Engine miss after using Seafoam

[hoosier jaybird]

I have a 1999 Valkyrie Interstate that I put Seafoam into the gas to smooth out a little roughness and for winter storage. Now the bike really runs rough and the idle speed dropped to 6-700 RPM. Could the Seafoam have loosened up any type of debris that has plugged or restricted the jets? Should I give it some more Seafoam or am I in for a carb cleanout? I appreciate any advice given.

[Chrisj CMA]

did you try turning up the idle back to 900-1000 and see how it runs?

[nerider2]

Try running more Seafoam through it first.  I've had good luck with it. 

[hoosier jaybird]

Thanks, I'll give it another shot. And no, I didn't readjust the idle speed. we'll see if another round of Seafoam helps.

[BF]

If your trying to clean out the carbs, I've had way better luck with Gumout and Techron than I've ever had with Seafoam. 

[PhredValk]

I use a half can of Seafoam to clean things out twice a year, and in the oil before changing (makes a nice flush). The only time I used it for storage the bike (GL1100) ran like crap. I use stabil for winters now.
Fred.

[9Ball]

I've had this happen to me.

Too much additive can cause what you are describing....might try replacing the gas with fresh.

[t-man403]

Dump in the whole can ........ it's petroleum and it isn't going to hurt anything. It will burn white though.
As a stabilizer, I use it even in my lawn mower and that old thing will start on the first pull in the spring!

[sugerbear]

was the tank full? or only a gallon or so?

[R J]

was the tank full? or only a gallon or so?

Good question sugarbear.

How much Seafoam did you add to your tank?

You say you put some in the oil?     For what purpose may I ask?

[fudgie]

was the tank full? or only a gallon or so?

Good question sugarbear.

How much Seafoam did you add to your tank?

You say you put some in the oil?     For what purpose may I ask?

Thins and cleans out the sludge easier I hear.

[PhredValk]

Check the Sea Foam website. They recommend it for engine flush before oil changes.
Fred.

[R J]

All I've used it for is in the gas.

Don't think I'll try it in the oil.

I use Mobil 1 - Auto I think it is 40-50.    We buy it in a 55 gallon drum and pump out what we need.    So, ya might say I done did fur get the weight.

Went to the web site and they have an interesting film there.     But, I'll be cursed if I will pour it into any vacuum lines.......

I think I'll just use it in my gas and forget about the other applications.

[hoosier jaybird]

I put the whole pint in with a full tank of gas and when the tank was down to 1/2 I refilled the tank with gas and gave it a couple of glugs. Boy it runs rough especially under 2500 RPM. Now it idles at 6-700 Rpm. I've tried to adjust the idle up with the adjustment wheel but did'nt increase it much. I have put more Seafoam into the tank. Does it take awhile for the stuff to work? You have to rev it up some to take off if you don't want to stall it.

[sugerbear]

i'm guessing your in Kansas?  lol
maybe someone close could look at it with you.
if you were close i'd be happy to have a look see.
i'm outside St. Louis though.

[fudgie]

Could be a vac leak.

[hoosier jaybird]

NE INDIANA , but thanks for the offer. This started after the initial Seafoam treatment, although there was a slight miss at higher RPM. Vacuum leak? Tighten clamps on carb to intake boots? Coincidence with the Seafoam?

[R J]

When was the last time you changed out the vacuum hoses?

Sounds to me like you got a bunch of split ends.

[hoosier jaybird]

OK, I can check into the vac hoses. I just bought this bike a little over a month ago so I don't have a lot of history on it. The previous owner said he hadn't had problems with the bike and had just done routine maintenance. Any particular hoses to look at?

[R J]

Start at the vacuum line on the tank and go to their end(s).

I think it is like 40" of hose I replaced on mine several times.

[hoosier jaybird]

Is split hose ends common on a Vaklyrie? I have read that the OEM petcock can be a trouble maker; are there other issues I should look out for? Thanks.

[Farther]

Split hoses are common to vacuum hoses not just Valkyries.  I would have thought the market would have come up with better materials and perhaps it has: http://redeye.ecrater.com/c/1086116/vacuum-line-cap-kits

[fudgie]

Where in NE Ind?

[t-man403]

Split hoses are common to vacuum hoses not just Valkyries.  I would have thought the market would have come up with better materials and perhaps it has: http://redeye.ecrater.com/c/1086116/vacuum-line-cap-kits

Nice link, THX!

[PhredValk]

Then again, you could do a desmog and get rid of all of the vacuum hoses completely...

http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/smog.htm
Fred.

