Yet another carb leak question ) - = Update

[Fla. Jim]

After sitting for a couple three months.......... "All" my carbs are leaking. A lot, pools of gas on the engine. Thought it might be just one or two floats stuck but no, everyone is leaking from what I can see no higher up than the carb bowl gasket's. I removed the intake on #4 and used a mirror and light to see what was leaking but to no avail. The previous owner appears to have removed the overflow drain line's as I cannot see it anywhere... If just one carb float was leaking is there any way for the gas to reach both carb banks ?  I have tried draining the carbs and tapping without any results. I have also visulized the fuel lines from the Pingle manual petcock to the carbs and between, no leaks there. I have a clear fuel filter in place that is still void of any contaminate. I realy do not want to remove and rebuild if not needed. Any thoughts? Any Valk mechanics willing to travel to or live near  Ft. Pierce Fla. ? The bike leaks so bad it cannot be ridden anywhere.

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 So far so good  After doing the recommended carb drain and soak..... There has been no leaks or even gas smell since I did the Barryman B12 treatment !! Also as an aside. Previous to this treatment on my Valk, since I got her in 2004 my MPG has been 33-35 mpg. Now after the carb soak, and with the first tank with a 1/2 bottle B12 just in case I received 37 mpg and some change. Thinking the first tank was a fluke, or the B12 some how extended my ride I took a second tank of Non-Ethanol gas for a 200+ mile spin..I was traveling back roads so I averaged around 55-65 mph. tried to not exceed the 3k rpm range.....I have a pingel so my reserve is 1/2 gal. I hit reserve at 204 miles. Another few miles to the gas station and I got 39+ MPG!! To say I am happy at how this has worked out would be quite the understatement. Did not have to pull the carbs and rebuild, did not have to pay someone to do it. All for the cost of a couple of cans of B12 at $2.84 a can at Wally World. Thanks everyone for the recommended solution. It certainly worked for me 

[shooter64]

Do you have one of those big automotive fuel filters located AFTER the fuel shutoff? That is, between the shutoff and the carbs? I made that mistake and got a hydrolock. That filter is loaded with fuel that has already been allowed past the fuel shutoff even though the fuel shut off is off. If that is the case.
The only way I can see that a person could have one of those filters would be if they had a dan marc downstream of the filter. Then it would be ok.

[Fla. Jim]

Do you have one of those big automotive fuel filters located AFTER the fuel shutoff? That is, between the shutoff and the carbs? I made that mistake and got a hydrolock. That filter is loaded with fuel that has already been allowed past the fuel shutoff even though the fuel shut off is off. If that is the case.
The only way I can see that a person could have one of those filters would be if they had a dan marc downstream of the filter. Then it would be ok.

No.

[indybobm]

I am not endorsing the following as a remedy, only an observation. When I bought my Valk last year from a dealer down south, 4 of 6 carbs were leaking as yours is. I bought the bike anyway planning on removing the carbs and fixing them. Well, the 500 mile trip home on the trailer fixed the problem. 5,000 miles later and no leaking at all.

A lot has been said about ethanol gas plugging up slow jets but it could also cause a different problem. It could gum up the pivots on the floats and not allow them to move and shut off the gas.
You might try removing the gas tank and then drain the carbs. With the tank removed you can then pour Berryman's B12 down the fuel line to  fill up the carbs. Moving the bike from side to side to slosh the B12 around the carbs might help. Let it sit overnight and then drain the carbs again. Reinstall the gas tank and see if that helped.

If it works, it would be a lot easier than removing the carbs.

[Pete]

By all means flush the carbs with a cleaner.
And remove the spark plugs and turn the engine to determine if you are getting excess gas into the engine.

With that said you really must determine where the leak is coming from and which carbs are participating.
in order to know what to fix if flushing them does not do the trick.

Yes one carb can overflow to another thru the carb vent, depending on bike attitude and lean. But usually it also flows out the vent hoses and onto the motor center rear.

After flush cleaning (pouring it thru 1 carb at the time, 6 or more times) some floats may still stick initially, running gas thru them may help free them up.

If all this fails, pull the carbs and clean the bowls, passages, seats, valves and jets really well and reassemble with new o-rings and gaskets where needed. NOTHING RUNS AS WELL AS CLEAN CARBS.

Expect to spend 4 to 6 to 8 hours doing a really good job and spending $50 for parts and cleaner.

Next time it will be setting up drain the carbs and fill the gas tank. (others may not agree on this step)

[Fla. Jim]

Question on the carb cleaner. I thought carb cleaner would streatch the rubber gaskets out of shape? And what of the rubber gas line?

[indybobm]

Thanks to the crappy gas that is available to us, it is common practice to run high concentrations of cleaners such as Seafoam, Startron, Berry'mans B12, etc. through the fuel system. This can be one without damage to the system.

[Fla. Jim]

Thanks! 

