Carb problem? valk not running right

[scooty1]

I did only ride my bike a couple of times last summer, yes I know sad. I also started it a few times and ran it this last winter. I always use premium gas and pretty sure I put stabil in it before winter. It is not running right. Taking off in first like in second, ok down highway. Honda tells me that one bank, the heads are not getting warm and there is spark so that means no fuel. They are now saying the carbs need rebuilt, at $1000. Does this all sound reasonable? I saw where someone said something about trying B-12? Should I try that? If they do need rebuilt anyone know someone in good, in sw mo. Thanks. Need to do something soon as bike is in shop.

[Patrick]

They could need cleaning, but, $1000 ??  Thats crazy. The first thing to do is easy. Just add heavy doses of your favorite fuel system cleaner [ Sea-foam, Techron, B12, etc] and go ride. Force the engine to run at low engine speeds such as 2500rpm until it starts to run better then force it run at 2000 rpms, then 1500, etc. This may take several tries and several tanks of fuel, but, it usually works. Let us know and we'll go from there.

[scooty1]

Ok I think I will get it out of shop and try that, thanks. Force it to run slower? just bog down in 5th or something you mean?

[Fla. Jim]

Berryman B-12 saved my bacon!!  
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,45784.0.html

[Patrick]

You said it ran OK going 'down the highway' which indicates that the low circuits are varnished. So, to get the cleaner into them if the bike cruises along fine at say 3K, then try 2.5K. If it runs fine fine there then just go slower until it starts to argue with you. While it's arguing and starting to run poorly just keep it there until it starts to clear up, it may take awhile. Just keep forcing the engine to run at lower engine speeds. These engines should run right along nicely in top gear just above idle speed. When it'll cruise along at 1500 rpm and accelerate without an argument its fixed.

[Ricky-D]

Speed and rpm's are not the controlling factor when trying to utilize the low speed circuits of the carburetors.

The smart way to do this would be to index the throttle.

Then you can simply keep the throttle at the specific low setting to achieve the desired affect.

For it is the throttle position that will allow admission to the low speed circuits.

Not rpm's, nor road speed.

And remember that it is harmful to the motor to consistently run in a lugging situation.

It would be counterproductive to fix the carburetor problem and trash the motor doing so!

***

[scooty1]

I am just not quite savvy enough to understand what you are saying to do Ricky-D?

[Ricky-D]

Ok, here ya go.

Read the whole thread.

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,43490.0.html

You might want to learn to use the search function.

***

[pancho]

                     Gentleman, please, try to control your killer instincts...

Hey scotty1,  for this problem, you might want to try Barrymans B12,, available at WalMart for under $4, try to clear out those jets.. If not, I am right down the road in Fort Smith and maybe could help you with those carbs if necessary.

[Hoser]

You should take up Pancho's offer, he is a lot cheaper than the dealer.  Thousand bux for carb service is outrageous, and they probly would screw it up anyway.    Hoser

[scooty1]

Thanks Pancho and I hear ya Hoser I was worried about having them messed with. I am going to try the berryman's first chance I get when the storms quit. I have also updated my location thanks to some friendly adivce. Thanks so far for all the replies. Hope to get together with some fellow valks and ride some day. Joe

[Poor Ol Harry]

Scotty, I too had the same problems & rushed off to the dealer.$800.00 later & it ran good enough to get me to pay & leave, couple months later the same thing! The money was ok but I GOT "0" for it ,as u will at most dealers for ur Valk. Read & read & read everything u can find ,then accept Poncho's offer.

[old2soon]

scooty 1 NOT I repeat NOT a Valkyrie mechanic BUT I do some of my own maintenance.  O-Rings and the lube of the rear end. Are you talking about that new Honda Dlrshp in Spgfld Mo. fronting to I-44?? Been known to go to the Queen City to go to H/F now and then.  Before they had the big turnover at Mega Motorsports in West Plains I had mine synced there.  I DO NOT know anything about that service dept. at Honda in Springfield.  I DO on the other hasnd agree with Hoser-the dealer most likely will mess it up.  You get it running good P M me and we will see about sharing some wind.  RIDE SAFE.

[stude31]

Scooty you could take it over to Bob in Tulsa and he could go through them for you... Not sure of his pricing though.  It is a long tedious job to go through the carbs... Trust me done a dozen of them. 

[Brian]

Scooty1, this biggest pain in the a$$ doing the carbs is getting the assembly back on the bike. The shop manual takes you thru the process nicely. I actually feel that cleaning and rebuilding these carbs are easier than putting it all back together. I would venture to guess that your pilot needles are badly corroded. I found that running the cleaners thru did not clean these up well. I would take the offer having someone help you with these if you are not good with tools. This is a great time to learn, it's not difficult, just time consuming. You could probably get by doing this service without separating the carbs. Parts to rebuild these are available. Redeye sells a kit that will handle everything or just partial. The bowl gaskets are separate though. I had to replace fuel rail O-rings this year so I decided to go through the carbs 100% even replacing the jets. My pilot needles were badly corroded. After going thru everything and a synch the bike idles better and my gas mileage  has increased by 2-3 mpg.

Good advice was given to read, read and read.

[Hoser]

If trying the solvent solution in the gas, I have found if you run with the choke on at various intervals, it helps. I have done it twice successfully. Hoser