Running real real rough @ 3000 RPM

[Eenvader]

Hi all, picked up a 1981 GL1100 about a month ago...I think its basically been sitting for 5 years, awesome shape but it runs real rough until about 4000 RPM...like its missing a cylinder...but it idles great at 1000 RPM and it accelerates perfectly, but when you cruise it seems like its cutting out...ive been keeping her over 4000 but I think that's too high and I'm thinking i'm going through gas too fast....I put in new plugs, new air filter, filling her up with hi test premium gas, added a fuel stabilizer to the last two tanks, seems to be progressively getting worse...then today I added "Sea Foam Engine" about 5 cap fulls to a full tank and it started running rougher.. later in the day I pulled the false tank and seat and air filer and breather box and sprayed the "Sea Foam Spray" into the intake of the 4 carbs while reving her up to 4000, lots of white smoke as suspected...then took her for a good burn and its running the same, no change...still rough...I guess I'm trying to eliminate stuff before taking her into the shop...I described the problem to the mechanic last week and he said "Carbs are dirty and it'll cost me $450.00 bucks"...he didn't elaborate on what exactly he'd be doing ...I know its a big job and i'll take er in if I have too...any of your invaluable experience and ideas would be greatly appreciated...I love this bike, thanks

[robin1731]

Sounds like the carbs need to come out for a proper cleaning. Good kits (Randakk is recommended) aren't cheap. Although $450 is a bit high.

.

[Track T 2411]

It's pretty easy to diagnose the problem as carbs, being that the bike sat for an extended period of time. However, ignition problems, such as bad wires or caps, can mimic a carb problem as well. It's surprising how well these engines run on three cylinders, lol!
Here are a few simple tests you can do to narrow down the issue(s) before resorting to digging into the carbs. At idle, pull each plug wire and note if the engine speed drops. If it doesn't, hold the plug wire close to the plug end. You should hear an even audible 'snap' as the spark jumps the gap. You can also use a spray bottle of water and squirt each header pipe near where it exits the head and note how quickly it evaporates (try to do this before the bike warms up too much). Pull each plug and 'read' them. Keep them in order in case you find significant differences between plugs. These tests will help narrow down which cylinder(s) are missing. Also check your gas tank thoroughly for rust, and replace your fuel filter. Fine particles of rust can clog the (very tiny) screens in the carbs, and no amount of Seafoam will clean them.

[CYBORG]

Send them to pistol Pete

[Eenvader]

Thanks for the replies. ordering a fuel filter today. I'd get a kit and rebuild it myself, but I've never done it and think that it will probably end up worse lol, for now I'm going to burn that tank of gas off with the seafoam in it and start fresh with normal gas and no additives, it seemed to be not as bad, up until now, if the bike got hot, temp needle to the edge of the red line on the temp gauge, it didn't miss as much...might have to bite the bullit and make an appointment, just not sure how long I'll be without the bike...Im in Canada, we got may to October and its back to the igloo LOL

[Eenvader]

PS, who is Pistol Pete ?

[CYBORG]

Pete is a well known, and respected, carb re builder here in the states. Does a lot of them and is very good at it.

[todd54219]

http://www.oldwings.com/
Pistol Pete is Pete Boody. Will do a fantastic job rebuilding your carbs. If you have to pay someone to redo your carbs, he is the one I would spend the money on.

Good luck and let us know what happens.
Todd

[Eenvader]

Thanks for the info on Pete ! I'll definitely consider it...wish Pete lived in Canada, our dollar sucks bad right now, but be worth his experience....been looking at the 4 carb into 1 units...sounds like a great alternative, but mixed reviews on the net, plus can't find any info on buying a kit that isn't a few years outdated...is the 4 into 1 a thing that came and went...sounds like something I could install and set myself.....

[Track T 2411]

Thanks for the info on Pete ! I'll definitely consider it...wish Pete lived in Canada, our dollar sucks bad right now, but be worth his experience....been looking at the 4 carb into 1 units...sounds like a great alternative, but mixed reviews on the net, plus can't find any info on buying a kit that isn't a few years outdated...is the 4 into 1 a thing that came and went...sounds like something I could install and set myself.....

Check out the sub-forum in Underground Customizing. Lots of info on alternate carbs. I think there was a setup posted in the for sale forum just recently, as well.

[Whiskerfish]

SNIP
I think there was a setup posted in the for sale forum just recently, as well.

Yes there was just a couple days ago http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=60346

Member could not get it setup right so it may not be the best choice for a first time wrencher

[scootsx2]

If the bike sat for 5 years, you probably have a lot of crap in the tank (rust, sludge,etc). Before putting newly rebuilt carbs back on the bike, thoroughly clean the tank, replace the fuel lines and fuel filter, flush out the fuel pump and petcock. It would be a shame to trash newly rebuilt carbs.

[Eenvader]

Thanks for that tip, might as well, might ride the summer out and send those carbs to pistol pete in October, don't want to lose a month of riding, ....

[Eenvader]

Swapped out fuel filter, no change....if the issue is the carbs, starting to wonder what part of the carbs are bad, based on the problem description ....is it a jet issue, or whatever...need to do my homework on how the whole system works....I'm thinking that I might get a kit and do it myself...can't book the bike in until mid august now....not even sure if its the carbs exactly....can I pull them off, get them in for a hydro static cleaning, and try again without rebuilding ? it runs great except for 3000 to 4000 RPM uggggggg

[Rat]

If it was me, I'd run some 'magic' fuel cleaner through it, Seafoam, chevron, pick your poison ....

Might not work but it's cheap and you get to ride ....

Might take several tankfuls to help .... say 2 or 3 thousand miles .....

Randakk has the procedure on his Site.

Gord