Sudden Throttle Problem. I'm a newbie and need help.

[NobodysHeros]

I have been riding for about a month on my first bike, an 83 Venture, and have had more problems than I thought I would,.... The most recent is this throttle problem.

 

I was driving home when all of a sudden my throttle started just revving itself. When I don't pull at all, it idles normally, but when I pull it back, even the tiniest amount, it just starts going up and up and up. As you can imagine, my last few blocks home were exciting. Luckily, not pulling at all it does what it's supposed to do, and the clutch is working fine,.. If it wasn't for those two thing I probably would have taken a quick trip into something solid, and heavy,.... perhaps a car,....

 

Anyways, as I said, I'm new to motorcycle, so any and all details would be appreciated,..

 

~Tobias

 

 

P.S. I'm also poor, and want to do this myself, as opposed to a shop,.... Or if anyone is in Austin, TX, and wants dinner, and to help a new rider, that'd be even better!!! And there are a couple of other small problems, like the turn signals working sometimes and not others, that I could use some help on,...

 

P.P.S. This is my only form of transportation & way to work, so the sooner I can get it running good enough, the better.

 

Thanks!

 

~Tobias

[Cerviperus]

Welcome to the group. While I can't offer any help myself, you have definitely come to the right place. Give in a bit and I'm sure you'll get some help. The people here are great.

 

[Rocket]

I was driving home when all of a sudden my throttle started just revving itself. When I don't pull at all, it idles normally, but when I pull it back, even the tiniest amount, it just starts going up and up and up. As you can imagine, my last few blocks home were exciting. Luckily, not pulling at all it does what it's supposed to do, and the clutch is working fine..

 

~Tobias

 

If you pull on the throttle & release it, does it snap back to the no throttle position, or does it move slowly??? This can be tested with the engine off...

 

Also were you making any turns with the bike, when the rpms climbed???

 

As much info as possible, will be helpful, in narrowing down this problem.

 

See this link for the repair manual

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3384

 

This link is for the parts diagrams (part #s may have changed)

http://tinyurl.com/4yt66u

 

These & more can be found here

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

[NobodysHeros]

If you pull on the throttle & release it, does it snap back to the no throttle position, or does it move slowly??? This can be tested with the engine off...

 

Also were you making any turns with the bike, when the rpms climbed???

 

As much info as possible, will be helpful, in narrowing down this problem.

 

See this link for the repair manual

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=3384

 

This link is for the parts diagrams (part #s may have changed)

http://tinyurl.com/4yt66u

 

These & more can be found here

http://www.venturerider.org/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=13

I was making a turn, as a matter of fact. It jumped, and toppled over. I lifted it back up, and drove the remaining few block home,.. very carefully, I might add.

 

Even though I was making a turn when it started, it didn't stop after the turn.

 

As far as the throttle jumping back into place goes: This is a problem I've had since purchase; it does not jump all the way back on it's own. It goes back at a decent speed, if it's pulled back real far, but, after it gets close to the closed position, it starts going slow,... Then it stops, just before being all the way closed, and I have to move it the rest of the way with my wrist.

 

Since this is the bike I've learned on, I'm very use to this issue. It seems to me when riding, even though the snap back is nice to have, that it's pretty natural to move the throttle to it's start position just by turning my wrist back to it's original position.

Anyways, even though it has this problem, that's not what's causing the revving, I don't think.

 

I just went outside, and started the bike up. I just stood next to it, leaving it in neutral, of course. I put my hand on the throttle, and pulled it back just a very minute amount. It started revving, and just kept on going; up and up and up;

*vrrrrrrrRRrRrrrRRRRrrRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR*

 

And when I move the throttle back to it's regular position, the bike sounds normal; idling just fine.

 

I hope that's enough helpful information so that you all can help me get this thing running right. If more information is needed, or someone wants me to check something, and then tell them the results of the test, in order to narrow down the issue, just let me know!

 

I really really really appreciate the help, and definitely need this working soon so I can work. My boss is understanding, so I won't get fired, but no worky = no moneys,... And that doesn't make the wife happy,... nor does it make utility companies happy,...

