my 100,000 mile Valkyrie,
I've rebuilt it a few times, just rebuilt it a few months
ago.

When I first showed up here I quickly became convinced
I needed to rush to a de-smog and a Pingel ASAP.

-Mike "oh well... I'm glad I changed out my valve stems...  "

[98valk]

I think it would take very little gas to lock a cylinder
that was almost at TDC when it stopped.

I like the OEM petcock on my 100,000 mile Valkyrie,
I've rebuilt it a few times, just rebuilt it a few months
ago.

When I first showed up here I quickly became convinced
I needed to rush to a de-smog and a Pingel ASAP.

-Mike "oh well... I'm glad I changed out my valve stems...  "

my '98 was a left over model that I bought new in '00 almost at dealers cost.  The diaphragm failed at 13k miles. I rebuilt it and also put a snubber in the vent line, which reduces the hard movement of the diaphragm during shifting. 50k miles later and still working as new.

see my posts
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,3408.0.html