QuestionI know you prefer Honda questions, but was wondering if you could help me. I bought the bike new in '85 & it has less than 700 miles on it. Has been sitting in pole barn for at least 7 yrs. I was able to get it turned over once, but now it won't and I'm getting gas thru the overflow on the carb. I took off the bottom cover of carb & put it back on w/kerosene in it as a friend suggested. He says the float is probably stuck but I've never worked on a bike before and am not sure how to tell. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks--Cristal
AnswerCris.... you have some dirty work ahead of you. Leaving gas in the carb and fuel tank for 7 years is a very bad thing. Fuel stabilizers should be used when a bike is left stored for prolonged periods of time. Even that won't last for 7 years, though.
The fuel tank must be drained, cleaned and coated with a sealer, if there is rust inside. Then the petcock (fuel valve needs to be inspected, cleaned and reinstalled with a new filter screen. I would replace the main fuel line to the carb, after you have removed the carburetor for a thorough carb clean/overhaul. The carb should be disassembled, float valve checked/replaced as well as any O-rings and gaskets. Check the carb slide diaphragm for any tears or pin holes. Check Ebay auctions for aftermarket carb kits.
I logged into : http://www.powersportspro.com/partsfish/login.asp to check the microfiche illustrations and noticed some kind of electrical item called a fuel relay listed. Have no idea what that does on your bike, however.
Yamaha makes some good carb cleaner and fuel tank cleaner products. Some people have mixed up the carb cleaner as directed, drizzled it down the fuel line, left it overnight and then drained the bowl again to find a pretty clean carburetor. Its kind of a 50-50 deal, depending on the amount of varnish and corrosion inside the fuel system.
The carb cleaner mix may help flush out the fuel tank, too.
The fuel tank cleaner is to help neutralize the rust inside the tank, then is followed by a sealer that needs to dry for a day or so. POR-15 is another similar treatment system.
The rest of the bike needs careful attention. ....
Replace the battery, probably replace the drive chain, as well, if it is all rusted up on the rollers. Tires should probably be replaced due to dry rot and aging. Check and lubricate all cables and adjust them properly. The brake drums may have rust inside, so when you pull the wheels for tires, have someone inspect the brakes, as well. The brake cams may be seized up from sitting. Check for new oil leaks at the oil seals once the bike is running again.
Getting this baby running well and safely could run $500+ depending on who is doing the work and how badly things have deteriorated.
Bill Silver
