looking for help close by

[clove1977]

Hi, I recently acquired a 1989 venture royale that has been sitting for a couple years. It has just under 49000 miles on it. It starts and runs but not like it should. I am hoping there is someone close by me in wichita KS who might be able to lend some expertise. In reading the posts on the forum I think I either have a vacuum leak, carb diaphragm issue, or tci issue. I am handy and am not afraid to work on things but to be honest, this bike is slightly more complicated than I am used to. I'm not looking for someone to do the work for me, just sort of mentor me so I can have this bike on the road before next summer. Any help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

Chris

[dacheedah]

first thing drain the gas and drain the carbs. Give it a soaking with seafoam or techtron for a few days, then drain it and add new gas treated with a double dose of seafoam or techtron. Put new plugs in it and start it up. You want it to run so the low idle jets get unclogged.

 

Next if it still a problem you might try checking your manifold for pinhole leaks, they are known to go bad. If they are bad buy new ones from skydoc

 

If they are good, sync is in order. If you have it running touch each exhaust and see if you have a cold exhaust.

[Marcarl]

I can understand your dilemma, seems quite daunting at first, once you've had it apart though it becomes a lot easier. It's always nice to have somebody else come to help you, that way you get to make more friends, drink a bit of adult beverage and learn a thing or two, but if that's not happening, don't fret, we can help you through each step of the way. We have all been in your position at one time or another and can understand what you think you're up against. So ask the questions, answers will be forth coming.

To start with, I suggest you get yourself some sort of ABS repair kit, for as you get into this scoot, there will be places that need a bit of help and\or encouragement. That being out of the way, remove the 'tank' cover, seat, side panels and the lower faring legs for starters. Then remove the side covers on the carbs to check the diaphragms, they will most likely need to be replaced. Don't worry too much about how it comes apart and goes back together, that's quite simple actually, seeing as 1)somebody else has already designed it, 2)some person who doesn't know nothin about nothin, put it together 3)and we all have attempted to put things back together backwards and found that it didn't work so well and then had to figure out how it was really supposed to go back together. So somebody on this site may even remember how it was done properly and be able to help,,,, now that leaves a problem as to whether he can type,,, but that's another problem.

[bongobobny]

I really would be glad to help but Kansas is a bit far for me. It is very hard to find any repair shop to work on these old bikes. As mentioned, I would drain your gas tank and remove the petcock. Chances are very likely you will find crud in the bottom of the tank. Also drain the 4 carb bowls. Then buy a product called Seafoam, a fuel system cleaner, and run 1/2 a can with a full tank of gas. Try new spark plugs as well. Take it for a ride and see if it starts to clear up some.

 

Hopefully one of our more experienced 1st gen people closer to you will volunteer to give you a helping hand. We are a friendly bunch here...

[saddlebum]

Along with the suggestions noted above I would pull the diaphragms out as suggested by Carl. Sitting that long the sliders are most likely sticking. While the diaphragms are out spray the carbs freely with a good quality choke and carb cleaner several times, using the straw to force it through as many passages as you can access.

 

While they are soaking I would pull the spark plugs and replace them with a new set (even a good looking plug can go faulty). While the plugs are out look inside the boot, an gentle unscrew the brass piece inside. A small spring and about a 1/2 inch rod will fall out . inspect them an make sure thet are clean, not corroded and in good shape.

 

Inspect the diaphragms while they are out and if they are hard, brittle or have pin holes in them replace them. JBM makes a good aftermarket set and they are quick and reliable to deal with over the internet. When you reinstall them make sure the through hole on the sliding barrels next to the needle is at the bottom or at least close to the intake port.

 

When you have it all back together, fire it up and with the air cleaner still removed spray more carb cleaner down the carbs while engine is running at high idle allowing the last bit of cleaner to stall the engine, (do this with cold engine). Let sit for twenty minutes while having a beer or two. After twenty minutes or so fire the bike up again and run it reving the engine up and down (keep plenty of beer on hand for this last step to appease the neighbours as it will smoke plenty).

Edited May 20, 2013 by saddlebum

[Trader]

take off the air box and watch the sliders and see how they are reacting. (It will run lousy with the air box off) but you will be able to see if they are all bouncing the same.

 

opening up the carbs to check the diaphragms is really easy. Even I could do it!

 

Just hold the diaphragms up to a light and look for pin holes(or worse)

 

they are easy to replace, just be sure to put the tab in the right spot.

 

 

Lots of info in the library.

 

GO FOR IT! Lots of help here! (well....not HERE....on the site!)

[clove1977]

Thanks so much. I will start with draining everything and seafoam. I will keep you guys posted. Pretty excited about this bike. It looks really nice and I picked it up for next to nothing.