How to avoid carb problems

[coffee_brake]

So many folks down with carb trouble...I'm getting paranoid! I know age is a factor for carb problems, but how about mileage? My '05 (bought new in '06) has 40k miles. The worst thing for carbs, sitting around without riding, does not happen to my bike, it's my main set of wheels. So what should I worry about? What can I do to maintain my carbs? When can I expect them to start having issues if I ride the bike just about every day, all year long? I understand that fuel additives will eat up the rubber parts they touch in the carbs. How trash gets into the carbs and how to get it out (and prevent it in the first place) is pretty clear, Connie is slated for a preventative tank treatment of POR-15 this winter, before the tank ever begins to rust, and is already on its second fuel line as the first failed last year and left me hitching a ride. Installing the NAPA fuel filter this week as well. If I don't want to ever have to remove the carbs in the future, what should I do now to keep them good?

 

[jaxrider]

Jen, I just used the Napa fuel filter and used gas from busy gas stations. Ones that are not busy may have more condensation.... I used some Seafoam or Berryman's every month or two, just a couple of ounces, and rode my Connie a lot too. It sounds like you're doing the right things so keep on riding! David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 - it Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr120

 

[EddieM]

Jen, Can't really address the rest of your questions as my '05 with about the same mileage as yours hasn't really had any carb related issues. Sounds like the POR-15 treatment may be a good pre-emptive strike. As far as the filter, I had the small, cone shaped NAPA filter others have recommended. I had fuel flow issues with it installed. At speed, the bike acted as if was starving for fuel. I had it installed level, on top of #1 carb and with as short a fuel line as possible. Once I removed the filter, the fueling issue went away. My guess is gravity fed fuel systems don't really like filters. Just my $0.02. Eddie Sanford, FL 2005 Concours 1969 Triumph Bonneville AMA# 686667 COG# 7073 CDA# 0136 http://picasaweb.google.com/Eddie753

 

[coffee_brake]

You're right about busy stations, I got sidelined with water in the gas this Spring, boy did I learn my lesson! Now I run some Heet every couple months too, but I worry it's eating the seals in the petcock and chewing up the rubber in the carbs. Eddie the Napa filter I got is a huge honkin' unit...it's the one reccomended here, I was actually hoping somebody could tell me where to install it or post a pic, it's so big I wonder if it will fit....

 

[Victor Salisbury]

Jenn, For the filter install, that's the one I'm running. Basically the 90 end goes down in between carbs 2-3, cut that hose long enough so that the body of the filter just sits above carb 1-2. The straight nipple goes on the piece of hose from the petcock. I did the carb end first (it's a little tight getting the filter nipple on that hose, I used a pair of needle nose to hold the hose while I was installing the 90 end of the filter), then with the hose left over I put that on the straight nipple (without cutting it yet), then installed the tank to get an idea how much to cut off to get the length right between the filter and the fuel valve. I don't have a picture but can get one by tomorrow. HTH On your riding and keeping up on the fuel situation, sounds like you are doing fine. Amongst the other suggestions, I like to run on reserve once in a while to try to get stuff run out of the bottom of the tank (remember to put it back to ON unless you really are on reserve), keep the tank as full as possible, especially during humid times of the year. And everytime I have the tank off I like to slosh around what gas is in there to hopefully break up that collection in the bottom 'ears' that never see daylight.

 

[jaxrider]

Since you're in gaw-juh, I recommend avoiding the Woodbine exit on 95. I got terrible gas at the truck stop and have decided to avoid the place at all costs. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 - it Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr120

 

[slybonesjesse]

http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/images/Dscn3922.jpg http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/images/Imgp9212.jpg 2003 Concours, 54K COG #6953 IBA 28004 http://home.comcast.net/~slybones/Concours/connieMain.htm

 

[zorlac]

Buy a fuel injected bike.

 

[norm9688]

Jenn, sounds like you have done everything you need to keep the bike and carbs in top shape. Riding it often and not letting it sit with a low tank will keep the tank clean and rust free. I think the biggest mistake most people make is letting the bike sit with the tank low on fuel. Around here my bike sits for 4-5 months depending on the winter, I drain the carbs and top off the tank as high as I can and add Stabil to the tank. No rust or any carb issues on my Concours or my 84 Nighthawks S. The Nighthawk has been stored for 5 years now, no leaks or rust in the tank. I do add some dry gas a few times during the season to be sure there is no water in the bottom of the tank and I always run it till I hit reserve just to keep the whole tank fresh. I think the fuel filter is a good idea but I don't use one myself. Replacing the OE fuel line is important after a few years because the rubber gets hard and I think some of the float issues people have are due to the line breaking down and stuff getting into the carbs. I would not do the Por-15 unless the tank already has an issue, its the bikes that sit a lot that have tank issues.