[shooter64]

After sitting for a couple three months.......... "All" my carbs are leaking. A lot, pools of gas on the engine. Thought it might be just one or two floats stuck but no, everyone is leaking from what I can see no higher up than the carb bowl gasket's. I removed the intake on #4 and used a mirror and light to see what was leaking but to no avail. The previous owner appears to have removed the overflow drain line's as I cannot see it anywhere... If just one carb float was leaking is there any way for the gas to reach both carb banks ?  I have tried draining the carbs and tapping without any results. I have also visulized the fuel lines from the Pingle manual petcock to the carbs and between, no leaks there. I have a clear fuel filter in place that is still void of any contaminate. I realy do not want to remove and rebuild if not needed. Any thoughts? Any Valk mechanics willing to travel to or live near  Ft. Pierce Fla. ? The bike leaks so bad it cannot be ridden anywhere.

Just trying to learn something: How do you have a clear filter between the pingle and the gas tank? Can a pingle be installed downsteam of a clear filter? I don't have a pingle so I don't know.

[John U.]

I just mentioned this on another thread about gas smell. If the gas lines were dry for a while, the O-rings will shrink and leak, sometimes a lot, until they swell up. Mine did the same thing, but the leaks didn't last long.
I had rags on the top of the engine to absorb the gas, it smelled so strong all the bugs in the garage died. Thankfully there was no ignition source or it could have been a real disaster.

[Pete]

Question on the carb cleaner. I thought carb cleaner would streatch the rubber gaskets out of shape? And what of the rubber gas line?

Yes much of the carb cleaner is strong stuff (Berrymans especially) that is why they work. I dislike leaving B12 exposed to rubber like seals (o-rings) for to long. How long is to long? I have gotten away with leaving it in for 12 hours, although I do not advise doing that. I prefer 1 hour or 2 max and I usually run it thru several times before soak and several times after soak. The flow action seems to help it clean.

[indybobm]

I agree with everything that hs been said. The main reason I suggetsed letting it soak overnight and sloshing it around was for the float pivot pins. I have seen carbs where the floats were 'stuck' and were very stiff to move.

[Fla. Jim]

After sitting for a couple three months.......... "All" my carbs are leaking. A lot, pools of gas on the engine. Thought it might be just one or two floats stuck but no, everyone is leaking from what I can see no higher up than the carb bowl gasket's. I removed the intake on #4 and used a mirror and light to see what was leaking but to no avail. The previous owner appears to have removed the overflow drain line's as I cannot see it anywhere... If just one carb float was leaking is there any way for the gas to reach both carb banks ?  I have tried draining the carbs and tapping without any results. I have also visulized the fuel lines from the Pingle manual petcock to the carbs and between, no leaks there. I have a clear fuel filter in place that is still void of any contaminate. I realy do not want to remove and rebuild if not needed. Any thoughts? Any Valk mechanics willing to travel to or live near  Ft. Pierce Fla. ? The bike leaks so bad it cannot be ridden anywhere.

Just trying to learn something: How do you have a clear filter between the pingle and the gas tank? Can a pingle be installed downsteam of a clear filter? I don't have a pingle so I don't know.

Don't believe I inferred that. "I have also visulized the fuel lines from the Pingle manual petcock to the carbs and between, no leaks there. I have a clear fuel filter in place that is still void of any contaminate."

[Fla. Jim]

Quess I'll give the drain and fill with carb cleaner a shot. I may even give it a few whacks for good measure while it's soaking. If it works It will sure save a lot of work. If not then only a few $ spent. Thanks All !!  I will get back in a few days and let you know how it goes. Now which Libation to feed the old girl. Techron, Seafoam, Berryman's B12  ???
Anyone else done this with success? If so what brand worked for you? And without fail when she is purring again it will not sit this long again without precautions. I know better,  but life seemed to keep pushing "The Ride" further down the highway till this. I know if we daily or at least weekly ride most if not all of our problems get taken care of before they come to this.

[indybobm]

I've used Sea Foam, Startron, Lucas, and many others. Nothing worked as good as Berryman's B12. Plus it is cheaper!

[Fla. Jim]

Been looking about the web and Berryman's B12 seems to be the shizal !

[Bone]

Wal-Mart has it now !


Berryman B-12 CHEMTOOL Carburetor/Choke Cleaners - 15 oz can li… Berryman B-12 CHEMTOOL Carburetor/Choke Cleaners - 15 oz can liquid b-12 carb/choke cleaner (Set of 12)
Online
$29.28

http://www.walmart.com/search/search-ng.do?search_query=+Berryman%27s+B12+&ic=16_0&Find=Find&search_constraint=91083

[shooter64]

My posts seem to be irritating you. What I was getting at is that when a person has an extra fuel filter in the line there is quite a bit of fuel in the line. Then you have only the sealing of the needle and seat of all 6 carbs to close completely every time. One temporary "semi" fix would be to turn off the pingle on your way home to mostly use up the fuel in the line. With the pingel off what is leaking is only the fuel in the line and filter. At least it would not leak while parked and cause a hydro lock or carbs overflowing/leaking with the engine off. Then you could see if the cleaner is starting to work without having to deal with the fuel overflow when off.

