Vacuum line replacement

[bweiner10]

Hello all,
I believe I have a vacuum leak.  My bike idles fine when it is cold (around 900 rpm) but once it gets good and warmed up, it idles around 2500-3000 rpm's.  I went to the local shop and they are asking ~$370 to have the vacuum lines and plugs replaces (parts and 3 hrs labor included).  The parts are super cheap thought.  Is this job "easy"?  Is everything accessible once I take the gas talk and air box off?  I haven't taken them off before, but I think im capable of doing that.  What say you??? Also, is $110 an hour a little steep for mechanics work or is that the going rate?   
Thanks!

[Farther]

This may help:  http://www.valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/AirBox%20VentHose/venthose.htm

[Bighead]

Make sure your choke cable is working and your choke isn't stuck in the open position.

[Steve K (IA)]

Wow!     For that kind of money you really should do it yourself.  Plugs are $2.09 ea. on Amazon.  Then a trip to AutoZone for hose...less than $10.00?

I admit, pulling the tank on a Valkyrie is one of my least favorite things to do.  But to save that kind of money?

Hint.  Before starting, go to Harbor Freight and get one of those long handled needle nose pliers that have the 90 deg. bend.  That alone will save your hand trying to reach under the tank to remove hoses.

[8Track]

I just did this job on my Valk. Its not hard, just tedious and you need to make sure you reconnect everything properly. I didn't have the long needle nose pliers - just used my hands and fingers. The most difficult thing is dealing with those pesky ring clips on the hoses!

[bweiner10]

I have dealt with those little clips and I am so afraid of them!  Haha!!!  I have big ol sausage paws.  I ordered the stuff to do it myself.  Its to much to spend just for labor.  I have tried to replace some of the plugs and those little clips are horrible.  I cant get them good and tight over the vacuum nipples even with pliers.  Im going to have to figure it out!

[8Track]

I have dealt with those little clips and I am so afraid of them!  Haha!!!  I have big ol sausage paws.  I ordered the stuff to do it myself.  Its to much to spend just for labor.  I have tried to replace some of the plugs and those little clips are horrible.  I cant get them good and tight over the vacuum nipples even with pliers.  Im going to have to figure it out!

I put the clips in place whilst the hoses were disconnected, then wiped a little Inox from a rag onto the nipples. With fingers and normal needle nose pliers I was able to push the hoses on without needing to then mess with the clips.

Those 90 degree needle nose pliers look like they would make this job much easier.

Cheers,

Mark

[bweiner10]

I have dealt with those little clips and I am so afraid of them!  Haha!!!  I have big ol sausage paws.  I ordered the stuff to do it myself.  Its to much to spend just for labor.  I have tried to replace some of the plugs and those little clips are horrible.  I cant get them good and tight over the vacuum nipples even with pliers.  Im going to have to figure it out!

I put the clips in place whilst the hoses were disconnected, then wiped a little Inox from a rag onto the nipples. With fingers and normal needle nose pliers I was able to push the hoses on without needing to then mess with the clips.

Those 90 degree needle nose pliers look like they would make this job much easier.

Cheers,

Mark

So you didn't even have to squeeze those clips once you used that Inox?  And are you just talking about Inox lubricant spray?

[8Track]

Yes tha'ts right - no squeezing of the clips needed. They will expand as they ride over the lip of the nipples when you push the hose on. A little Inox spray on a rag and then wiped onto the nipples reduces the friction enough to do this, but not so much the hoses would then fall off by themselves.

[Farther]

This is a good site for vacuum stuff for the Valkyrie:  http://redeye.ecrater.com/c/1086116/vacuum-line-cap-kits

[westnek]

I just did this job on my Valk. Its not hard, just tedious and you need to make sure you reconnect everything properly. I didn't have the long needle nose pliers - just used my hands and fingers. The most difficult thing is dealing with those pesky ring clips on the hoses!

    hi   8 track..west here.  can I ask you what the  sizes of the vacuum hoses you use are?? in case I have to  do this     thank you so much  ride safe West
 

[8Track]

Hi mate,

5/32" inner diameter.

Cheers,

Mark

[Hook#3287]

The only clips I reuse are the one's on the gas lines.  I never replace the vacuum line clips because 1) they're a PITA. 2) they're on vacuum lines (with very little pressure) and vent lines.  I've never had one fall off.

