GL1000 - intake valves w/ carbon build on stems

[kenai]

Hi All - when I had the carbs off I noticed carbon buildup on the valve stems; since this is a PO restoreI don't know what black magic could have been added to gas to cure the previous carb problems...any tips to remove this carbon? effects on running?..thxs kenai

[Track T 2411]

Carbon build-up on the intake valves is common. It can affect performance it it's bad enough to prevent the valve from closing properly. I've not tried it, but I've read here in the past that dribbling water into the intake plenum while the motor is running and warmed up will help clean them off. YMMV...
Oh, forgot to suggest Tecron fuel additive. Works quite well, too

[tlbranth]

Yessir, Techron. I'd just run Chevron fuel for a while.

[low-side]

I'd use Techron, Guaranteed to Pass, or one of the other good cleaners out there. The water thing works quickly and completely, but can cause a great deal of damage if done wrong.

[jdvorchak]

I prefer Techron Complete Fuel System Cleaner at the recommended mixture of 1 oz per gallon of gasoline.

[Whiskerfish]

Often times I see this as a result of poor carbs. Carbs that are not properly atomizing the fuel result in unburnt fuel and that is how the carbon deposits develop. I am an advocate of water. I use a spray bottle to control it.

[BikeMaine]

Carbon build-up on the intake valves is common. It can affect performance it it's bad enough to prevent the valve from closing properly. I've not tried it, but I've read here in the past that dribbling water into the intake plenum while the motor is running and warmed up will help clean them off. YMMV...
Oh, forgot to suggest Tecron fuel additive. Works quite well, too

One must be extremely careful when getting water into the combustion chamber of an engine. When water is part of the gas explosion, its volume expands 1,700 times when converting to steam. Easily enough to blow the motor if enough water enters at once.

An interesting read is how water injection used to be legal in drag racing, but if a little water adds horsepower, let's add a little more......

[jdvorchak]

I also have doubts as to the positive effect of water on the intake valve stems. Since the water is just water until it is turned to steam by the combustion, I doubt the cleaning effectiveness. Whereas the fuel system cleaner is effective all the way through the fuel system and combustion.

[tlbranth]

Techron is specifically designed to clean intake valve stems. That's what I've read about it anyway.

[Toehead]

It's pretty effective on pistons at least. Just look at how pistons look when you have a blown headgasket.

[Wangthang]

I had a new 1998 Yamaha Royal Star. It was a V-max engine turning 5450 rpm, and designed to turn 12.500 rpm. They were notorious for carbon buildup on the valves. Yamaha used a shock treatment, 1 bottle of Techron in with a tank full of gas. Run it low in fuel. Change oil, and filter, let het rip. Thought the engine was gonna blow...
Lol

[desertrefugee]

Not jumping in here because of carbon build-up, but because of the mention of V4's. I've had a couple of VMax's and recently (foolishly) sold a beautiful '94. I'm not sure about the 12.5K RPM number, but I've spun them up to 85'ish on many occasions. Absolutely no need to go further.

But, the Royal Star motor should not be mentioned in the same sentence as VMax. Distantly related. Detuned, defanged and neutered. But, I recalled an article from a while back and looked for it because of this thread. I found it! Anyone who's interested can find it here:

https://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/custo ... m-archives

[Wangthang]

Dealer tried to sell me a V Max, and threw those numbers out there. Never sat on one. As for the Royal Star, I have been riding for a while, and that so far has probably been my favorite motorcycle. It did have the bad carbon build up problem, the fit, andfinish on the RS was heads above my 07 Road King.

[desertrefugee]

I'm starting a "Fit and Finish" topic to keep this one on track. Gotta talk about that.

Use Techron for carbon buildup. Not water!

[robin1731]

Any of you guys read this? viewtopic.php?f=54&t=64849

.