Fuel system issue?

[Tfrank59]

I’ve never had this before and a recent post I explained that I’ve had the bike for over six years and 66K, but I got an issue that I believe is fuel system related in that it can only be described as sounding like it’s starving for fuel and wants me to put it on reserve. But here’s the thing it still seems to have all the power and I’m just wondering maybe I dislodged a vacuum line or the tank vent hose, do you think that would cause this issue?

[sandy]

Check SERKs thread about his new valk cutting out. My guess is a bad vacuum to the petcock. Maybe the cover set needs to be bought or the vacuum line is loose/bad.

[Tfrank59]

Well I just checked all the vacuum lines as much as I could with flashLight and mirror and none of them seems to be loose or cracked and the tank vent hose is attached I was hoping I would find it detached and then problem solved. So I guess I’ll probe some more probably pull the tank off and see what’s going on but I think it’s got to be a vacuum or fuel starvation thing because just the way it sounds to me. Unless you guys got other ideas and stuff for me to check.

[Bighead]

How about a desmogg and report back?

[Tfrank59]

Eh, ya know I have the desmog kit from redeye and I looked again at the instructions and even a YouTube and I decided it’s kind of above my pay grade. But what I am going to do is like Sandy recommended change the petcock cover set and go through and make sure again that everything is connected and not cracked as far as vacuum lines. If that doesn’t fix it I guess I’ll get more serious about the desmog.

[Jruby38]

Can the OEM pos fuel valve for a manual Pingel  and all you problems with fuel delivery and hydrolock will disappear.

[Chrisj CMA]

Can the OEM pos fuel valve for a manual Pingel  and all you problems with fuel delivery and hydrolock will disappear.ry

lW

With a manual Pingel chances for hydrolock are only diminished IF you ALWAYS turn it off as soon as you stop. Forget and leave it on and that’s half a hydrolock right there.

[Tfrank59]

Well I already pulled the trigger on the kit for my OEM petcock so we’ll see if that improves the situation

[carolinarider09]

Based on some of the information I read here I was going to simply replace my 2003 Standard's Petcock Assembly with a new one from Revzilla.  

I'd prefer to stay with stock stuff.  However, I am having no issues so I have not yet made the purchase.  Just thought I'd purchase and put on the shelf just in case.  

Any thoughts?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Based on some of the information I read here I was going to simply replace my 2003 Standard's Petcock Assembly with a new one from Revzilla.  

I'd prefer to stay with stock stuff.  However, I am having no issues so I have not yet made the purchase.  Just thought I'd purchase and put on the shelf just in case.  

Any thoughts?

Why not just purchase a cover set repair kit ?

[da prez]

If you can pull your tank and rebuild the petcock  , you can do the de smog. It's an easy job.

      da prez

[Tfrank59]

If you can pull your tank and rebuild the petcock  , you can do the de smog. It's an easy job.

      da prez

Doing the desmog looks very hard for a guy like me...  Maybe you come over and walk me through it?

[98valk]

Well I already pulled the trigger on the kit for my OEM petcock so we’ll see if that improves the situation

bought my '98 as a leftover in '00. at 15k miles the diaphragm went bad.  I put a new diaphragm in along with a snubber in the vacuum line to reduce the hard movements during shifts. now at 65k and it is still operating without a problem.

[Tfrank59]

OK this is gonna sound like a stupid question but I got my gas tank off and in preparation for rebuilding the petcock I wanted to drain it and nothing comes out when I turn the fuel valve to different positions. I even opened up the cap in case it needed that vent but what am I doing wrong? I’ve never seen a gas tank that wouldn’t flow with gravity like that. Or is this in fact the cause of all my problems?

[98valk]

OK this is gonna sound like a stupid question but I got my gas tank off and in preparation for rebuilding the petcock I wanted to drain it and nothing comes out when I turn the fuel valve to different positions. I even opened up the cap in case it needed that vent but what am I doing wrong? I’ve never seen a gas tank that wouldn’t flow with gravity like that. Or is this in fact the cause of all my problems?

because the vacuum valve is shut preventing fuel flow. if the tank is about 1/4 filled u should be able to stand the tank up and remove the petcock with no spill.

[Tfrank59]

I thought it might be something like that. Out of curiosity though could that vacuum line be the cause of my fuel flow problem? While I was cleaning the bike I went ahead and took my air nozzle and blew back into that little hose and heard there was air flowing out the other end which I guess is into the airbox?