Bweiner10, you should do it yourself, it's not that difficult and do a De-smog while your at it.

[bweiner10]

This is a good site for vacuum stuff for the Valkyrie:  http://redeye.ecrater.com/c/1086116/vacuum-line-cap-kits

This is where I ordered all the stuff from.  Actually cheaper than the parts were on the estimate as well (including the extras I bought in case I need them on the spot)

[bweiner10]

The only clips I reuse are the one's on the gas lines.  I never replace the vacuum line clips because 1) they're a PITA. 2) they're on vacuum lines (with very little pressure) and vent lines.  I've never had one fall off.

Bweiner10, you should do it yourself, it's not that difficult and do a De-smog while your at it.

I kinda wondered about this with the vac lines.  If they have negative pressure on them, are the pita clips necessary? That being said, if the Honda engineers thought so, than I would think so.

[stude31]

I buy this in bulk and was marketed to me from one of our members that does extensive motor work to our valks.  I am very pleased with this product.

http://www.boostcontroller.com/TurboLogic-Silicone-Vacuum-Hose-s/2128.htm

you need 3.5mm

http://www.boostcontroller.com/TurboLogic-Vacuum-Hose-3-5MM-p/tls-vh-3.5.htm

[DK]

Wow!     For that kind of money you really should do it yourself.  Plugs are $2.09 ea. on Amazon.  Then a trip to AutoZone for hose...less than $10.00?

I admit, pulling the tank on a Valkyrie is one of my least favorite things to do.  But to save that kind of money?

Hint.  Before starting, go to Harbor Freight and get one of those long handled needle nose pliers that have the 90 deg. bend.  That alone will save your hand trying to reach under the tank to remove hoses.

Also handy is the long-handle spark plug boot pliers.  They have a 45 degree angled circular tip just the right size for wrapping around the fuel hose.

It's not too bad using the pliers & some silicone paste.

I'm not sure where I got mine. I've had them for at least 25 years. NAPA is most likely to have them. It's a very handy tool to have although I've never used it on a plug boot.

Dan

[DK]

Yes tha'ts right - no squeezing of the clips needed. They will expand as they ride over the lip of the nipples when you push the hose on. A little Inox spray on a rag and then wiped onto the nipples reduces the friction enough to do this, but not so much the hoses would then fall off by themselves.

Amazon lists several types of Inox lubricant.

Which version are you using?

Dan

[Patrick]

Apparently this monster hasn't been de-smogged.
Is it a Ca model ? The hard line to replace is the 3 to 4 . Attach a string and pull the new line thru. Get good line, almost any line is better than Hondas though. I've used the same line to make the caps, install a cap screw. But, use the clamps or get clamps that fit. I had one blow off a bike a number of years ago. Its amazing how crappy[ technical term] they run with only 5 holes working.
I also slide the 3 to 4 line thru another trying to keep it away from the valley heat. Do these engines really have a valley ?  You know what I mean, I hope anyway.

[bweiner10]

Apparently this monster hasn't been de-smogged.
Is it a Ca model ? The hard line to replace is the 3 to 4 . Attach a string and pull the new line thru. Get good line, almost any line is better than Hondas though. I've used the same line to make the caps, install a cap screw. But, use the clamps or get clamps that fit. I had one blow off a bike a number of years ago. Its amazing how crappy[ technical term] they run with only 5 holes working.
I also slide the 3 to 4 line thru another trying to keep it away from the valley heat. Do these engines really have a valley ?  You know what I mean, I hope anyway.

Actually the bike is at BigBF's house as we speak getting the desmog treatment.  Vacuum leaks was the culprit!  Im anxious to get her back!

[Patrick]

Apparently this monster hasn't been de-smogged.
Is it a Ca model ? The hard line to replace is the 3 to 4 . Attach a string and pull the new line thru. Get good line, almost any line is better than Hondas though. I've used the same line to make the caps, install a cap screw. But, use the clamps or get clamps that fit. I had one blow off a bike a number of years ago. Its amazing how crappy[ technical term] they run with only 5 holes working.
I also slide the 3 to 4 line thru another trying to keep it away from the valley heat. Do these engines really have a valley ?  You know what I mean, I hope anyway.

Actually the bike is at BigBF's house as we speak getting the desmog treatment.  Vacuum leaks was the culprit!  Im anxious to get her back!

AH, there ya go. It'll come back all fixed up and raring to go.