1999 Valkyrie Fuel Problem (Sitting for 2+ years)

[1fastbob]

Hello All

New member here.  I'll get right to the point. I purchased a 1999 Valk. Interstate today with 17,300 miles on it.  It has been sitting in a garage for 2 years with a full tank of fuel and no stabilizer in it.  I drained the tank and added new fuel today, I also drained the carbs.  The old fuel didn't look too bad, but it was slightly tinted yellow.  My problem is that the bike will start with the choke on and idle, but it dies when the choke is switched off or any throttle is applied. I know I might have to remove all 6 carbs and clean them, but was wondering if any of you here had any suggestions of what to try first.  Taking the carbs off is a last resort and looks like a real tough job. This bike has been ridden only 1000 miles since December 2002. Suggestions and opinions appreciated.  Also any info on problems to look out for is appreciated.  MY current running bike is a 2006 Yamaha Roadliner and I am a forum member over on Delphi on the Liner forum. I have heard that the Valk. is a truly great bike.  I may keep it or sell it when it is running properly.

Thanks

Bob

[Joe Hummer]

Sounds pretty much like my problems when I picked up my Valk.  It also sat for 2 years without stabilizer in the gas.  I took the carbs off the bike and cleaned then out as best as I could but it still never ran right (would require choke to start...no matter the outside temp).  I finally broke down and gave the bike to a trusted mechanic and had him tear the carbs completely down, sonic-cleaned them, and put them back together.  She has been running like a dream ever since. 

Joe

[John U.]

You obviously have major, extreme, technicly demanding work ahead. However, in the spirit of helping a brother out, I would be willing to take that mess off your hands.
If, on the other hand you insist on inflicting misery on yourself, I would try a heavy dose of Techron (full can in 1/4 tank). Run it with the choke on until it warms up, let it  sit for a few hous or overnight, then run it again. Try to get it to run with less choke. Keep this up for a week, if no result, you will have to clean or replace the slow jets. Many of us have replaced with 38 slows to reduce the likelyhood of ethanol clogging.
On the other hand, the problem may be rust or debris clogging the slow jets. In this case the Techron will not do the trick.
Let us know how it goes

[1fastbob]

You obviously have major, extreme, technicly demanding work ahead. However, in the spirit of helping a brother out, I would be willing to take that mess off your hands.
If, on the other hand you insist on inflicting misery on yourself, I would try a heavy dose of Techron (full can in 1/4 tank). Run it with the choke on until it warms up, let it  sit for a few hous or overnight, then run it again. Try to get it to run with less choke. Keep this up for a week, if no result, you will have to clean or replace the slow jets. Many of us have replaced with 38 slows to reduce the likelyhood of ethanol clogging.
On the other hand, the problem may be rust or debris clogging the slow jets. In this case the Techron will not do the trick.
Let us know how it goes

That is exactly what I was planning to do.  Also, I like inflicting misery on myself. LOL

Thanks very much for the responses!

Bob

[Hellcat]

I just bought a similar situation. Tried running tons of Seafoam through it with no luck.

I figured the problem was clogged slow jets, so I just changed them out (did not break down the entire carb).

Finally finished the job today. Problem solved. A pretty straightforward job, but time-consuming for a newbie.

The seafoam had everything looking shiny and perfect in the bowls, the main jets, and even the side holes of the slow jets, but the long tips of the slow jets were still clogged.

I just bought a new set of slow jets (#38s) rather than try to clean the clogged stockers.

[PharmBoy]

Welcome to the Valkyrie Riders Forum.  I faced the same problem when I bought my 99 I/S.  New #38 slow jets and a carb sync made it run like new.  It is really not a big job once you have done it.  If you can get your hands on a set of #38 slows, Stude31 from Topeka is bringing his newly acquired Tourer down for a small wrenching party at my garage, so if it will run good enough to get here or if you want to trailer it, you will be welcome to join the party.  We have everything needed except the slow jets.  If the air filter has not been changed, that might be another item to look into.  My e-mail is posted in my profile....JTL

[Darren]

No intention of stealing the thread but...

theopowers, how difficult was it to change out the jets without taking the carbs off?

