Engine with Indigestion

[blokv1100]

My 1980 GS 1100L seems to be having some engine issues this Spring.

Symptom; the exhause continues to back fire / pop / putt-putt-putter when I'm riding. And, as I accelerate, it does not have the same quick zip that I'm used to having. The bike used to jump off the line, now it gradually accelerates. The bike is puttering itself into acceleration.

I thought the back firing would dissipate as the engine warms up, nope it doesn't.

I called local mechanic, he said the carbs some time gum up when sitting over the winter and to add some fuel cleaner. I'm doing that now, but it is still popping.

Any suggestions, other then the carb cleaner through the fuel system?

 

[Steve]

Did you have any kind of gas stabilizer in the tank while stored over the winter? Sounds like the carbs need a good cleaning.

You acquainted with any of the other GSers down there in "Sinsinnati"? If they can't help you, give me a holler.
Which side of town you on? Might not be too far for me to come down and have a look-see. 8-[

.

 

[blokv1100]

Steve

No, I did not use any stabilizer. Maybe should do that in the future.

I'm on the east side. Milford area.

Before I get too concerned, Do you think I should run through a couple of tanks of carb cleaner in gas?

 

[seuadr]

i would say pull the carbs off and give them a good cleaning. can do it for about 20 dollars, do it yourself, it's much, much easier than you might think it is.i just cleaned mine for the first time this spring ( bought the bike last year and then didn't get to work on it ) and i knew NOTHING about them. with basscliff's instruction i got them all shiney and ready to go, all back together right save for a misplacement of the choke guide and on the bike for about 20 dollars total.

 

[blokv1100]

i would say pull the carbs off and give them a good cleaning. can do it for about 20 dollars, do it yourself, it's much, much easier than you might think it is.

I've never pulled the carbs off before, I'll look it over and see if I'm comfortable doing that.

I wonder if I spray carb cleaner into it, if that would help?

 

[Nessism]

I've never pulled the carbs off before, I'll look it over and see if I'm comfortable doing that.

I wonder if I spray carb cleaner into it, if that would help?

No.

Do the job right and the bike will run well. Short cut and it will not.

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

http://cycleorings.com/

 

[Dave8338]

NO!

Do the job right and the bike will run well. Short cut and it will not.

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

http://cycleorings.com/

So...what are you saying? :-s :-D

 

[Nessism]

So...what are you saying? :-s :-D

Translation: if you want to ride your 25 year old bike, and don’t want it breaking down all the time, do some maintenance! – and any job worth doing is worth doing right!

 

[Steve]

I called local mechanic, he said ... to add some fuel cleaner. I'm doing that now, but it is still popping.

Any suggestions, other then the carb cleaner through the fuel system?

What carb cleaner are you using?

To help clean the system without pulling the carbs (which you will likely have to do eventually), use Seafoam. Put about half the can into the tank (that's a lot stronger concentration than it calls for :shock: ), go for a ride. Not just around the block, unless you have really BIG blocks. Make it 50 miles or more, the more, the better. If it's still not running quite right, add the other half can of Seafoam, go for another ride. If you are lucky, that might help. If it doesn't help, you at least got in a couple of rides before you tear the carbs apart.

Doing the carbs is not all that difficult or expensive. You will need a can of Berryman's carb cleaner dip, a set of o-rings from cycleorings.com, a selection of well-fitting screwdrivers, and about an hour or so each night for several nights.

.

 

[BassCliff]

Hi Mr. blokv1100,

A few times a year, when I know I'm going on a really long ride, I'll dump a whole can of Sea Foam in my tank just for maintenance. I'll use up that whole tank on a single ride (150-200 miles) and my bike is always much happier for it. If your carbs aren't too bad it may help. Be prepared to do the job right if you have to. Your bike will thank you for it.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff