HYDROLOCK POLL: PLEASE VOTE EVEN IF YOU HAVEN'T EXPERIENCED IT!!

[BIG--T]

There has been and is a lot of talk of hydrolock. It will be nice to know if this problem is in the minority. If you have experinced this please participate and be sure it's your  Valkyrie and not heresay. Any comments will be appreciated. There are many concerned about this and I am one!

Thanks

[MP]

You need to add the most popular one:  Never happened.

MP

[John Schmidt]

You need to add the most popular one:  Never happened.

MP

Or....maybe call it "Caught it in time."  That was my experience one morning, followed by a big WHEW!!  That's when I installed a manual Pingel, extended the pickup tube on it for normal reserve capacity, added an inline filter and Dan Marc elec. shutoff. A short time later I added #38 slow jets and keep a couple bottles of additive on the shelf. Haven't had any signs of leakage past the needle valves or clogging in the jets since. Plus, I ride it quite often which is probably the best defense against clogged jets with this ethanol crap. 

[FLAVALK]

You need to add the most popular one:  Never happened.

MP

Agreed. There needs to be a  "Never Happened" button

[BIG--T]

You need to add the most popular one:  Never happened.

MP

Thanks!

[BIG--T]

You need to add the most popular one:  Never happened.

MP

Or....maybe call it "Caught it in time."  That was my experience one morning, followed by a big WHEW!!  That's when I installed a manual Pingel, extended the pickup tube on it for normal reserve capacity, added an inline filter and Dan Marc elec. shutoff. A short time later I added #38 slow jets and keep a couple bottles of additive on the shelf. Haven't had any signs of leakage past the needle valves or clogging in the jets since. Plus, I ride it quite often which is probably the best defense against clogged jets with this ethanol crap. 

Great idea, thanks!

[rmrc51]

To further ensure I don't get hit with the dreaded Hydrolock, I've installed a manual Pingel plus the DanMarc fuel shutoff valve.

[bigfish_Oh]

I know of 4 that happened on new 79 CBX's, the early petcock's should have all been rebuilt.

[bscrive]

Does the hydrolock happen with certain model years or after a certain time.  My 99 Interstate has never had anything happen and I have had it since it was pretty much new.  Only time I ever shut off the petcock is when I store it for the winter or trailer it.

[BIG--T]

Does the hydrolock happen with certain model years or after a certain time.  My 99 Interstate has never had anything happen and I have had it since it was pretty much new.  Only time I ever shut off the petcock is when I store it for the winter or trailer it.

No it's all models and years. If the only time you cut yours off was for storage, I must be wearing my oem out!! From what I've read you are extremely lucky! I cut mine off every night since I heard about the HL. All my other carbed bikes in the past I don't think I've ever cut them off and never heard of HL. It must just be a Valk issue.

Hopefully people will echo what you said and I can give my petcock a rest!!

[Big IV]

I've only had min 98 tourer for about 6 years and it only has about 100,000 miles. I don't store it for more than a week or so between rides throughout the entire year. I've never turned my fuel off. Riding I switch to reserve as needed but that is the only time I touch my petcock. I've not had any problem yet.

[Rocketman]

The only reason a Valkyrie is more vulnerable is that it has more carbs.  Any carburetor can leak fuel.  Having six instead of two means three times more possibility of leaking.  
As for years, use, miles, etc.:  In my observation, it seems to be somewhat random.  The apparent randomness is enhanced by its rarity.  The only factor that seems to increase the likelihood is an event that could stir crap out of the tank, or some other settling point, and send it downstream into the carb float valve.  Recently a buddy called me for advice on a hydrolock.  He had turned the valve from on to reserve for the first time since he bought the bike several years before.  That stirred up some crap in the petcock (or in the reserve tube inside the tank), and caused the lock the next time he parked it.

For the record, my "yes" vote was for myself, not for him.

I'm a little confused on the "caught it just in time" option.  Does that mean that the engine locked, but there was no damage, whereas "yes" means damage?

I've only had min 98 tourer for about 6 years and it only has about 100,000 miles. I don't store it for more than a week or so between rides throughout the entire year. I've never turned my fuel off. Riding I switch to reserve as needed but that is the only time I touch my petcock. I've not had any problem yet.

It doesn't take a week to hydrolock.  If it's going to, it's likely to lock within a few hours, or, I suspect, a maximum of overnight.

[fiddle mike]

.
I had it appened twice, caught it both times (no damage), both times I had the OEM petcock.  I've since gone to an in-line filter and Pingle petcock.  

When the Pingle started leaking for the third time, instead of sending it in for a rebuild, I converted it from vacuum operated to strictly manual.

[Red Diamond]

I previously had an 01 I/S, have had my 99 for 5 years now, never turn of the petcock, never had a hydro-lock either. I tend to think it is the constant turning on and off that contributes to seat wear and leakage. A friend who introduced me to the Valkyrie, has a 2k I/S, never turn his off in the 11 yrs he has owned it, bought it new in Marshall, never hydro-locked either. We did replace the petcock once when it started to leak at the weep hole.