I guess I should’ve asked what operates vacuum valve? I’m assuming it’s Vacuum coming from the little hose that connects to the petcock not the fuel hose am I right?

[Serk]

Eh, ya know I have the desmog kit from redeye and I looked again at the instructions and even a YouTube and I decided it’s kind of above my pay grade. But what I am going to do is like Sandy recommended change the petcock cover set and go through and make sure again that everything is connected and not cracked as far as vacuum lines. If that doesn’t fix it I guess I’ll get more serious about the desmog.

I'm a computer geek that is NOT a wrencher, have actually destroyed custom tools that have been generously loaned to me I'm so bad, but I've done a desmog on my standard, and am doing another desmog on my Interstate right now...

Yes, it's a PITA, yes it's tedious, but it's not that technically difficult, just a pain..... Even for us non-wrenchers.....

[98valk]

I thought it might be something like that. Out of curiosity though could that vacuum line be the cause of my fuel flow problem? While I was cleaning the bike I went ahead and took my air nozzle and blew back into that little hose and heard there was air flowing out the other end which I guess is into the airbox?

I guess I should’ve asked what operates vacuum valve? I’m assuming it’s Vacuum coming from the little hose that connects to the petcock not the fuel hose am I right?

yes vacuum hose from the rear left intake manifold.

this should help. good pics of all parts. 
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,37577.0.html

[Tfrank59]

I thought it might be something like that. Out of curiosity though could that vacuum line be the cause of my fuel flow problem? While I was cleaning the bike I went ahead and took my air nozzle and blew back into that little hose and heard there was air flowing out the other end which I guess is into the airbox?

I guess I should’ve asked what operates vacuum valve? I’m assuming it’s Vacuum coming from the little hose that connects to the petcock not the fuel hose am I right?

yes vacuum hose from the rear left intake manifold.

this should help. good pics of all parts. 
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,37577.0.html

Oh thanks so much for those pics they’re gonna be very helpful when my kit comes. As for the other posts about me desmogging I’m just gonna make sure that it’s not a simple thing like my fuel valve blocking fuel flow. If that’s not it then I’ll have to go somewhere else in this probe.

[Hook#3287]

Yes, it's a PITA, yes it's tedious, but it's not that technically difficult, just a pain..... Even for us non-wrenchers

Uh, Serk, I don't believe you can claim that title any longer

[MarkT]

I thought it might be something like that. Out of curiosity though could that vacuum line be the cause of my fuel flow problem? While I was cleaning the bike I went ahead and took my air nozzle and blew back into that little hose and heard there was air flowing out the other end which I guess is into the airbox?

I guess I should’ve asked what operates vacuum valve? I’m assuming it’s Vacuum coming from the little hose that connects to the petcock not the fuel hose am I right?

Just FYI - I wouldn't blow compressor air into the vacuum line.  There's a rubber diaphram at the other end, inside the petcock, known for failing over time w/o pressurized air on it.  To activate it - open the fuel flow - you can apply vacuum with your mouth among other things - doesn't need much PSI and may not survive much either.

[Tfrank59]

Thanks for the tip.  Actually when I used compressed air it was in the opposite direction — the tank was off and I blew into the hose connected to the number six intake

[Tfrank59]

OK well I am stumped. I am now convinced it’s not a fuel delivery issue* I don’t know what it is I think it might be electrical. If I pull the plug wires while it’s running all but the number two cylinder seem to be strong but the number two while I hear some clicking like it’s firing**, the RPMs don’t even drop so what does that mean? I checked all the connections to the coil and everything and it’s fine I just don’t know what’s happening maybe it’s not electrical but I’m only running on five cylinders. Any suggestions you might have how to diagnose this or if you’ve had this issue I’m all ears.

*I converted my petcock over to all manual gravity feed and it works great. And I’m glad that’s done so that eliminates the question on the fuel valve

**I replaced all six spark plugs brand new

[Jims99]

I still believe it’s a fuel issue. Maybe a sticky float or clogged jet. These bikes run nice and smooth on 5, even 4 cylinders, just no power. I had a slide that was sticking on cylinder 4. Not knowing the history, I rebuild the carbs. 65k on bike. Runs the same, but now I have Valkyrie power. Carbs were clean and looked great, but something was up in there somewhere.