[Fla. Jim]

My posts seem to be irritating you. What I was getting at is that when a person has an extra fuel filter in the line there is quite a bit of fuel in the line. Then you have only the sealing of the needle and seat of all 6 carbs to close completely every time. One temporary "semi" fix would be to turn off the pingle on your way home to mostly use up the fuel in the line. With the pingel off what is leaking is only the fuel in the line and filter. At least it would not leak while parked and cause a hydro lock or carbs overflowing/leaking with the engine off. Then you could see if the cleaner is starting to work without having to deal with the fuel overflow when off.

Only irritation is you do not read and or comprehend what I posted. The bike is unridable as stated in the initial post. And unless my petcock is not working properly the extra gas in the fuel filter is going nowhere when it is shut off. Here is what I mean by that statement. If you insert a straw in liquid and then hold your thumb over the top you can move the straw about without leakage. Similar if your petcock is working when shut down no fuel will flow to the carbs. The fuel filter is in place to prevent Hydroloc not cause it

[shooter64]

Only trying to help. Here is what I did when I had the same problem: Take out the plugs and turn the engine over to clear it for hydrolock, check oil for gas in it, crank it up and if it does not leak while running, put in a dose of Berryman's. Run it on the road, powering up and backing down (down hill in gear) On the way home, close the petcock about 3/4 mile before you get home. After you are home, see if the leak is less, or hopefully gone with the engine off. May have to repeat. If it never works then it will be new o rings etc. Valkyrie gurus, please chime in. If I am all wet and all wrong on this please let me know. I understand that the fuel filter is to stop a grain of sand from getting into a carb and keeping the needle and seat from closing.

[Fla. Jim]

Appreciate all your help.... ....I still stand by the above explanation as why fuel "even" after being admitted past the petcock will not flow to a carb. Replace the thumb in the above straw explanation with a closed manual petcock and you might get the idea.  It's as simple as I can explain it.  This of course is on a parked bike not shaken or stirred.

[shooter64]

Appreciate all your help.... ....I still stand by the above explanation as why fuel "even" after being admitted past the petcock will not flow to a carb. Replace the thumb in the above straw explanation with a closed manual petcock and you might get the idea.  It's as simple as I can explain it.  This of course is on a parked bike not shaken or stirred.

I could be wrong, but if the needle and seat are stuck open and there is fuel in the line it will run into/through the carb. Guru's will tell me if I am wrong on this.

[Pete]

I have used Berrymans B12 and Techron. Pouring and soaking Berrymans seems to clean better.
I have tried the pour and soak on the last 3 Valkyries I have done. It was successful on 1. It cleaned all three real well but on 2 I still had to pull the carbs and detail clean the jets and float valves. 1 had rust flakes from a bad gas tank, the other I never really saw the problem, but after a detail clean no problem.

[Fla. Jim]

I have used Berrymans B12 and Techron. Pouring and soaking Berrymans seems to clean better.
I have tried the pour and soak on the last 3 Valkyries I have done. It was successful on 1. It cleaned all three real well but on 2 I still had to pull the carbs and detail clean the jets and float valves. 1 had rust flakes from a bad gas tank, the other I never really saw the problem, but after a detail clean no problem.

Well wth your odds @ 33.3% I sure hope I get lucky    You did soak overnight ?

[Pete]

I have used Berrymans B12 and Techron. Pouring and soaking Berrymans seems to clean better.
I have tried the pour and soak on the last 3 Valkyries I have done. It was successful on 1. It cleaned all three real well but on 2 I still had to pull the carbs and detail clean the jets and float valves. 1 had rust flakes from a bad gas tank, the other I never really saw the problem, but after a detail clean no problem.

Well wth your odds @ 33.3% I sure hope I get lucky    You did soak overnight ?

No I think 12 hours is to long. Might try 6!

[Fla. Jim]

I cannot thank you guys enought that recommended Berryman B-12. While my initial reaction was one of disbelieve when I drained all the carbs and refilled the line with the B-12 there was not a single leak to be seen. Minites before when the gas level exceeded the bowl capacity gas was leaking from all 6 carbs............... Well it was not quite that easy. The initial filling of the carbs did indeed stop all outward leaks on all the carbs.... After 2 hrs I drained the b-12 and got a lot of disolved brown sludge out. I spun the cyl's with the plugs out nothing! I then refilled and flushed the carbs a couple three times, looking good! Decide to spin the cyl one last time just before putting the new sparklers in and promptly shot about a cup of gas from 1 & 5. Flushed some more, tapped on the offending carbs and finally got everthing tight. Put in the new plugs, fired her up and sent black smoke rolling down my driveway. Have since put 120 miles on her with several shutdowns  and startups. Not a leak to be found!!! I cannot say enough about the Berryman B-12 product. I have no doubt this saved me many hrs of labor and expense. I have used and actiualy had Seafoam in the tank that set for several months. I believe Berryman 12 will be my gas treatment in the future. A realy great product at a great price. Thanks to all who reccomended it.   

[Fla. Jim]