[gabby]

My 99 I/S locked up and destroyed all the primary gears. I thought long and hard the cause after repairs and concluded that the oil was not getting to the right bank, the fuel had bypassed the oem fuel cut off and finally it had not been ran in over 5 years as the previous owner admitted to only 50 miles in 4 years.  Can't blame or fix STUPID can you ?

Gabby

[BIG--T]

I previously had an 01 I/S, have had my 99 for 5 years now, never turn of the petcock, never had a hydro-lock either. I tend to think it is the constant turning on and off that contributes to seat wear and leakage. A friend who introduced me to the Valkyrie, has a 2k I/S, never turn his off in the 11 yrs he has owned it, bought it new in Marshall, never hydro-locked either. We did replace the petcock once when it started to leak at the weep hole.

RD that does make a lot of sense about the petcock ans seat wear. Does the owner's manual say to cut off the petcock al the time?

[BIG--T]

So far we have 6 of 56 That had hydrolock

[Scott in Ok]

You will never get enough votes to get a representative sample of actual valkyrie's that had hydrolock issues.  In other words, there will be no statistical significance to the results......that is if you were hoping to get the real picture.

-Scott  (in 12 years, never had a petcock failure or stuck float needle)

PS....never turn my petcock off either.  Not that I think it makes a difference.

[gregc]

I have a 99 standard and never use the fuel shut off, even in the Pa. winters when it sits for a good 4 to 5 months.

[Bigun]

My case is well documented. 1999 Interstate. I rode it home about midnight shut off the factory petcock and went in the house. Came out at 9am was going to ride to the parts store turned the key, turned on the petcock and hit the starter. All of the planetary gears, rear case and apparently the right side of the motor where the gears set destroyed in a second. I have only had my bike since march it only had 40,000 miles on her. I'm thinking the previous owner had a problem with it and maybe got lucky and traded it in before the catastophic failure. Main culprit is the #1 Carb as the #1 cylinder shot fuel about 15' when I removed the plugs and gave her a bit of a push. Bottom line is $4000 in damages.

[BIG--T]

You will never get enough votes to get a representative sample of actual valkyrie's that had hydrolock issues.  In other words, there will be no statistical significance to the results......that is if you were hoping to get the real picture.

-Scott  (in 12 years, never had a petcock failure or stuck float needle)

PS....never turn my petcock off either.  Not that I think it makes a difference.

Yes I'm trying to get an idea of how many actually experienced this thing. You are among the majority that hasn't had problems. Red diamond stated that seat wear and leakage could come from constantly cutting her off and on. I think I'll just leave mine on too and riding regularly she'll be alright.

[wizard -vrccds#125]

This topic is out of controle !   

[Willow]

This topic is out of controle !   

Yes, it is, and some owners are willing to work themselves into a froth worrying about a very, very remote possibility.

Valkyrie owners do need to be aware of the possibility, but if one lives under the impression that the falling of the sky is imminent one will see it happening everywhere. 

Yes I'm trying to get an idea of how many actually experienced this thing. You are among the majority that hasn't had problems. Red diamond stated that seat wear and leakage could come from constantly cutting her off and on. I think I'll just leave mine on too and riding regularly she'll be alright.

Shou7ld be "vast majority".  Those who have experienced the issue will be motivated to respond to your poll.  Those who have not will not.  I didn't.  In 240,000 miles among four Valkyries with OEM petcocks I've not had an issue.

If you choose to protect yourself by leaving the petcock in a static position that will be a very, very ill informed decision.

Hydrolock requires at least three concurrent failures. 

As one respondent properly noted, perhaps the best method of reducing the probability is riding your Valkyrie regularly.

[BIG--T]

This topic is out of controle !   

Yes, it is, and some owners are willing to work themselves into a froth worrying about a very, very remote possibility.

Valkyrie owners do need to be aware of the possibility, but if one lives under the impression that the falling of the sky is imminent one will see it happening everywhere. 

Yes I'm trying to get an idea of how many actually experienced this thing. You are among the majority that hasn't had problems. Red diamond stated that seat wear and leakage could come from constantly cutting her off and on. I think I'll just leave mine on too and riding regularly she'll be alright.

Shou7ld be "vast majority".  Those who have experienced the issue will be motivated to respond to your poll.  Those who have not will not.  I didn't.  In 240,000 miles among four Valkyries with OEM petcocks I've not had an issue.

If you choose to protect yourself by leaving the petcock in a static position that will be a very, very ill informed decision.

Hydrolock requires at least three concurrent failures. 

As one respondent properly noted, perhaps the best method of reducing the probability is riding your Valkyrie regularly.

