Pulling spark plugs to test for hydrolock

[RonW]

does disconnecting the spark plugs from the boots prevent any arcing inside the boot? Just asking in the interest of safety.

[da prez]

Disconnect and set next to engine block. Pull plugs and put rags over plug holes. Bar or crank over.  Plug wires may arc to block but for the test  , will not be an issue.

                            da prez

[0leman]

speaking as one who found out the hard way.   Secure rags over the plus holes and push the bike outside.  The gas will shoot a long ways out when the starter is pushed. 

[RonA]

Also speaking from learning the hard way, make sure the plug wires don't ground on the engine. Had mine outside, no plugs, and yet major flamage when I cranked it over. I just kept it cranking and it blew itself out. If I ever have to do it again I would have a fire extinguisher standing by.

[RonW]

thanks everybody!

[Gondul#408]

Just put in in a higher gear and push...

[RonW]

excellent idea! but unfortunately my valk's stall in the apt building basement garage is land locked for now.

[..]

excellent idea! but unfortunately my valk's stall in the apt building basement garage is land locked for now.

NOT a good place to test!!!

[Cracker Jack]

This is what I did in my basement without risk or incident.

I took out one plug at a time and tried rolling the bike in gear each time until the motor would turn. I did this with the ignition off so no spark. It freed up on the sixth try which was number two.

Once the culprit was identified, I used the Mityvac to pull the bulk of the fuel out. As I remember, about 2 ounces.

Then I put the plug back in, rolled the bike again to make sure it was unlocked, then hit the starter.

Fired up no problem then continued with correcting the problem.

Edit: I only had one cylinder locked. Might require a little more effort if you have more than one flooded.

[CoreyP]

Ohhhhhh in a basement. That's not the place to test for hydro lock.

Not sure what I would do? Why do you think the bike is hydro locked?

You could pull the plugs and use a hand pump to pump out the cylinders.

[Cracker Jack]

Ohhhhhh in a basement. That's not the place to test for hydro lock.

Not sure what I would do? Why do you think the bike is hydro locked?

You could pull the plugs and use a hand pump to pump out the cylinders.

You could do what I did. That's the place I used, worked really good. Maybe you need to read my entire post. I doubt if a hand pump would work any better than the Mityvac.

[h13man]

I would think after doing the gear roll thus freeing it up etc., changing the oil would be next before firing it up.

[CoreyP]

I would think after doing the gear roll thus freeing it up etc., changing the oil would be next before firing it up.

Yep that would be a good idea.

[AZdougness]

speaking as one who found out the hard way.   Secure rags over the plus holes and push the bike outside.  The gas will shoot a long ways out when the starter is pushed. 

Hahaha I am so glad I am not the only one that found out how far gas spurts out of the spark plug socket. I had 3 flooded pistons after it sat for a long time. Fuel.... went... far.

I would much rather try the 6th gear approach next time, or manually turn it with a wrench, but ultimately it did the same thing.

[Valkorado]

Didn't like the idea of a garage fire.  I just wrapped some of that rubbery silicone tape around the holes on each boot and plugged 'em up.  Peace of mind and all.