 

Anyways, Thanks a ton!!

 

~Tobias

 

P.S. I think I have set my account to receive direct e-mails. So if someone wants to pick-up a more in depth dialogue with me, it can be done. I could even supply my phone number, if someone has the time & energy to help me with my bike's problems over the phone. It's a cell, so I can be at the bike as we talk.

 

Thanks again!!

 

By the way: Any help means a whole hell of a lot to me, and I want to make sure everyone knows that their help is appreciated an insanely large amount!! A million 'thank yous' to anyone, and everyone, for helping out all us new, ignorant, Venture riders, who're just getting into the motorcycle groove.

 

Thanks, once more, and my sincerest apologies if I'm thanking anyone to the point of annoyance.

[Squeeze]

To me it sounds like two Problems might be the Culprit, eventually both occur.

 

First off, you need to check your Cable routing form the Grip to the Junction Box. You need to undo the Connection inside the Junction Box to check if the short Wires which lead to the Carb Set allow the Throttle Valves to snap back in Idle Position. This is a must! The Throttle have to close when you let it go.

 

Second, you may have a Vacuum Leak around the Carb Set, but you need to check the Cables first.

 

Third, you could have a seriously unbalanced Carb Set. This can happen when someone tries to adjust the Idle Speed and accidently uses the the Balanceing Screw instead of the Idle Screw.

[Snaggletooth]

Squeeze is right on checking the cables. First place to look.

 

My '84 was doing that when I first got her. Just rev right up to about 3K and hang there. Nothing with the throttle would change it. I'd have to pull the side cover and turn the idle screw down to get home.

 

Now I'll say this. The problem went away completely when I rebuilt the carbs. I was having problems with the needles sticking open and loading up on the gas. I could tap the bowls and the idle would drop. Maybe a trip to Wally World and pick up a can of Sea Foam for the gas. It helped with mine but didn't cure it completly until the rebuild.

 

But look at the cables for binding and fraying first.

 

[NobodysHeros]

So GeorgeS came to my rescue sending me multiple messages with tons of great information, to not only fix this problem, but to just overall help me & my bike an extraordinary amount. With his help I was able to work on the first carburetor I've ever touched.

 

After doing lots of cleaning, 3-in-1 oiling, and a few other in & outs, I've now got my bike back together & working. She seems to be running the best since I got her 6 months ago. I guess I'll really know how she's doing after working the next couple of days,..... Hopefully all remains as well as it seemed on the test drive until I can spare a couple more days & dollars for her in the next couple of weeks.

 

But what I can say is at the beginning of two days ago, all the little carb thingies were only doing their glorious, little dance in a half-assed shuffle, far from harmony, but now they are quite the happy, little, synchronized bunch!!!

 

I was sent information to do way more good things for my bike than I have actually done so far, but I, sadly, couldn't do everything, cause I needed my bike ASAP to be able to work & earn that money to do things to make my bike a happy bike.

 

I'll post again after a day or two to update on how my wheels are doing,... Let's all hope it's all good news!!

 

Now if I could just get some replacement fairings,...... hrrrmmmm,...

 

Thanks GeorgeS for all the great information, and I also want to extend a thanks to everyone else, for their welcoming me to Venturerider.org, and for all the great words of advice.

 

This site rocks because of awesome, helpful people like all of you; Thanks a million!!

 

Sincerely,

A very grateful Tobias & Rosemary Rent

[Dano]

Welcome to the club, Tobias. But, there is one very serious rule that you have broken here. I mean it is the UTMOST #1 RULE. It cannot be broken.

 

 

 

 

WE NEED PICS!

 

Of you and your bike! We like to see who we're being nice to at first!

 

Seriously, glad you got your second girlfriend going good. GeorgeS is a wealth of information and can guide you through anything that can go wrong. You will find that that girl you're riding will bring you through the worst of times, even when she's not feeling good. A little TLC and a good hard ride every once in a while will keep her going good for a long time!

 

Dan

[GeorgeS]

You are now Qualified, to Wear, a " Cresent Wrench " Tie Pin !!!!

 

And carry a can of WD-40 in your Holster !!!!!

