Valkyrie Idle - help needed

[rdi_caveman]

I inherited a 2003 Valkyrie Standard that had been sitting for a few years.  It wouldn't start or run.  I replaced the battery, fuel petcock and cleaned the carbs.  I also changed the air filter as long as I had the tank off.  After cleaning the carbs it starts and runs, but it won't stay running without some throttle even with choke full on. 

I started with 2 1/2 turns out on each of the pilot screws.   I'm not sure if I should turn them all out another 1/2 turn and see if I get it to idle or if there is something else entirely I should be looking at.

I've taken it out for a ride and other than not idling it seems okay.  I can't follow procedure to set pilot screws or synch carburetors until I can get it to run at idle.

Suggestions?

[Chrisj CMA]

What did you do to clean the carbs?

[rdi_caveman]

removed the carb set (I didn't separate the carbs), removed all jets, needles, floats, carb bowl covers and soaked them overnight in varnish thinner.  I replaced o-rings, springs, float valves.  The rest I cleaned with carb cleaner. 

There was a fair amount of varnish that I removed.  also the springs for the throttle would only return to idle slowly, but after cleaning they would easily return.

The bike has been desmogged if that matters.

[hubcapsc]

One of those knobs down there (I've never messed with my carburetors) is
an idle knob... The manual calls it a "throttle stop screw", on page 5-22 it sez:

Adjust the idle speed with the throttle stop screw

It is "screw set, stop", #8, in this picture:



-Mike

[Harryc]

I'd put money on one or several slow/pilot jets still clogged. Most here would recommend replacing them completely if doing a carb rebuild. I did that and the bike idles perfectly. They can't be cleaned easily due to the tiny orifice size. https://www.jetsrus.com/a_jet_kit_street/honda_1500_valkyrie.htm

[Chrisj CMA]

If adjusting can't get her idling right it is very common that some slow Jets and or vent passages could well be still gummed up.  I hope not because I know what a PITA it is to pull the carbs again.

[rdi_caveman]

I adjusted the idle screw out to max to no avail -- probably will order new idle jets.  at least now that I've taken everything apart once and had her start, I feel like I can do it again.  Second time will be faster - less to do and I'll have some confidence.

I was really nervous after taking everything apart the first time.  It was so good to hear her start after done all that work.

[Gryphon Rider]

I just want to make sure you're turning the idle screw the right way. Turning it so the side of the knob facing you moves forward increases idle speed.

[oldsmokey]

As stated above, its a tightening action that would increase idle speed, that's with the black knob as pictured further above. You stated that you maxed it out? If turned out, wrong direction. In any case if carbs are opened again be sure to put idle screw back to somewhat of a neutral position or you may get a surprise.

[rdi_caveman]

so clockwise.

[Attic Rat]

Sounds like to me that you are not done. You need to pull the carbs separate them and completely O/H them with new kits and float valves. Then if you haven't turned the gray knob you may not need to sync them. I use an ultra sonic cleaner to the carbs and really cleans them well. There are internal passages that get stopped up that you are not getting clean. Do it right and you will have many happy years with this bike.

[old2soon]

AND as an addendum Attic Rat IS an in house EXPERT on all things carb related on our Valkyries. RIDE SAFE.

[rdi_caveman]

So I had time this weekend to change out the slow idle jets for brand new ones.  What a difference.  She runs great with no choke.  I don't have to over-rev to keep from stalling when starting up and I'm not running too rich.  I still will want to do a carb synch, but that will be a project for another day.

Thanks for all the help and advice.

[Roidfingers]

Had the same issue once and that's all I did, sry just saw this. Bad start, full choke, wont idle. I'm going slow jets.

[JimC]

rdi
Good to hear that it is running better, and welcome to the insanity. 

Not too far from you we have a member that goes by the name DaPrez.
I have heard from several people that he is a heck of a Valk mechanic. He may have a carb sinc tool to help you out.

When you find him on the board, send him a private massage.

Jim