Ethanol blues

[Hard Luck Rodeo]

Won't someone post a video on changing out needles and O-rings?  The pictures on the Shop Talk link for Jetting the Valk do not resolve any more. 

The local honda shop wants $264 for needles ($192 @ $32 a set) and O-rings ($72 @ $12 bucks apiece) plus $350 (5 hours @ $70) labor!

This is something I could do if I had a little guidance.  Where do I buy these parts myself?

[Earl in Pensacola]

Why are you changing out the parts??  Your subject is Ethanol, so you figure that ethanol caused your problem??  Maybe the bike has been setting unused for a long time??  I'm asking these questions because, I have 249K on my '97 Tourer and the carb.s have never been opened.  I just used some carb cleaner (like Chemtool B12) once a year (1 can devided by three full tanks)  Have you tried a strong dose of carb cleaner, checked for vacuum leaks, then carb. sync.??

[Hard Luck Rodeo]

Thanks for the tip.  Hadn't tried that but will give it a shot.

[olddog1946]

Try Star Tron from wally world. Designed specifically for ethanol problems..it's in the fishing section.

[rmrc51]

Try Star Tron from wally world. Designed specifically for ethanol problems..it's in the fishing section.

+1 on StarTron. IMHO, it's the best treatment to combat that ethanol crap!

[gordorad]

Best deal on Startron now......

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0014419UQ/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details

Get the 32oz bottle.  If you are an Amazon Prime member, shipped to your house in two days for less than $24.00.  That's a great deal.  At Walmart, I believe the 8 oz bottles are now about 11.00.....

With this formulation, only a 1/4 ounce is needed per four gallons.  If you fill up close to when hitting reserve, this will give you 128 fills, or just under .19 per tank full.  

I use it and I do see about 2-3 MPG improvement.  Cruising around 60mph, I will get slightly over 36mpg.     With gas prices at 4.00 per gallon, every little bit helps.

[Earl in Pensacola]

I thnk that he has a problem possibly created by clogged jets, at least that's how I read his comment.  I believe that Star-tron is designed to"prevent" fuel created problems, not clean up clogged jets.  That's why I'd dump a whole can of Chemtool B12 or something similar in a full tank and go for  about a 10 mile ride then park it over night, (to let it do its work of the gummy stuff) then go ride the rest of it out.  Fill up again ans see if you lucked out and all is clean and running right.  If not, then at least you're only in a couple of extra bucks.

[olddog1946]

I thnk that he has a problem possibly created by clogged jets, at least that's how I read his comment.  I believe that Star-tron is designed to"prevent" fuel created problems, not clean up clogged jets.  That's why I'd dump a whole can of Chemtool B12 or something similar in a full tank and go for  about a 10 mile ride then park it over night, (to let it do its work of the gummy stuff) then go ride the rest of it out.  Fill up again ans see if you lucked out and all is clean and running right.  If not, then at least you're only in a couple of extra bucks.

From the label on Star Tron

>Stabilizes gasoline for 2 yrs
>Cures ethanol Problems
>Makes engines run smoothly
>Rejuvenates old fuel
>Makes Engines start smoothly
>Improves fuel economy
>Cleans valves and injectors
>Reduces emissions
>REMOVES CARBON AND VARNISH
>helps prevent phase separation

www.starbrite.com
>

[Earl in Pensacola]

Looks like I may have underestmated Star Tron.  I've never used it, but I have used the Chemtool B12 for the last couple of years.