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pstelter
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« on: August 09, 2017, 05:40:57 AM » |
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Finally was able to ride the new (well, new to me) Valk to work this morning...until it wouldn't start...  I am inclined to replace the battery since it seemed to try harder when I tried jumping it. Pretty sure that the dealer did not replace it as part of their safety inspection. Before I do that, I think I'll switch the petcock to 'Reserve' to see how that goes. I could get it running for a little, but it was weak - like it was not getting fuel. Any other thoughts? Side question...this is my first bike with a reserve tank. How does this work? When I re-position the petcock, am I just changing the suction point on the tank? Does the reserve automatically get filled when I fill the main? Any schematic out there? |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #1 on: August 09, 2017, 06:06:01 AM » |
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There is no reserve tank. Just as you guessed reserve is just a hole at the bottom of the take up, "ON" is the top of the tube.
Use the trip meter ( if you have a std or tourer) and look for gas at 100-125 miles.
If you get a new battery follow (which means read) then follow them as far as charging. It may actually seem charged but if it calls for a full charge before use do it or the battery will not last.
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« Last Edit: August 09, 2017, 06:59:04 AM by Chrisj CMA »
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Ramie
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« Reply #2 on: August 09, 2017, 06:39:08 AM » |
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Finally was able to ride the new (well, new to me) Valk to work this morning...until it wouldn't start... I am inclined to replace the battery since it seemed to try harder when I tried jumping it. Pretty sure that the dealer did not replace it as part of their safety inspection. Before I do that, I think I'll switch the petcock to 'Reserve' to see how that goes. I could get it running for a little, but it was weak - like it was not getting fuel. Any other thoughts? Side question...this is my first bike with a reserve tank. How does this work? When I re-position the petcock, am I just changing the suction point on the tank? Does the reserve automatically get filled when I fill the main? Any schematic out there? If your bike hasn't been modified check the vacuum line to the petcock to make sure its pulling vacuum so the petcock can open all the way. You are correct, the reserve is just the lowest opening on your petcock. |
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“I am not a courageous person by nature. I have simply discovered that, at certain key moments in this life, you must find courage in yourself, in order to move forward and live. It is like a muscle and it must be exercised, first a little, and then more and more. A deep breath and a leap.”
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Cracker Jack
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« Reply #3 on: August 09, 2017, 07:20:50 AM » |
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New to you, huh? A common problem with new Valk owners is to not fully apply the "choke" when starting causing difficult starting. The choke lever moves down easily for a good ways then gets more difficult. Make sure the choke is fully on by pushing the lever past where it gets harder by about 1/2 inch until it won't go any more. Might fix your problem.  |
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longrider
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« Reply #4 on: August 09, 2017, 09:41:12 AM » |
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Welcome to the Valk world. Many on this board have owned their valks since new and myself included have much knowledge of the service that would need to be done. By posting on here you will get your answer. Regarding the no start, your battery must be good but the bike should have started with the cables. Is there enough fuel in the tank. Since the bike is new to you check the operation of the petcock. Remove the small hose off the intake runner on cyl 6 left side rear. Apply vacuum. I just pop it off and pull vacuum with my mouth and stick my tongue over it. It should hold a vacuum If it doesn't hold the petcock may not be letting fuel down into the carbs. The petcock can be rebuilt.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #5 on: August 09, 2017, 09:56:52 AM » |
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The choke issue is one that affected most of us when new owners. The bike will fire, but often quickly stumble and stall.
Know this; the ignition requires a certain amount of amps to start the motor. If the battery, even with a passive (non running) jump makes it turn over, even fast, but it won't fire, there is always the possibility of the battery not being good enough. I've had lights, horn, and all accessories work great, but still not enough juice to even allow the ignition to fire the bike up.
