Hydrolock ?

[joker]

I've been reading a lot about hydrolock on this forum, enough to know that it is something bad, but not really sure if I understand how it occurs or how to avoid it. It seems to me as if the original petcock goes bad and leaks gas or is it the floats that go bad and leak gas into the cylinder heads? Or a combination?

[WintrSol]

Because of the layout of the cylinders, fluid can collect in the down-side three. Usually, it is gasoline, which could be from a petcock and float valve that doesn't shut of properly (two failures required). Also, the stock petcock is controlled by vacuum from the #6 cylinder and, if the diaphragm in the petcock fails, gas can flow directly into that cylinder's intake tube; if the intake valve is open, then the cylinder fills and gas enters the oil, too, but just filling the intake tube is enough to lock that cylinder when you try to start it.

Note that I said 'usually'; if you have really bad rings, and over-filled the oil, oil can seep into the cylinders. The engine would have to be really worn out for enough oil to seep to cause hydrolock. A leaking head gasket could let coolant seep in, too. Either of these failures should have been obvious when it was last run, so if you are buying a used bike, make sure it is cold when you first examine it, and watch the seller start it.

[98valk]

I contend carb bowl vent tubes not installed correctly or sagging. GW GL1500 actually had this problem. I 've posted the service bullentin before on this.
And the latest cause it seams is old float needles due to the angle of the installed carbs increasing the problem.

[Bighead]

Also if your Petcock leaks you also have to have a float stuck to allow fuel into the cylinder. Many panic over the "it could happen" thing. My 97 has the OEM petcock and has never been touched neither have the carbs. Call me crazy but if it ain't broke don't fix it. The biggest problem with this bike or any other is letting them sit. Ride it and enjoy it, could a Hydrolock happen sure but it can happen with ANY carbureted engine.

[Ricky-D]

Sure.... if you dunk it in a lake.

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