Starting Up

[Donvalkyrie]

I can use the choke to start it up, and it seems to run fine, but when I go to turn the choke off it shuts off and when I try to give it gas when turning the choke off it will run but like its trying to shut off.

Put new plugs in. NGK DPR7EA9 Still does the same above!
Checked the Choke cable and is working ok!

Any help would be appreciated.

[KSDragonRider]

is it cold where you are?  I dont have to choke except when it is about 40 degrees and under out. 

One thing i would try is giving it some throttle, while still using the choke.  I have found this helps.  Then be handy with the throttle as you turn the choke off.

[Donvalkyrie]

No it not cold here.  And yes I try to give it gas when turning the choke off but it is like  the gas is bogging down.

[Bighead]

Have you tried letting it run a few minutes with the choke on and letting the engine get warm then turn choke off?
If it dies after warm and you turn choke off sounds like you may have some clogged jets in the carbs.
My 97 don't like to run until warm, so I choke even if 95 outside on first start up. Has been that way since new.

[Jess from VA]

Let it warm up a bit before shutting it off. (Both my interstates need choke at start at all temps, always have)

If it still struggles after 2-3 minutes or so then turned off, then your idle may be a bit low (thumb screw right side carb bank).  The idle adj screw should only be fooled with on a fully warmed up bike (and will burn your fingers accordingly).

Now my bikes tend to run about 850-900 rpm after a quick warmup and choke off, but after running down the road awhile, my idle is 1k constant. (900 may be the proper warm idle per the book, but 1k is better for me both for starts, and charging system).

If you have not done it in a while, run a strong dose of B12 Berrymans, Seafoam, Techron, Lucas or whatever thru the system (at both putting and faster speeds).  Most of us do this every once in a while, with 6 old carbs it can only help.

[Gryphon Rider]

Some history on this bike would be helpful, i.e. what has happened with the bike since it was starting and running well.

[Donvalkyrie]

I have owned this since 2000 brand new, and I have always had or use the choke for the first start.  Yes I did let it warm up in choke mode, but it still cuts off after I take the choke off.  I will check on cleaning the carbs.  Thanks for the replies.

[Donvalkyrie]

The last ride I went on it was skipping every so often.  Then I went to start it up this morning and here I am.

[Ricky-D]

You should run some massive amounts of gasoline additive through the fuel system.

Techron, B-12, Seafoam, are just a few of those that are highly regarded on the forum.

Don't expect results right away, but should be an improvement after a tank of fuel.

***

[Savago]

Dear friend

I second what Ricky-D commented. When I bought my I/S 99, it wouldn't start unless I used the choke (environment temperatures in the range of 65-80F), but after running 1 bottle of Techron and 1 bottle of Seafoam on it, it will start right away with no need for the choke.

I just give a gentle acceleration for 1 minute just after starting with cold engine (keep rpms at 1000 in this small time frame).

Best regards


Savago

[Patrick]

It sounds as though this monster has been risen in awhile ? Or, did this problem just pop up ?

If it just happened I'd recommend opening the drain screws and flushing the carburetors out after draining and replacing the fuel in the tank.

If it hasn't been run, then I'd still recommend replacing the fuel and adding heavy doses of fuel system cleaner [ Sea-Foam] and running the bike at low engine speeds for awhile.

[Bighead]

I just give a gentle acceleration for 1 minute just after starting with cold engine (keep rpms at 1000 in this small time frame).

Best regards


Savago

If you have to hold the throttle at 1000 rpm's for a minute after start why not just use the choke? You are essentially doing just that except you have to hold or feather the throttle instead of letting the choke do what it was put on there for

[Firefighter]

How long has it sat? What does the gas smell like? How old is the gas? It has gas right? If the gas smells bad (you will know that) then get the old gas out first before wasting  fuel treatment. If it smells ok, drain some and see if it has water. Then you try new gas with treatment and cross fingers and toes. Good Luck!  Firefighter

[John Schmidt]

I'm not sure but I believe the plugs you're using are a colder plug...ending in 9. Check the maual to be certain, but I think the standard plug calls for a lower number which equals a hotter plug....like maybe ending in a 7. Don't have my manual handy so I'm going by memory, and that isn't what it used to be.

[Donvalkyrie]

I rode it about a month ago with no problems, then during the week end we took it for a ride and that was when I notice it skipping but we was able to finish the ride, then we parked it and tried it this morning and this is where we are.   I checked the Honda manual and the DPR6EA9 is for the colder climates.  Thanks for ll the replies. I will drain the tank. And the carbs. And refill with new gas and put in some seafoam in the new gas and see if it will stay cranked up after it warms up and take the choke off.  If not I will have to take the carbs off and clean them.  Also I have never done a carburetor synchronization, this would have nothing to so with this?

[Bone]

My 98 Tourer has DPR7EA9 plugs. I'm in Michigan.

[Patrick]

I rode it about a month ago with no problems, then during the week end we took it for a ride and that was when I notice it skipping but we was able to finish the ride, then we parked it and tried it this morning and this is where we are.   I checked the Honda manual and the DPR6EA9 is for the colder climates.  Thanks for ll the replies. I will drain the tank. And the carbs. And refill with new gas and put in some seafoam in the new gas and see if it will stay cranked up after it warms up and take the choke off.  If not I will have to take the carbs off and clean them.  Also I have never done a carburetor synchronization, this would have nothing to so with this?

Don't worry about the sync, lets get the monster running decently first.

[John Schmidt]

OK, the plug number thing got me curious so this morning I checked the Honda shop manual. Turns out I was in the right church, wrong pew. It's not the last number that's important, they should all end in "9". It's the number following the "DPR" that makes the difference. DPR7EA9 is the standard for normal riding so you're good with what you have. The DPR6EA9 is for colder climates...the "6" indicates it's a hotter plug. And a DPR8EA9 is a colder plug for extended high speed running; i.e., the higher the number, the colder the plug.

Obviously it's been some time since I've bothered with a plug change or heat range.   Here in Fla. I usually run the "8"...DPR8EA9, which is one step cooler than standard. Works well in our summer heat.

As for your other problem, it appears you're starting to get some clogged slow jets. Follow Ricky D's suggestions before doing anything else, it usually won't clear up overnight but if not in too bad a shape you might see early results.

[Donvalkyrie]

I can use the choke to start it up, and it seems to run fine, but when I go to turn the choke off it shuts off and when I try to give it gas when turning the choke off it will run but like its trying to shut off.

Put new plugs in. NGK DPR7EA9 Still does the same above!
Checked the Choke cable and is working ok!

Any help would be appreciated.

I just wanted to say thanks for this board and the people that help others in giving advice on how to fix their Valkyrie's.
After removing the the carbs and cleaning them and changing the slow jets to 38 and putting it all back together and then starting it up, Yeah! Awesome!! With the 38 Slow jets in I don't even have to give it any choke. It runs GREAT!
 I am no mechanic for those thinking about doing this. The is a great video on you tube by D-Ray Smith
with him showing how to do this on a Valkyrie.
Thanks Again!!!

[Bighead]

Thanks for the update