Very hard to start

[BG98T]

About a week ago I decided to start 2 Valkyries stored in my garage since end of October. One started right up, the other was really obstinent. I put both bikes away with fresh high-test gas (no ethanol) plus stabilizer. I cranked and cranked and cranked with lots of pauses to avoid heating the starter. Had to use a booster and still no fire. I checked a couple of plugs which did not look wet. Checked one carb drain which produced some fuel. After about 40 minutes of off and on cranking one cylinder fired, then 2, then she finally started running on 6. In about 20 seconds she was running normally. Went for a short ride and all is fine. My theory is that I have a weak vacuum line to the petcock diaphragm or a leaky diaphragm either of which could cause not enough fuel flow. Seems like once it gets better vacuum from a running engine it opens farther to let through enough fuel. Has anyone experienced this? Any comments or suggestions? Thanks, BG98T

[Valker]

Did you apply full (about 3/4 inch push past resistance) choke and not touch the throttle?
You are right, though. You could have a leaky vacuum hose from the petcock.

[BG98T]

Yup, rolled the lever all the way, no throttle. I forgot to mention it was hard to start last year as well, but not this hard. After the first seasonal start works great all summer. I wonder if I left my stabilized  fuel in the carbs all winter if it would start better??

[Bone]

I'm in Michigan and have used Stabil for many years. I fill the tank and add Stabil. Then I continue riding if the weather permits. Then fill again with Stabil and put her on the lift for winter. I know the treatment is in all the fuel that is in the bike. Probably not necessary but has always worked. I don't like draining the carbs and leaving them dry all winter. Thats just me I've never heard of any trouble from draining them.

[R J]

Put Stabil or SeaFoam or something in the gas, full tank, run the bike till you are sure the mixture is in the carbs.......

Put it away and shut the gas off.

Come spring, put the choke ALL the way on, keep your firkin fingers off that throttle, turn the gas on, crank her a few times and she should start.   If ya touch that throttle cable, it will die or not start until it is ready to be played with......

Ya drain the carb bowls and trust me, you will have sheet buildup in the bowls and jets...............

[BG98T]

OK so I'm hearing 'do not drain the carbs' .  Makes sense that would not be necessary if using stabilized gas.  Any other thoughts?

[BG98T]

OK so leave the gas in the carbs in the fall. But now I have a new worry. If this bike has a bad vacuum line to the petcock, or a weak diaphragm, then I could be out for a ride and lose all vacuum and my fuel would shut off by itself leaving me in the middle of nowhere with no way to get home. I can check or replace the vacuum line easily, but can I get a new diaphragm for the petcock? I'll try to see if parts are available, but let me know if anybody has been successful rebuilding the petcock. Thanks! BG98T

[fudgie]

They have had success rebuilding the petcock. Some have done it more then once.  Replace it with a Pingel. You'll be money and miles ahead. 

[X Ring]

Fudgie's advice is sound.  Buy a Pingel.

Marty

[R J]

You take all the fun out of riding.

YOU worry too damn much.

I changed out the tubing, then later I desmogged, rebuilt the petcock twice.

Once in 242,000 miles it never made it home by himself.      I lost the starter relay.........

If everyone worried as much as you are, you would never enjoy wind in your face and or make it home...

That is why it is called annual out of the storage shed annual maintenance.......

I'm getting pretty lax on doing it, I just pull him out, fire him up and off we go......

Only time he never made it home under his own power.....

http://photo.vrccservices.com/albums/userpics/10010/Relay_2.jpg

[BG98T]

Ok I now have a backup diaphragm from a used petcock in case I need it. Thanks everyone for the feedback. Happy trails !!  BG98T