[hoosier jaybird]

Fudgie, have you heard about our infamous clock tower? Think about it. Any advice on what the problem issues that are known to Valkyries?

[fudgie]

Fudgie, have you heard about our infamous clock tower? Think about it. Any advice on what the problem issues that are known to Valkyries?

Auburn pops in my head.

Sounds like maybe a bad vac line. Its usually something simple with these bikes. If they are oem, they prob need replaced anyway.

[hoosier jaybird]

Fudgie, thanks for any information on what problems I should look for in particular. I read threads on the forum to learn more about my newly purchased ride. Come see our clock tower at Berne.

[fudgie]

I was 'new' to bikes when I got mine in 2000. Since this forum I have never taken the bike in for repairs. Everyone is helpful. This bike is easy to work on. The vac lines are easy to do.

Oh yes Berne! I can see the clock now in my head. Was over there in July for the PGR mission. I'm only 2 Co away and if ya cant get it figured out maybe I'll stop by. Prob wont happen till spring tho.

[hoosier jaybird]

Hi Fudgie, thanks for the info. I'll probably pull the tank and look at the vac lines. Start with the easier stuff first. I have a service manual and have been studying the fuel and lines section. Not ready to start yet, still hope to get a ride in. Rode to the clock tower on my stratoliner last New Years morning and took pictures. Don't know if that will be the case with the Valk this year. By the way; what PGR mission last July? During Swiss Days? Church is at 8 so I need to sign out now. Thanks.

[fudgie]

 July 29th I think. We escorted him from Ft Wayne to Berne. There was a few fellow VRCC members that day. I think it was 100 deg out. I fried myself that day which made the ride to Sturgis the next day miserable.

[hoosier jaybird]

Fudgie, Now I know what your PRG mission was. I was in the group that brought Nick home. An unbelievable ride that day. I rode the Strat. I didn't have the Valk then. I was proud the way people along the way showed their respect. Nick was a great kid, as the billboards say here. A man after Gods own heart.  I have a neice lives north of Huntington. Once this summer and once this fall I rode to her house and she and her husband and I rode together to Salimonie and the state forest there as well as hanging rock. She's a rider too. 

[fudgie]

Cool.  I live north of HGTN, near Whitley Co line. Thats our normal ride, out to Salamonie and stuff. Its nice. Didnt like the parking lot at Hanging Rock tho, it was ruff and with my car tire, did not make a good combo. Took my partner out there in June and had her step off while I made a loop to park. 

[hoosier jaybird]

ditto on the stone parking lot at hanging rock. It's surprising that there is a rock formation thats like it that close. A bit dangerous with no rails of any kind though.

[fudgie]

ditto on the stone parking lot at hanging rock. It's surprising that there is a rock formation thats like it that close. A bit dangerous with no rails of any kind though.

Yes. It has been afew yrs now but there was always a accident there every yr. Someone falling off, someone diving, etc. Its actually kind of deep around the rock. The river itself is 2'-3' deep but like 8' (I hear) around the rock. Dive team has to go out and find the bodies.

Another 'cool' rock formation, and if you like history, is the 7 Pillars south of St Rd 124 on the Mississinewa River. It was a Indian trading spot on the river. River carved out 7 pillars in the bend of the river.

[hoosier jaybird]

7 pillars sounds interesting Fudgie. Next summer I'll have to check it out. My nieces husband is from around there and knows the roads in that area so I ride tailgunner and he leads. I have visited the Mississinewa battlefield site/memorial. Off the beaten path but worth taking a look. Also the miami indian cemetery/school house nearby. Looking at historical things I enjoy. Well have a good week. Jaybird

[fudgie]

Yup, we did that ride this summer. Found it on accident. We're into the Indian/ battlefield history riding stuff. Odd tho, our town has alot of Indian history but we rarely ride to them. Must be cause they are only 7 miles away. 

Good talking with ya. 

[bagelboy]

If you used the whole can in your gas tank, Change the gas! Or ride it to use up the seafoam in the tank.  Too much seafoam can cause idling problems.

[9Ball]

If you used the whole can in your gas tank, Change the gas! Or ride it to use up the seafoam in the tank.  Too much seafoam can cause idling problems.

yep, that was the point I was trying to make earlier....

[T.P.]

If you used the whole can in your gas tank, Change the gas! Or ride it to use up the seafoam in the tank.  Too much seafoam can cause idling problems.

RIDE IT!  I have never had those issues and I have used a whole can per tank since 2004.  T.P.