noob question - didn't winterize the bike

[JasonStern]

So I live in an condo without access to a garage with outlets, so like a noob I decided to just start the bike and let it run for a few minutes a couple times a month over winter. This worked great for about two months, but then the battery died as apparently it takes more power for a starter to turn over an 1150cc engine than my other 400cc and 250cc bikes. So, I let it sit for another three months or so until it finally became warm enough to ride it. I replaced the battery with a new battery, sprayed about a half second of ether into the intake tube (which mostly came back out), and tried to start it. It pinged. The low gas light was on anyway, so I went and put a gallon of premium into the tank. This time, it started, but it wouldn't idle. I figured no big deal - the bike has just been sitting for a while. So I let it run at about 3k RPM for five minutes - still no idle. So I decided to take it for a 20 mile ride. The bike makes no power below 2000-2500 RPM, forcing me to feather the clutch and then launch like a demon when riding it. After the ride, it would idle when the engine was warm if I held the fake choke idle adjustment lever full, but otherwise, it would die. Nothing sounds bad mechanically, so I'm guessing something is just clogged...? Has anybody experienced anything like this, and if so, what did you do to fix it? I imagine it's something simple, but with fuel injectors, I can't just pull out the needles from the carbs and let them soak and have the bike magically run. I did search, but I didn't see anything about a bike not idling directly relating to sitting for 3-5 months. Any ideas/suggestions would be appreciated. Thank you!

[macx]

This doesn't deal directly with your problem and I really can't do more than speculate that
it has hopefully a minor possibility of relating directly with your idling problem, but just an
observation that may save you some problems in the future.

When using starting fluid, you want to have the engine rolling over when you spray ether -
and very sparingly by the way - into the air intake. That way you've got some fuel in the
combustion chamber rather than too heavy a concentration of ether.

Ether is very dry as a vapor, first of all, and thereby can be hard on rings in short order.
Also, it explodes more than burns quickly like a fuel. That can easily cause detonation-like
mechanical damage to rods and pistons and rings. That may have been what you are
referring to as pinging. What you did shouldn't have been enuf to break the upper ring land
on a piston, or score a piston or cylinder wall thereby lessening compression sealing, or even
bending a rod or cracking a piston. With your severe problems at idle but producing close to
normal (?) power at higher rpm, it would hopefully be something unrelated to those conditions.

But - is it mere coincidence that this started abruptly after using the ether? Let's hope so!

Another straw to grasp at - with gas sitting in the injectors for a rather lengthy time - likely
without any Stabil ? - you're maybe experiencing some varnishing, and the tolerances in
injectors are very very close. Have you tried some injector cleaner or Seafoam in the gas?
Might be worth a try. Along with a new fuel filter.

BTW - That was a somewhat shameless plug for this -

http://www.mediafire.com/?dj2jjdyjlm0

The ether info comes from a number of years of experience starting diesels in northern tier states in the
dead of winter.

Good luck! When you get it figured out, please post - I'm sure others can benefit.

[Devo3136]

Buy some Seafoam and runit through the system. I have had great luck with it on gummed up fuel systems.

[boxermania]

You may have some water in the gas, however, having run 20 miles it would have been enough time for the water to run throught the engine.

I think your problem is on the accelerator cables to the throttle bodies....the battery was swapped and it isn't uncommon, during the exercise, to have the TB cable come out of the holder and ride on the outside of the adjuster, need to slightly lift the cover and guide it inside the adjuster. The cable outside the holder will make the engine act in the manner you describe. Make sure you check both sides.

[bransan]

Jason, Get rid of the ether! Starting fluid will cause major damage to these engines, and most engines built since 1980. Check the cables like boxermania explained. Seafoam is good suggestion too. Good luck.

[towerworker]

Before laying the bike up for the winter, one should always change out the old antifreeze in the radiators with new.


Wayne

[Buckster]

Good call, Wayne!

[towerworker]

Buckster--

Been working in your town for much of this week and do frequently. I need to pm you sometime for an eyeball.

Wayne

[WorkinMan]

Wayne, Speaking of towns, I was in Winchester last weekend, as well as a stop in White Post, and a couple nights stay in Lovettsville. Was I anywhere near you?
Chris

[towerworker]

Hi Chris

I live in Staunton, about 100 or so miles south of Winchester, but I travel all over the state (Va) each week. Liable to find me anywhere. This past week was mostly in Richmond and parts east.

Wayne

[Buckster]

Buckster--

Been working in your town for much of this week and do frequently. I need to pm you sometime for an eyeball.

Wayne

Anytime, Wayne.