 

[coffee_brake]

Shush, Mark! You of all people should know I don't like EFI or any other computerized thing on my bikes. Just because *you* feel the need.... ;p Thanks for both the pics and success stories of Connies with trouble-free carbs. I'm going to put on the fuel filter as I both replace the water pump and replace the steering head bearings this week. It's leaking so much oil I can't ride it, I'm on the Honda. I normally run the tank well into reserve, mostly because it's so much more fun in the parking lot when the tank is near empty, but I guess I should keep it full in this awful humidity. That is good advice.... Also thanks for the heads-up about Woodbine. My watery gas came from TN, I think. And it quit running near work, so I had access to tools and a gas can. Still took a long time, though.... So just ride the dang thing? Easy! I'm going to CO for the AMA Women and Motorcycling conference next month...but I probably won't buy gas in TN!

 

[zorlac]

steering head bearings They're bad too? 72k on mine and I've done nothing but tighten them, if they ain't broke, I ain't fixen em. On my 03 I run the 3006 filter with the fuel solenoid and my carbs have been OK for over a year now but she never sits for more than 5 days at a time, unless the water pump's leaking oil. The Wifey seems to like the BMW K1200LT seat very much, but she needs a good job before I'll be riding a land yacht. I think a Russel for the feej would be a cheaper solution.

 

[prock1951]

Jenn, Like most are saying, just ride it, keep it mostly full of gas. If you can do the Pour15 or whatever it is, it's good. Mine was done by previous owner. Good to run on reserve also. Add couple ounces of SeaFoam or your choice every couple tanks. Don't buy gas when the tanker truck in is the station; don't ask me how I know.

 

[rje_cne]

Ever since I put the filter on mine (junk from the tank in the carb), also 2nd tank (replacement for dented first tank), I have been trying to run nothing but Shell in it. Seems to be a bit more responsive after about 5k miles on the Shell gas. Wonder if it is cleaning up stuff like they advertise. At 35k+ miles already. I always remember to fill it up to the top before leaving it sit, just remember to leave enough room for expansion. Otherwise the garage will really smell when you get back.

 

[grizzly ashton]

I use premium fuel in all of my bikes whenever possible. Now with all of this talk of condensation in the fuel; I wonder if premium fuel might potentially cause more of a problem as it's not drawn from as often. Perhaps I'm just getting paranoid? Grizzly

 

[krumgrinder]

My '02, bought in '03, just turned over 47,000 miles this past weekend while on a trip. I ride daily, all four seasons, in temps from 10

 

[Paulie]

With 179k, my carbs have NEVER been cleaned :gasp: 1 - keep the tanky FULL 2 - use a filter 3 - r/r fuel line with non-rubber (tygon?) 4 - keep tools to drain floats on the bike (haven't needed since #3) 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[dpreach007]

Someday I hope to be like Paulie. But I am a BIG FAN of seafoam - got me out of more than one jame and I carry it on the Bike for more than one reason. I think it makes for a good cologne too. 98 Windsor Green Connie 13k COG #8566 AMA #1084059

 

[coffee_brake]

Wow SeaFoam is now $10 a can here! Paulie, where do you get something called Tygon?

 

[Paulie]

http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=181941 Really dunno how I came up with "tygon" :confuse: ps - and this filter: http://www.denniskirk.com/jsp/product_catalog/Product.jsp?skuId=180204 01 Conc, Mijami Floriduh OTP 06: http://tinyurl.com/2vk9o2 route map: http://tinyurl.com/4p7pmd

 

[oldsawfiler]

Murph sells a good quality fuel line too. COG # 8062 AMA # 1084053 ROMA or Scarlet harlot acording to my wife

 

[COG-528]

I use premium fuel in all of my bikes whenever possible. Now with all of this talk of condensation in the fuel; I wonder if premium fuel might potentially cause more of a problem as it's not drawn from as often. Perhaps I'm just getting paranoid? Grizzly

Premium fuel in a ZG1000 is just a waste of money. :8o: That is something any frugal Concours owners avoids. Mike Aldea, COG-528 Hawthorne, NJ

 

[jaxrider]

Not just Concours owners! I posted a poll on the ZZR board and the ZZR1200 and ZZR600 owners, and in fact most Kawasaki owners, enjoy that their bikes run just fine on good old regular unleaded. Some of the poll respondents said they use 85 octane when available since it's cheaper, with no ill effects. Premium won't help prevent carb problems. David in Jax COG# 7898 NE FL AAD & COG Vendor www.dreamjobresumes.com preparing resumes for COG members and friends I ride a KAWASAKI ZZR1200 - it Euro Review http://www.motorbikestoday.com/reviews/Articles/ZZR1200.htm US Review http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/roadtests/2002_kawasaki_zzr120

 

[coffee_brake]

I used to run high-grade gasoline until I heard an old mechanic's theory that running high-grade in bikes not designed for it made combustion so slow that (he said) it led to damaged piston rings. The rings on my project KZ440 were bad at low miles, and that was his theory as there was no other damage to the motor. Whether that's true or not, I tried running the low-grade gas in both my Connie and in my Honda 750, and my mpg went up! They both felt more responsive too. Connie did not like the super-low grade gas in CO, their mid-grade is our low-grade in GA. Connie's rated for 87, and that's what it runs best, I think. Paulie thanks for the link, I know where I can get some of that stuff! Lucky me, the bike's all apart too...freakin' head bearings and now I can't re-route the throttle cables right and it won't snap back....