QuestionI have a 1982 Honda CM450E for four years. Added 14,000 miles to the 14,000 that were already on it. It always is resistive to start at the first of the season, after being stored five months, but this year it won't start. Cranks over, but doesn't cough.
The ignition and cut off switches are on. Drained last gallon of gas out, and replaced with a gallon of fresh gas. Pulled choke, cranked battery to end. Recharged battery, cranked again. Smelled flooded, so left it set. Tried cranking again, still no start.
I'm puzzled. Am I missing something? PS: With gas headed for $4/gallon, I think I want to sell this bike this March and possibly move up to a 650 in April. Help me!
AnswerKirk, the part you missed is that the carburetors were not drained when stored, so the jets are plugged up and the float valves are not sealing closed, as well.
Today's fuels don't last more than a few weeks, before separating and even growing micro-organisms in the separated alcohol portion of the fuel. Stale/separate gasoline won't really burn properly and has a small fraction of the original fuel energy.
It is a PIA to have to pull the carbs on these bikes, but you really need to remove them, clean them thoroughly, install some fresh o-rings and perhaps a float valve, then try again.
Bill Silver
