Motorcycle Repair: 1997 Honda Valkyrie Carb, honda valkyrie, starter clutch

Question
I tried to start my 97 Valkyrie and hit the starter 3 0r four times..i then heard a loud clunk from the starter..i took the starter off, and looked at the starter clutch and gears, and it had stripped the gears.  I looked for a cause and found that the middle cylinder on the left was flooded with gas..as well as some gas pooled in the middle cylinder on the right.  It compressed it enough that it locked up the engine and stripped the starter clutch gear as well as the two connecting the starter to the starter clutch gear.  I havent torn into the carb yet and have never had one apart.  is it a needle and seat that is stuck open that would let that much gas drain through into the cylinder?  Any advice on the vaulkrie carbs would be appreciated.  I can think about them as I put the gears back into the rear cover!...and it is a good time to work on carbs with the engine out.   Thanks, Larry

Answer
Hi Larry,

Right. The needle valves not seating properly can cause that much gas to fill the cylinders. Gas is also in the engine oil and maybe in the airbox. Be sure to change the oil and filter and check the airbox/drain.

A spec of rust, varnish, or other may be lodged between the needle and the seat causing it to remain open. Anther possibility is excessively worn seat/needle.

Sometines the connecting rods are damaged with hydraulic piston lock.

Send me an email as requested. I'll return carb files to assist you. My email addy is: mshively1@woh.rr.com


Respectfully,
Mark Shively