[NobodysHeros]

I'm about to put a bullet through the motorcycle,.... and considered my head, as well,... Well, not really, but the sentiment definitely accurate displays my emotional frustration at this vehicle dilemma..

 

I had gotten majorly screwed by a mechanic before attempting fixes myself, cause now I'm broke.

 

Anyways, here's the new problems: Oil dripping off the left side of the engine. And the other problem, I've fixed before, but with the help of a mechanic who worked in a shop, different one than the one that took all my cash and did nothing, but couldn't seem to work well outside of one: Fourth gear pin fell out. We had gotten the parts, opened her up, got inside, and when we got to the center thing that needs an impact wrench, he stripped it. I was watching, and warned he wasn't pressed in enough and would make it impossible to get it out later if he screwed up, and perhaps I should do it,... But no, he worked in a shop & I didn't know anything, apparently, according to him. And guess what? He just pressed the trigger, and that's history,....

 

So the new pin was put in, and the old star piece that broke, what was left was bent over the pin,.. He insisted a little dab of epoxy would hold it for a long time,... Well less than 100 miles later, fourth gear is gone again in the same way,....

 

Ok,... So this bike is my only transportation. Transportation is needed for my job,... What do I do? I'm mechanical to some degree and follow instructions great!! I've got things for sale on Craigslist incase I need to afford something,.... cause currently I'm broke,..

 

Anyways, If someone has anything to tell me that might helkp, that'd be awesome,.. I might even post a new thread since the title of this one doesn't really match what's going on anymore,...

 

Should I just sell it, and take my loses cause I don't have the cash needed to really work on her?? IfI do, I'll take a hit because of being screwed out of about $850 and the original cost of the bike, $1200. I don't think I can even get that until I fix more,.. but I can't afford it,.. Some dellima,... no vehicle - no work, no work - no money to get/fix vehicle,...

 

Anyone have any ideas??

Edited February 15, 2009 by NobodysHeros

[GeorgeS]

OK, I guess we need a bit more diffinative information.

 

Did the transmission crap out again ?? I guess you are saying it is now, not drivable due to a transmission problem. Is this correct ??

 

How much oil is leaking, from right side?? Is the leak, comeing from the Clutch cover ??? If so, that would not be hard to fix.

 

Just exactly where is the oil leaking from ?? Oil leak on the right side is not common, usually oil leaks from left side, are common. ( but usually not a big enought problem to make these bikes undrivable )

Edited February 15, 2009 by GeorgeS

[Rocket]

I had gotten majorly screwed by a mechanic before attempting fixes myself, cause now I'm broke.

 

Anyways, here's the new problems: Oil dripping off the right side of the engine. And the other problem, I've fixed before, but with the help of a mechanic who worked in a shop, different one than the one that took all my cash and did nothing, but couldn't seem to work well outside of one: Fourth gear pin fell out. We had gotten the parts, opened her up, got inside, and when we got to the center thing that needs an impact wrench, he stripped it. I was watching, and warned he wasn't pressed in enough and would make it impossible to get it out later if he screwed up, and perhaps I should do it,... But no, he worked in a shop & I didn't know anything, apparently, according to him. And guess what? He just pressed the trigger, and that's history,....

 

So the new pin was put in, and the old star piece that broke, what was left was bent over the pin,.. He insisted a little dab of epoxy would hold it for a long time,... Well less than 100 miles later, fourth gear is gone again in the same way,....

 

Ok,... So this bike is my only transportation. Transportation is needed for my job,... What do I do?

 

Anyone have any ideas??

 

For this guy's shoddy work, he should be doing it again at no cost to you. That star piece is about $10 & should have been replaced the first time & the lost pin(s) would be sitting in the oil pan (probably in the oil pump pickup screen).

 

We can walk you through the fix, but it will cost you more for some tools, like a torque wrench (unless you have a friend that has them). As that center nut is only torqued to 50 foot pounds.

 

BTW for your travells to / from work, what speeds are you doing & how far is the distance. As you may be able to delay the repair again (if you are going to do it yourself), until your normal days off.

