Motorcycle Engine problem - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-30-2009, 12:27 PM

I'm hoping that some CP'er may have some skills with motorcycle engines and can help me out...

I bought a 99 Honda Magna from Oregon a few years ago...when it arrived it wouldn't start. Eventually replaced the sparkplugs and it worked fine all Summer

Put it in storage (with no gas stabilizer) over the winter, then come spring it won't start...I try carb cleaner and nothing so again I replace the plugs and she works fine all summer.

This winter I put in fuel stabilizer and I run the bike for ~20 min every 2 weeks...until a month ago when it started to run rough and then won't start. I drained the tank and put in new fuel but no luck. So I am thinking that my plugs are fouled (again) but cannot for the life of me figure out why (too much/not enough fuel stabilizer maybe?).

Any ideas on what to do? I suspect that if I replace the plugs she will work again...but there must be some reason for this continual fouling.

burn_this_city · 03-30-2009, 12:49 PM

Probably just fouled plugs from spoiled gas, might be from not being ridden and just idling, although on a 4 stroke it shouldnt matter. Might I suggest putting a teaspoon of engine oil in each cylinder before you park it for the winter. It prevents the cylinder from drying out and you wouldnt need to start it every few weeks. I usually drain my tank and leave a teaspoon of oil in the cylinder of my dirtbike. It smokes a bit when you first fire it up but runs great after a couple mins.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 03-30-2009, 12:50 PM

If you're plugs are fouling it probably has nothing to do with the fuel stabalizer, or lack there of. That stuff is to prevent your gas tank from rusting, and the gas from breaking down, so it shouldn't cause problems with your plugs, especially since you've had the same problem in the past without it.

It could be a problem with your carburetor.
If you're running rich you'll foul up your plugs pretty quickly, and if you're running lean you could be burning them out very quickly.

If replacing the plugs works and the caruretor is working properly, then it's probably just a problem with moisture in your cylinders fouling up your plugs over the winter.

Next year, to winterize your bike just do the following
1) remove battery
2) fill tank right up and add fuel stabalizer
3) remove spark plugs
4) give the cylinders a little mist of oil periodiclally to keep moisture from condensing and causing damage to the cylinders.

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-30-2009, 12:52 PM

Thanks guys, I'll try that.

Could it be that the carbs aren't adjusted for this altitude?

Bring_Back_Shantz · 03-30-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

Thanks guys, I'll try that.

Could it be that the carbs aren't adjusted for this altitude?

Yup, that's what I meant by running rich or lean.
Since we're pretty high up, it's probably running rich, which can cause your plugs to foul up.

burn_this_city · 03-30-2009, 01:05 PM

BBS is on the right track. When I bought a new bike we pulled the carb apart and adjusted it for this altitude.

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-30-2009, 01:16 PM

So does that mean I have to mess with the needle valves in the carb? Cuz that it just over the edge of my comfort zone when it comes to engine repair.

MoneyGuy · 03-30-2009, 01:24 PM

I suggest you go to this website - goldwingfacts.com. There are folks there who know all this stuff inside and out, and it's not just Gold Wings that they'll advise about. The fact that you have a Honda is a good thing but they answer questions on any kind of bike. I can pretty well guarantee you that if you post your query there some mechanical kinda guy will be trying to help you before long. You have to register and then can post in the forum. If you do, send me a PM to MoneyGuy on the site. It's a terrific resource. BTW, I have a Wing and a 2000 Honda Shadow.

Bring_Back_Shantz · 03-30-2009, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fozzie_DeBear

So does that mean I have to mess with the needle valves in the carb? Cuz that it just over the edge of my comfort zone when it comes to engine repair.

Yup, but it's pretty simple.
If you're that concerned take Moneyguy's advice and check out that site for some advice.

Mad Mel · 03-30-2009, 03:28 PM

What Shantz said is likely the case... if a bike was jetted for the coast, you could have problems.

Another thing that could cause it is if some oil is getting past the rings. Is it a real high-miler?

Love those Honda V4's. *remembers first streetbike, '84 500 Interceptor*

Vulcan · 03-30-2009, 05:44 PM

What I've been told, for carburated bikes, is to shut off the fuel and run the motor until it dies and don't start it again until you're ready to ride.

Fozzie_DeBear · 03-30-2009, 09:55 PM

I think that you are on to something Vulcan, I didn't shut off the fuel at the petcock so the cylinders may be full of gas which could foul the plugs. I'll shut off the gas, pull the plugs, turn it over a few times to clear the gas, throw some new plugs in and see what happens.

And no Mad Mel she only has ~20k on it, barely broken in.