Darren

[1fastbob]

Welcome to the Valkyrie Riders Forum.  I faced the same problem when I bought my 99 I/S.  New #38 slow jets and a carb sync made it run like new.  It is really not a big job once you have done it.  If you can get your hands on a set of #38 slows, Stude31 from Topeka is bringing his newly acquired Tourer down for a small wrenching party at my garage, so if it will run good enough to get here or if you want to trailer it, you will be welcome to join the party.  We have everything needed except the slow jets.  If the air filter has not been changed, that might be another item to look into.  My e-mail is posted in my profile....JTL

Thanks for the invite.  I will have to pass as I don't have a trailer right now (I required the seller to deliver the bike and the pickup I bought yesterday). I fired it up again this AM and noticed that only 3 cylinders were getting fuel (2 on the left and one on the right) so it's off with the carbs.  I started on the right side and pulled the radiator shroud and I am not very sure how to remove the right bank of carbs, but I haven't removed the seat or tank yet.  Probably when I get the tank off it will make more sense.  Looks like that front carb bank mounting bolt will be fun!

Thanks

Bob

[roboto65]

All six carbs will come off the same time they are one unit lots of write ups on the Tech page.

[Disco]

Howdy, FastBob!

FYI, if you don't have a hardcopy yet, you can download the service manual at Dag Verpeide's Valkyrie site.  Hit this link, http://www.valkyrienorway.com/index.html, find Technical on the left side, and hit the bottom link.  It's only 151MB!  Dag (pronounced "Dog") is an extreme enthusiast and has assembled lots of useful information there.

DFG

[Hellcat]

I started on the right side and pulled the radiator shroud and I am not very sure how to remove the right bank of carbs, but I haven't removed the seat or tank yet.  Probably when I get the tank off it will make more sense.  Looks like that front carb bank mounting bolt will be fun!

Check out "Jetting the Valkyrie" on the Shoptalk page. Don't have to remove the carb banks if you don't want to.

[Hellcat]

No intention of stealing the thread but...
theopowers, how difficult was it to change out the jets without taking the carbs off?

Well I did take them "off", I just didn't take them "out" from top to bottom. I just dropped the bowls per the Shoptalk "Jetting the Valkyrie" writeup. Probably took me eight hours total, but I was trying to go very slow and document every step so I wouldn't blow it.

If you mean can you drop the bowls without removing the gas tank, air box, and manifolds, I have read at least one poster who said he changes the jets like that even though it's an "extremely tight fit". I don't think this would be possible with the stock phillips screws, but if you replaced them with allen key bolts, I could see cutting an allen wrench down to the bare minimum and being able to drop the bowls. Getting the jets in and out like that? No idea.

[Ricky-D]

Bob, the first thing I would suggest is take off the gas tank and drain it completely.  I am always for minimum amount of work to get results so the next step would be to wash out the tank with some solvent that will remove the varnish that accumulated.

Next I would get the bike standing upright and level making sure it is secure.

I would rig up some kind of funnel arrangement for the gas line making it secure and pour the same solvent in so it will flow to the carburetors.  Drain what ever is in the carburetors by loosening the float bowl drain screws.  Let the carburetors fill with the solvent  and sit for a day or two and then drain them. Maybe I'd do a second helping. Who knows.

Anyway, after that, I'd put the tank back on and gas it up and see how it runs. I don't think any stuff like seafoam or techron will work for a serious varnish problem like you probably have but if you do what I suggest, it may make a big improvement enough so that then the additives might finish up for a good result.

The last thing I would suggest is to remove the carburetors or mess with the settings. Especially if it was running ok before it sat for so long.  You can read on this forum all the problems encountered when you start to fiddle with the carburetors. You have no idea, I promise you.

***

[1fastbob]

Bob, the first thing I would suggest is take off the gas tank and drain it completely.  I am always for minimum amount of work to get results so the next step would be to wash out the tank with some solvent that will remove the varnish that accumulated.

Next I would get the bike standing upright and level making sure it is secure.

I would rig up some kind of funnel arrangement for the gas line making it secure and pour the same solvent in so it will flow to the carburetors.  Drain what ever is in the carburetors by loosening the float bowl drain screws.  Let the carburetors fill with the solvent  and sit for a day or two and then drain them. Maybe I'd do a second helping. Who knows.

Anyway, after that, I'd put the tank back on and gas it up and see how it runs. I don't think any stuff like seafoam or techron will work for a serious varnish problem like you probably have but if you do what I suggest, it may make a big improvement enough so that then the additives might finish up for a good result.