 

[NobodysHeros]

For this guy's shoddy work, he should be doing it again at no cost to you. That star piece is about $10 & should have been replaced the first time & the lost pin(s) would be sitting in the oil pan (probably in the oil pump pickup screen).

 

We can walk you through the fix, but it will cost you more for some tools, like a torque wrench (unless you have a friend that has them). As that center nut is only torqued to 50 foot pounds.

 

BTW for your travells to / from work, what speeds are you doing & how far is the distance. As you may be able to delay the repair again (if you are going to do it yourself), until your normal days off.

 

I may be able to get my hand on a torque wrench,.. Will have to ask around. Though the thing is stripped from last time. I have the star and a couple pins still somewhere I think, from last time the guy screwed up. By the way, I edited it since, but it's the left side that has the oil leak,.. oops, mistype.

 

Work is managing a flyer distribution company, so location is different almost everyday; wherever I get told to put workers at. Also I do carpentry stuff, and computers, but again, new location. I don't drive fast. I take highways usually, but stick to no more than 70mph.

[Dragonslayer]

I may be able to get my hand on a torque wrench,.. Will have to ask around. Though the thing is stripped from last time. I have the star and a couple pins still somewhere I think, from last time the guy screwed up. By the way, I edited it since, but it's the left side that has the oil leak,.. oops, mistype.

 

Work is managing a flyer distribution company, so location is different almost everyday; wherever I get told to put workers at. Also I do carpentry stuff, and computers, but again, new location. I don't drive fast. I take highways usually, but stick to no more than 70mph.

I found it was cheaper to get an entire good running used engine than get in to the cost and expense rebuilding one with issues. Check with Hessdeals (a member) he usually has motors laying around for to $200 to $300. Changing the motor out was not difficult following the shop manual and a few rigging tricks I developed changing mine.

[Dragonslayer]

So GeorgeS came to my rescue sending me multiple messages with tons of great information, to not only fix this problem, but to just overall help me & my bike an extraordinary amount. With his help I was able to work on the first carburetor I've ever touched.

 

After doing lots of cleaning, 3-in-1 oiling, and a few other in & outs, I've now got my bike back together & working. She seems to be running the best since I got her 6 months ago. I guess I'll really know how she's doing after working the next couple of days,..... Hopefully all remains as well as it seemed on the test drive until I can spare a couple more days & dollars for her in the next couple of weeks.

 

But what I can say is at the beginning of two days ago, all the little carb thingies were only doing their glorious, little dance in a half-assed shuffle, far from harmony, but now they are quite the happy, little, synchronized bunch!!!

 

I was sent information to do way more good things for my bike than I have actually done so far, but I, sadly, couldn't do everything, cause I needed my bike ASAP to be able to work & earn that money to do things to make my bike a happy bike.

 

I'll post again after a day or two to update on how my wheels are doing,... Let's all hope it's all good news!!

 

Now if I could just get some replacement fairings,...... hrrrmmmm,...

 

Thanks GeorgeS for all the great information, and I also want to extend a thanks to everyone else, for their welcoming me to Venturerider.org, and for all the great words of advice.

 

This site rocks because of awesome, helpful people like all of you; Thanks a million!!

 

Sincerely,

A very grateful Tobias & Rosemary Rent

GeorgeS is the man I was where you were when I first met him. He came to my aid and saved my bacon more than once. I owe everything to him. But I warn you have your thinking cap on and be ready to focus when dealing with George because he will take you to the inner most reaches of these motors, duty, operation and design. A very informative journey for those truely wanting to gain a detailed knowledge of these beast.

I have a left side fairing for sale and I can probably help you with some plastic repairs if the ones you have are salvageable.

[Snaggletooth]

Just a thought here but could his oil loss on the left side cover be the crush washer on that one lower bolt?

[Squeeze]

Just a thought here but could his oil loss on the left side cover be the crush washer on that one lower bolt?

 

Sure, that could be ....

 

If he stops whining, is willing to provide Infos and maybe some Pics and starts a structured Conversation, we will find out soon.

 

If not, i'm afraid to say, that Bike will be on serious Sale very soon. We can help anybody out with about any Question that may arise, but that needs some Cooperation from the Questioner.