Yes I ride regulary and the poll is already showing the vast majority with no problems. I assume you turn your petcock off al the time? I was surprised to know there are many that never touch the petcock unless they need reserve. Great to know about the 240k!

[schrambo]

I have a 97, bought it last fall with almost 10k on it. Hydrolock was something new to me. Replaced petcock with oem this past winter, no luck . Had the front fork seals done this spring and the Honda mechanic said to drive it a lot,sea foam and carb cleaner. I've put 3k on that bike so far and  it still does it. I guess I'm in for a carb rebuild. Not looking foward to that bill.

[schrambo]

ps my owners manual says "the off setting is only for long term storage or servicing of fuel system components"

[BIG--T]

ps my owners manual says "the off setting is only for long term storage or servicing of fuel system components"

That's great to know- I guess I should read my manual! Lol A lot of folks never touch the petcocks and had no problems. May Mother Honda know what they're talking about!! Like Red Diamond said it could cause seat wear and leakage which makes sense to me...maybe why Honda said it??

It is common sense not to be flipping the petcock like winding a watch BTW, I never heard of HL either before I bought The Valk. I think the best thing one can do is ride her regularly and occasionally run your favorite cleaner.

[BIG--T]

UPDATE: Only 11 of 80 has experienced this. For the ones that this has never happened please be sure to vote!

Thanks.   

[Titan]

ps my owners manual says "the off setting is only for long term storage or servicing of fuel system components"

Now THAT is darned interesting information! I should have looked that up in the manual but never thought about it. I've turned the petcock off on every bike I've ever owned and thought that was the gold standard. It's as much a habit for me as turning off the keyswitch when I get off the bike.

My bike only has 28,000 on it so I wouldn't think the valve should be worn a lot. I guess I should start leaving it on. Wow.

[Bullgoose]

While working on a petcock problem, I had hydolocked 3x over a 2 day period... with no damage. Guess I'm one  of the lucky ones. Put a pingle on it, had the carbs cleaned, put in a fuel filter, and have about 5k miles with no probs.

Used to turn my fuel off every time.
1997 Standard. I rebuilt the petcock about 7 months before these problems started. Had about 73,000 on it when started having probs.

[judd]

Put me down for never locked and never turn the petcock off except for winter storage. I always try to fuel up at Major fuel companys if possible, no offshoots like Fasgas or ratty little stations if I can help it, no Ethonol and I try to not hit reserve if I can help it. I run a tank or two treated with Seafoam now and then and use a fuel stabilizer in a topped up tank when stored for winter.   ............ 2000 Tourer

How about mentioning the year, model and habits of the rider ie: petcock left on or turned off, Ethonol fuel and other info as above, perhaps a pattern could be established. 

[FLAVALK]

UPDATE: Only 11 of 80 has experienced this. For the ones that this has never happened please be sure to vote!

Thanks.   

...and 4x that many didnt respond. So far, 17.5% of respondents either had a problem or a near miss. Thats kinda high in my book.

[BIG--T]

Put me down for never locked and never turn the petcock off except for winter storage. I always try to fuel up at Major fuel companys if possible, no offshoots like Fasgas or ratty little stations if I can help it, no Ethonol and I try to not hit reserve if I can help it. I run a tank or two treated with Seafoam now and then and use a fuel stabilizer in a topped up tank when stored for winter.   ............ 2000 Tourer

How about mentioning the year, model and habits of the rider ie: petcock left on or turned off, Ethonol fuel and other info as above, perhaps a pattern could be established. 

Judd, If you haven't voted, please make the selection at the top of the page.
Thanks

[Serk]

There needs to be another poll option...

"I haven't had it, but I'm afraid to say I haven't had it in a poll for fear of jinxing myself..." 

[BIG--T]

There needs to be another poll option...

"I haven't had it, but I'm afraid to say I haven't had it in a poll for fear of jinxing myself..." 

 

[judd]

Put me down for never locked and never turn the petcock off except for winter storage. I always try to fuel up at Major fuel companys if possible, no offshoots like Fasgas or ratty little stations if I can help it, no Ethonol and I try to not hit reserve if I can help it. I run a tank or two treated with Seafoam now and then and use a fuel stabilizer in a topped up tank when stored for winter.   ............ 2000 Tourer

How about mentioning the year, model and habits of the rider ie: petcock left on or turned off, Ethonol fuel and other info as above, perhaps a pattern could be established. 

Judd, If you haven't voted, please make the selection at the top of the page.
Thanks

Yup, I did.........

[The Anvil]

I ain't superstitious or anything, but there's no way I'm voting in this poll.

[Willow]

Uh-oh.  Anvil and I are like twins.    

[BIG--T]

Uh-oh.  Anvil and I are like twins.    

Ya don't say!! Better grabs a rabbit's foot and 4 leaf clover! 

[BIG--T]

UPDATE: Only 16 0f 110 had it and I'm sure there are some that never had it is not even bothering to participate, so it looks good so far.