'98 Steamer - Start/Idle proglem

[FoothillRyder]

My poor girl sat for many months, victim of a number of personal issues, and when I tried to fire her up she resisted.

Here's what I know:

- I can get her to fire up and run on all three - briefly - by spraying starting fluid into the intake horn
- She will NOT idle, and is difficult to keep running (and could not be ridden)
- I know (from my IR thermometer) that one of three is not firing reliably, the other two seem 'normal' looking at header temp.

I'm thinking perhaps a carburetor problem; but I'm not the best mechanic, and I'm open to suggestions otherwise.

So...

Hoping for some wisdom from the collective on how to approach (and correct) this issue!

Thanks in advance.

[Mustang]

you got a ethanol induced gummed up carb or two

go get some sea foam at auto zone
add about a 1/3 of a can to at least a half tank of gas

turn on petcock
let it sit overnight
get it to start
keep speed over 2000 rpm with choke , dont touch throttle
let it run till good and warm
go for a 20- 40 mile ride keep making it work coming off idle as much as you can (you may need to keep the choke on to start the ride )
if the sea foam is gonna do it you'll feel things smarten up at around 10-15 miles

if it's really gummed up you need to pull the carbs and clean all the jets out

[FoothillRyder]

I'll give that a try; but I did have Sta-Bil Ethanol treatment in the fuel when she was parked (it's a habit). I suppose it certainly could be gummed up carbs; but I do hope not. 

[Mustang]

trust me it is ......................

[FoothillRyder]

If I don't have a bottle of Seafoam in my bike shed, I'll go out and get one tomorrow and give it a try!

[FoothillRyder]

It took a week and several start/run cycles; but today she not only started without the help of starting fluid, she finally settled into a normal idle and the throttle response is returning to normal. Lots of smoke (from the SeaFoam), so I added a couple of gallons of premium and let her idle until the temp guage began to rise.

Tomorrow I'll take her out and give her a bit more 'pipe cleaning'; but I think the problem is solved. Thanks lads!

[nickjtc]

Keep us posted. I love it when it's the "simplest solution is usually the one that works" kind of scenario.

Ethanol = spawn of the devil.

[FoothillRyder]

She's certainly not ready for prime time - yet. Took her out today for a quick 'rideability' check. She got me back; but it was a bit of a struggle (keep in mind I have a very steep hill up from the highway to where I live). WFO was something of a waste, as there really wasn't any power. She didn't want to rev much past about 5k, and when I got back she wasn't idling normal any longer. I stopped and she quit running; but fired right back up with a tiny bit of throttle.

Still convinced it's just a matter of clearing the crud out of the carbs, I just have to be patient (which I can be).

:D

[richierich75]

Had similar problems, and blocked idle jets in the carbs. Even Seafoam didn't solve issues, but stripping the carbs, and leaving the jets to soak in carb cleaner did the trick.

Its a problem with modern petrol, which depending where you are in the World might contain up to 15% ethanol, which reduces the shelf life. Plus it attacks the brass and alloy in the carbs, and also the Nylon 6 the tank is made form 

[threepot]

I've read that some manufacturers don't put the ethanol in until it leaves the refinery,incase it damages the tankers!!

[richierich75]

I've read that too. Its menace Ethanol, and not sure what the best course of action is long term to protect the bike.

[FoothillRyder]

She sat for a couple of days, with other projects on my plate. Put the key in, pulled the choke on, one touch on the starter and she fired right up! Idle is fine, throttle response perfect.

Just one more ride test and she should be good to go!

[Mustang]

She sat for a couple of days, with other projects on my plate. Put the key in, pulled the choke on, one touch on the starter and she fired right up! Idle is fine, throttle response perfect.

Just one more ride test and she should be good to go!

yep that's typical Sea Foam results 

[nickjtc]

IMO Seafoam ranks up there with cable ties and post-it notes as one of the most useful things ever created.....

[Tallbrick]

Hi there! I got the similar problem ont my 98' Tiger. I'm  from Sweden and I do'nt understand what seafoam is?
Does she start now?

Yours

Nick.