[Tfrank59]

Well OK then I will look at running some B12 or seafoam through the bike and see if that improves it. After reading your post and an older thread about someone else who had a similar issue, maybe it’s the carbs dirty or out of sync

[98valk]

Well OK then I will look at running some B12 or seafoam through the bike and see if that improves it. After reading your post and an older thread about someone else who had a similar issue, maybe it’s the carbs dirty or out of sync

I wouldn't use the religion of seafoam.  1930's two-stroke outboard engine technology. the low temp solvents will solidify on the back on the hot valves.   The pale oil in it has a lower flash point than diesel fuel.  so under right or wrong conditions could cause hydrolock.
 B12 is a good shock treatment. then use a fuel cleaner that has PEA technology cleaners which are approved for BMW valve cleanness.  Top Tier gasoline are good to use. https://toptiergas.com/toptier_detergent_gasoline/

I always use TC-W3 additive along with stabil fuel stabilizer.  TC-W3 does give me a few extra mpg and will keep the carbs clean and the needles lubricated.
 read about TC-W3 here. http://www.ls1.com/forums/f48/been-testing-oil-91206/

[Tfrank59]

Ok b12 it is thx

[Tfrank59]

UPDATE: PROBLEM SOLVED--My baby is back!  It was a fuel thing.  This morning I got the idea to drain the bowl for the #2 carb, as well as fill the tank with pure non-ethanol, as well as B12.  I think it was draining the carb that actually did it cuz I could tell immediately that the problem was fixed.  Must have been something clogged in that bowl or the slow jet or what not and draining dislodged it?  Anyway, feels so good to be back to 100%!!  Thanks for all your help.

[98valk]

UPDATE: PROBLEM SOLVED--My baby is back!  It was a fuel thing.  This morning I got the idea to drain the bowl for the #2 carb, as well as fill the tank with pure non-ethanol, as well as B12.  I think it was draining the carb that actually did it cuz I could tell immediately that the problem was fixed.  Must have been something clogged in that bowl or the slow jet or what not and draining dislodged it?  Anyway, feels so good to be back to 100%!!  Thanks for all your help.

 

[John Schmidt]

You might want to go back and drain all six bowls, but if you do...here's an effective suggestion. First, get a Mity Vac if you don't have one, then using one of the adapters in the kit you attach it to the drain tube for the carbs....where it exits under the bike. Be sure all the drain screws are closed. Then start with one carb at a time and pump up a fair amount of vacuum with the Mity Vac. Next, open one drain screw and if there's any debris in the bowl it will drain out. The vacuum causes some swirling turbulence and agitation within the bowl, thereby causing any sediment in the bottom to come out with the draining of fuel. Next, after all fuel is out of that carb close the drain screw, pump up the vacuum again and open the drain on the next carb. Repeat for all six, if one had debris in it causing your problem, the other five are suspect as well. You might find it time and money well spent. 

[Tfrank59]

Yeah right after I posted my last I went back and drained all the six bowls but I don’t have the mighty vac ha ha I figured what I did for the one bowl might as well do it for all. It’s funny I got the idea to do that by reading my owners manual . I was also reminded of this KTM I had some years ago which would not start for the life of me and then when I drained the float bowl on it boom it ran perfectly after that who knew?

[Tfrank59]

Well just one more update, that manual petcock set up quit on me out on the road today. First time my girl’s ever had me on the side of the road working on her. I don’t know if I did it wrong don’t think so, but I’ve got a rebuild kit coming and when it arrives I’m going to put it back to stock vacuum set up. I never had any problems with it like that.

[The emperor has no clothes]

Well just one more update, that manual petcock set up quit on me out on the road today. First time my girl’s ever had me on the side of the road working on her. I don’t know if I did it wrong don’t think so, but I’ve got a rebuild kit coming and when it arrives I’m going to put it back to stock vacuum set up. I never had any problems with it like that.

+1 I've got 100k on two bikes combined with one cover set rebuild. I know a lot don't like them, but I do.

[98valk]

Well just one more update, that manual petcock set up quit on me out on the road today. First time my girl’s ever had me on the side of the road working on her. I don’t know if I did it wrong don’t think so, but I’ve got a rebuild kit coming and when it arrives I’m going to put it back to stock vacuum set up. I never had any problems with it like that.

+1 I've got 100k on two bikes combined with one cover set rebuild. I know a lot don't like them, but I do.

I know God is real, however this is another miracle, we both agree on something.