Starting Problems...need help!

[big poppa pump]

Started bike first time today after my accident. Immediately noticed gas leak from the left carb overflow hose. Tapped the left carbs with a screwdriver and looks like the float(s) are now unstuck since there is no more gas leak. Removed the left side spark plugs and gas sprayed big time from the left side when I started the bike. Starter spun and bike did start. I immediately shut it off since I did not want to risk any damage (hydrolock).

What steps do I need to take to flush all the gas out from the spark plug area? Any other precautions/steps I need to do before I try starting the bike again.

Appreciate any input I can get.

TIA.

BPP.

[Bighead]

Pull the plugs and spin the starter.

[R J]

Plug the plugs on the right bank and run the starter.'

That should blow all the excess gas out of the cylinders.

Reinstall the plugs and very cautiously tap all 6 carbs and fire the old girl up.

Take her for a spin, come back park it, and let it idle, any leak of gas, tap the carbs again.   Pull the plugs and blow the gas back out.

Change the oil once you have the gas leak stopped.

Add some (full can) of SeaFoam.  Take it out and run it below 2,500 RPM.

Bring it back home and park the bike.    Let it soak overnight.

Next day, start it and look for a gas leak.

If it is still there take it back out and run it for several miles under 2,500 RPM's.

Oh, when ya park it for the night each time, try to get the bike standing as upright as possible without it falling over.

In the morning if it still has a leak, pull the carb bank and clean the carbs out.   If you want to put 38's in the low side of the system, now would be the time to do it.

Every riding year, I add a full can of SeaFoam every  3rd full tank.  So far it has kept my system clean.   Knock on wood.

PS:  I run 10% Ethanol also.  

[Michvalk]

Well, if the bike started, you didn't have hydrolock. If the bike has to sit, turn the petcock off. Removing the spark plugs, and spinning the engine over will eject the excess fuel. (All over the place, so do it outside). If the bike starts and runs after that, put some carb cleaner in, like Startron, Seafoam, or the like, and run it. Need to work the cleaner into the carbs, and don't be stingy with the cleaner. Use 1/2 or more of the can to a tankfull. and go for a ride. Fill the tank after running some out. I use Seafoam several times a year, and store the bike with it in it. Gas today goes bad fast, and the cleaner will help

[lifguardct]

I always turn off the petcock when I park, will that prevent Hydrolock?

[big poppa pump]

Forgot to mention, Petcock has been modified to remove the vacuum function and I have an AFC-111 fuel valve installed.

[big poppa pump]

Not to sound too stupid, but can somebody point out where exactly I should be tapping on the carbs?

Thanks/

[The emperor has no clothes]

Not to sound too stupid, but can somebody point out where exactly I should be tapping on the carbs?

Thanks/

If your floats are sticking open tap on the float bowl (the bottom part of the carb). Doesn't always work but worth a shot.

[Patrick]

If at any time the starter stops with the dreaded 'CLANK' , do not touch that button again until ALL the cylinders have been cleared. Preferably when starting, just tap the button.

[signart]

As soon as you get the gas in the cylinder prob worked out, change that diluted oil.

[Hook#3287]

I always turn off the petcock when I park, will that prevent Hydrolock?

No.

The OEM petcock is not the best system Honda ever engineered.

There is a diaphragm in it that can fail and allow gas to flow or something (rust/dirt) can stop it from closing completely.

That and a stuck carb float and open intake valve can allow gas to fill the combustion chamber.

Some replace the petcock with an aftermarket one and everyone should inspect and/or rebuild the OEM one.

Others have added an electric shut off and/or a in-line gas filter.

One of the best ways to HELP prevent damage is to "Bump" the starter button before starting.

[lifguardct]

Thanks.

[gordonv]

Started bike first time today after my accident. Immediately noticed gas leak from the left carb overflow hose. Tapped the left carbs with a screwdriver and looks like the float(s) are now unstuck since there is no more gas leak. Removed the left side spark plugs and gas sprayed big time from the left side when I started the bike.

I read here that you had fuel in the spark plug cavities of the heads, not in your engine, from the carbs leaking fuel onto your engine.

If I'm right, and you might want to do it anyways, get a length of copper wire, and push it through the drain holes in the spark plug cavity. It might be easier to find the bottom of the drain hole from underneath the head.

[big poppa pump]

Fuel was in the left cylinder. Spun the starter this morning and cleared everything up. Put the spark plugs back in and started the bike with choke. Fired up on the first attempt. No more gas leaks either. Emptied a whole can of Techron in the fuel tank and took it out for a short spin keeping RPM's below 2.5k.

Thanks for everybody's input.

[Hook#3287]

Forgot to mention, Petcock has been modified to remove the vacuum function and I have an AFC-111 fuel valve installed.

I'm not familiar with this valve.  Is it an electric inline valve?

If your cylinder filled with gas, did it fail?

[wingrider02]

Forgot to mention, Petcock has been modified to remove the vacuum function and I have an AFC-111 fuel valve installed.

I'm not familiar with this valve.  Is it an electric inline valve?

If your cylinder filled with gas, did it fail?

That is an electric stop valve, which should stop the flow of fuel...but sounds like OP was in some type of accident.  If it was with the bike, maybe the fuel has been sitting for some time?

To the OP, did you let the bike sit with key on a while before attempting to start the bike?

[big poppa pump]

Bike sat for almost a couple of months with the fuel in the gas tank and the carb bowls. Yes, had the key turned on for a while to let the fuel flow to the carbs before I started the bike.

[wingrider02]

That is kind of what I thought....my set up is the same way, and figured it would aid in starting up after sitting for a long period of time.  Sounds like you got lucky, and with a little tapping, fixed it.