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pstelter
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« Reply #6 on: August 09, 2017, 10:54:38 AM » |
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Thanks for all the suggestions... Going to try the choke when I get home today. Was wondering how much effort the choke requires. Not wanting to break anything, I didn't push it too much...which is about what I got out of it...  Next after that is using Reserve. I have no idea how much gas is in the tank. It doesn't help that I reset the trip odometer right after I bought it..."Hey what does this wheel do?" Any recommendations on batteries? Been using a Yuasa in the GL1200 that has been very reliable. But the local hardware store has an Interstate brand ready to go...and its only $85. |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #7 on: August 09, 2017, 12:00:27 PM » |
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You can get a YUASSA on line for that price
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« Reply #8 on: August 09, 2017, 12:15:06 PM » |
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Thanks for all the suggestions... Going to try the choke when I get home today. Was wondering how much effort the choke requires. Not wanting to break anything, I didn't push it too much...which is about what I got out of it... Next after that is using Reserve. I have no idea how much gas is in the tank. It doesn't help that I reset the trip odometer right after I bought it..."Hey what does this wheel do?" Any recommendations on batteries? Been using a Yuasa in the GL1200 that has been very reliable. But the local hardware store has an Interstate brand ready to go...and its only $85. When you push the choke lever down it will line up with the join between cap of and clutch reservoir. At that point it needs a little bit more pressure to be useful. |
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #9 on: August 09, 2017, 12:31:27 PM » |
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Have a friend who did similar, he was simply & completely out of gas.
Ken
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pstelter
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« Reply #10 on: August 09, 2017, 02:43:51 PM » |
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Got home from work and re-positioned the petcock to 'Reserve' and moosed the choke down further than I have ever taken it and it fired right up! Thanks for the tips, gents!
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #11 on: August 09, 2017, 03:52:48 PM » |
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And the thread reaffirms the adage (and truth) about troubleshooting: Always start simple.
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #12 on: August 09, 2017, 04:03:27 PM » |
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Got home from work and re-positioned the petcock to 'Reserve' and moosed the choke down further than I have ever taken it and it fired right up! Thanks for the tips, gents!
now, go get some gas. |
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Ken Tarver
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« Reply #13 on: August 09, 2017, 04:55:37 PM » |
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Jess, you are SO right!!
On the way to Billings, same friend pulls up to gas pump coming into Dodge City, fuels up with everyone else. We take care of other needs then get ready to go into town for lunch and some site seeing. Well, "Bud's" valk doesn't start, no lights, no click, nuttin'! So off comes the seat and side covers, check switch fuse, starter relay, dogbone fuse; those seem good. Put volt meter on battery and it shows 12.4 volts. Scratch heads now; ok, meter still on battery, turn on key and hit start button. Bingo, meter drops to 0.7 volts. The 5 of us now are shaking our heads and mumbling something about "check the battery first!" A quick trip to O'Reilly's for a battery and we were soon back on the road.
A lesson learned....(again).
Ken
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #14 on: August 10, 2017, 12:05:04 AM » |
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Yeah Ken. One embarrassing afternoon, I had two guys push starting me (without luck) in a gas station, and I had pulled my seat and battery cover to check my connections (good), and walked over to a Tractor Supply to see if they had a battery to fit the bike (they didn't), before I discovered I was forgetting the simple side stand switch and neutral, and kill switch. It was a hot day, I was dehydrated, and had a complete brain fart. By then, the pushing guys had left, so they didn't see me put it back together, set all switches correctly, start right up and ride away. I deserved a dunce cap that day. Battery: https://www.amazon.com/YUASA-YTX14-BS-Maintenance-Free-Battery/dp/B000WJX4BQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502349287&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=YUASA+YTX14-BS+Maintenance+Free+Battery&psc=1 |
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gordonv
Member
Posts: 5760
VRCC # 31419
Richmond BC
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« Reply #15 on: August 10, 2017, 05:27:20 PM » |
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In answer to your ?
Fuel tank capacity
GL 1500C/CT 20 liters (5 .3 US gal, 4.4 Imp gal)
GL1500CF 26 liters (6.9 US gal, 5.7 Imp gal)
Fuel tank reserve capacity
G11500C/CT 4.3 liters (1.14 US gal, 0.95 Imp gal)
GL1500CF 4.0 liters (1 .06 US gal, 0.88 Imp gal)
All the fuel into the tank goes one place. Where it drains from the bottom depends on where the petcock is set to.
You hadn't said which valk you have, the std/tourer (C or CT) or an IS (CF)
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1999 Black with custom paint IS   |
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