Fuel problem... maybe

[Tyco]

About a month ago, I had my valkyrie on the interstate for the first time this year. After about 20 miles on the interstate the bike began to sputter and eventually died. It would not start at all, almost like it wasnt getting fuel. I took the tank off and cleanEd out the pet rooster and it finally cranked over. I drove it about 30 miles in city and it ran great! However, when I went on the interstate it only lasted about 10 miles before the same symptoms started and now I am unable to strart bike again. I trailer ed the bike back home. I was just wondering if anyone has any ideas for me before I take it into the shop. I have never had her in the shop before and I would prefer to keep it that way.

[sandy]

The petcock operation is my guess. Check the vacuum tubing for leaks/cracks. Next, rebuild the petcock with what's called a cover set. It replaces the diaphragm in the petcock. The tank vent line could be kinked but I doubt that in your case. You didn't mention having the tank off till after the problem started.

[gordonv]

You are saying this happened pretty quick. No problem driving 30 miles in the city, but within 10 on the hwy, you have problems.

Stay off the hwy. Keep driving those slower speeds and see if it happens anywhere (but stay closer to home).

Cleaning the petcock most likely did nothing. Opening the tank up (venting) most likely did more.

Insure that you have the petcock in the proper positions. When you turn it with your fingers, you should feel it when the ball drops into position that you are turning it too.

Next time you start to run out of fuel, turn it to reserve. It takes a while for those 6 carbs to all run out.

Also open the tank up, and try it again.

Let us know what happens.

[slabghost]

 +1 on the suggestion to release the fuel cap. It sounds like the cap vent is plugged.

[Ricky-D]

The fuel filler cap is un-vented.

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[BobB]

The fuel filler cap is un-vented.

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Yes, but there is a vent line within the tank that starts near the filler cap and exits under the rear of the tank.  A tiny hole can be seen in the filler neck.  That could be plugged.  Popping the filler cap can release the possible vacuum.

[Patrick]

How did it act before the engine quit running ?  Did you try riding at a slower speed for awhile when it started toast up ? Or, did you try staying at the same highway speed ?

According to what I get from your post it appears like a petcock/ fuel supply issue which could be a vacuum supply line problem or petcock problem, depending on what petcock you're using. But, it seems like you're using an OEM style.

A tank vent line problem would present itself sooner, but, it wouldn't hurt or take long to check that it isn't kinked.