The last thing I would suggest is to remove the carburetors or mess with the settings. Especially if it was running ok before it sat for so long.  You can read on this forum all the problems encountered when you start to fiddle with the carburetors. You have no idea, I promise you.

***

Well, I have 3 carbs that will not drain cause they don't have gas in them.  Pretty sure the needle is stuck closed in each one.  It only idles on 3 cylinders with the choke fully on (only 3 pipes get warm).  Choke off or throttle and it dies immediately. I am sure that messing with any carb settings will cause problems especially on a 6 carb. setup. Although I would like to try the solvent approach I think in this case it will be a waste of time as this thing is pretty gummed up.  It may have sat up to 3 years! Maybe if I carefully disassemble, clean and reassemble making sure to keep track of each of the carbs settings I might come out okay.  That's why I signed up here, you guys know a hell of a lot more than I regarding the Valkyrie. 

Thanks

Bob

P.S. I am not a Valkyrie mechanic, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express a couple of times so I am fearless as far as working on things goes. 

[1fastbob]

Howdy, FastBob!

FYI, if you don't have a hardcopy yet, you can download the service manual at Dag Verpeide's Valkyrie site.  Hit this link, http://www.valkyrienorway.com/index.html, find Technical on the left side, and hit the bottom link.  It's only 151MB!  Dag (pronounced "Dog") is an extreme enthusiast and has assembled lots of useful information there.

DFG

Hey thanks for the link.  I have the download started.

Bob

[stude31]

Bob,

I see that you are in "south central Kansas"... I don't think you are aware that we have many valk savey guys that live in kansas that would be willing to give you a hand and even ride over for a day..  I myself included but I bet I could round up some guys (sweet talk them into it)... heck I got to see some of them two consecutive weeks due to intising them into some burgers that they have yet to try     I bet I can talk them into swinging by your place one of these weekends as well...  what city are you in and if you want the help just let us know...  I'm always looking for a trip on the bike and to help a fellow valk owner out is that much more worth it...     

I started having problems on my tourer and from the looks of the tank I need to clean it out as well... Keep us posted on your adventure...

Stude31

[1fastbob]

Bob,

I see that you are in "south central Kansas"... I don't think you are aware that we have many valk savey guys that live in kansas that would be willing to give you a hand and even ride over for a day..  I myself included but I bet I could round up some guys (sweet talk them into it)... heck I got to see some of them two consecutive weeks due to intising them into some burgers that they have yet to try     I bet I can talk them into swinging by your place one of these weekends as well...  what city are you in and if you want the help just let us know...  I'm always looking for a trip on the bike and to help a fellow valk owner out is that much more worth it...     

I started having problems on my tourer and from the looks of the tank I need to clean it out as well... Keep us posted on your adventure...

Stude31

I live 6 west of Cunningham and 1 mile north of US54 or 11 miles East of Pratt and a little north.  Valk. owners welcome any time.

[gabby]

I also have a 99 i/s that has sat for a number of months. I added sea foam and it seems to have cured my idiling problem. Now the clutch does not allow me to slip it enough to get the bike to pull out. It only seems to have a 1/2" clearance as it is engaged as soon as I let it out. I believe that the fluid could have some air in it, as I said the green lady has sat for a few months waiting for the Dr. to release me from 5 bypass surgery and a difibulator. He says I am good to go now. I have been riding a 2004 Areo to get my strength back enough to take her out on a run. If anyone has some ideas of anything that I missed---Please post and I would greatly appreciate any information offered.
Thanks
Gabby

[stude31]

I also have a 99 i/s that has sat for a number of months. I added sea foam and it seems to have cured my idiling problem. Now the clutch does not allow me to slip it enough to get the bike to pull out. It only seems to have a 1/2" clearance as it is engaged as soon as I let it out. I believe that the fluid could have some air in it, as I said the green lady has sat for a few months waiting for the Dr. to release me from 5 bypass surgery and a difibulator. He says I am good to go now. I have been riding a 2004 Areo to get my strength back enough to take her out on a run. If anyone has some ideas of anything that I missed---Please post and I would greatly appreciate any information offered.
Thanks
Gabby

Gabby.... You thief    You stole the topic!!!   J/k....  Just wanted to wish you the best... Sounds like you were knocked off your feet pretty hard... Glad to hear you are making a full recovery....

Now back to the original topic...  Bob, anytime my friend and once you get that thing running I hope to see you meeting up with all of us... You have some fellas that live in Newton, El Dorado, wichita area and then us fun souls up on the north east kansas... Hope to see you on a ride... and anyhelp  you need I know I would be glad to help you...  I have extra 35 slow jets if you want to swap yours out... I am changing both bikes to 38's. 

Take care everyone

[1fastbob]

I also have a 99 i/s that has sat for a number of months. I added sea foam and it seems to have cured my idiling problem. Now the clutch does not allow me to slip it enough to get the bike to pull out. It only seems to have a 1/2" clearance as it is engaged as soon as I let it out. I believe that the fluid could have some air in it, as I said the green lady has sat for a few months waiting for the Dr. to release me from 5 bypass surgery and a difibulator. He says I am good to go now. I have been riding a 2004 Areo to get my strength back enough to take her out on a run. If anyone has some ideas of anything that I missed---Please post and I would greatly appreciate any information offered.
Thanks
Gabby

Gabby.... You thief    You stole the topic!!!   J/k....  Just wanted to wish you the best... Sounds like you were knocked off your feet pretty hard... Glad to hear you are making a full recovery....

Now back to the original topic...  Bob, anytime my friend and once you get that thing running I hope to see you meeting up with all of us... You have some fellas that live in Newton, El Dorado, wichita area and then us fun souls up on the north east kansas... Hope to see you on a ride... and anyhelp  you need I know I would be glad to help you...  I have extra 35 slow jets if you want to swap yours out... I am changing both bikes to 38's. 

Take care everyone
[/quote}I very much appreciate the offer on the jets, however I have the carb assy. off and am in the process of cleaning the carbs.  EVERY ONE of the mains and the slow jets were plugged solid.  I am soaking then in carb cleaner as I am writing this. The carbs look pretty clean and even the bowls aren't too bad.  Also I found that the number 5 carb indeed had a stuck inlet needle valve.  Tomorrow I will disassemble the diaphrams and needles one at a time and blow the passages clear and re assemble.  I am being careful to put each and every part back where it came from.  I am NOT taking the 6 carb assembly apart.

I look forward to meeting some of you guys.  I had intended to buy, repair and sell this Valkyrie, but I may just keep it and sell my Roadliner.  We will see when the time comes to ride it (maybe this weekend if I can get that airbox back on) LOL.

Thanks for the posts! I appreciate them very much!

Bob

[stude31]

Ah Bob....   Keep the I/S   

I'd like for you to have a chance and meet some of us...  You won't be the same... They will make your gut hurt from laughing so hard...  Dana "Valkhound" has some great stories.....  If you stick w/ the valk long enough you will have a chance to hear the stories... heck I want you to hang out just so I get the opportunity to hear about the "pole dance" and when he bit the pavement and all the bandages... Ha ha... I'm laughing right now...   Dana, your a super good guy bro and thanks for understanding how much laughter we get from your expense!!!  keep it up 

Bob, I can manage to work my way over to you and drop off some slow jets if you need them... I am leaving friday morning for Lawton, via Topeka,ks... Let me know!!! 

Stude31

[1fastbob]

Ah Bob....   Keep the I/S   

I'd like for you to have a chance and meet some of us...  You won't be the same... They will make your gut hurt from laughing so hard...  Dana "Valkhound" has some great stories.....  If you stick w/ the valk long enough you will have a chance to hear the stories... heck I want you to hang out just so I get the opportunity to hear about the "pole dance" and when he bit the pavement and all the bandages... Ha ha... I'm laughing right now...   Dana, your a super good guy bro and thanks for understanding how much laughter we get from your expense!!!  keep it up 

Bob, I can manage to work my way over to you and drop off some slow jets if you need them... I am leaving friday morning for Lawton, via Topeka,ks... Let me know!!! 

Stude31

Thanks for the offer, but won't need jets.  They cleaned up very well by soaking them overnight in carb cleaner.  Both the mains and the slows were ALL clogged.  Fuel bowls didn't look too bad and the upper inner part of the carb looks very clean. I'm not sure if I should remove the top of the carbs and remove the diaphrams.  These diaphrams look pretty delicate.  Maybe I'll just pull the needles and clean them up reassemble and see what happens. Have a good trip to Oklahoma.  I should have this thing running on Saturday if I can get the airbox back in!


Bob