Topic: Help: Idle issues

[sparty]

Last night I wanted to take my bike for a nice ride.  However, I had issues with it from the start.  It would not kick over, so I used the electric start.  It too FOREVER to get it to start and then it would idle high and cut out.  Once the engine warmed up, it idled better, but would still cut out.  Then, with the choke all the way in, it wouldn’t idle below 2 grand.  It typically idled around 900 to 1000 rpm.  I am suspecting a stuck choke cable, but then why did I have trouble getting it running in the first place?  The battery is brand new as are the plugs.

This bike is my first inline 4 and I am on a learning curve.  I think I need a book on fuel systems.  I am also looking at a complete engine and carb rebuild during the colder months.
 

[Bob Wessner]

If I'm understanding you correctly, it was running OK and this is a fairly sudden change in behavior?? If so, what is the condition of the tank/petcock? Possibly some junk has migrated to the carbs and fouled the slow jets?? Just a thought.

[Lumbee]

...sounds like you probably have a few issues going on.  U say u'r new to inline 4's?  How long have you had u'r bike, and what have you done to it since u got it?  If you havn't cleaned the carbs, that should be first on your list.  Then the standard timing, valve clearance, plugs, oil change...

[sparty]

I have had the bike for two weeks.  I have changed the battery, plugs, oil, air filter, front brake pads.  My next move was to start on the fuel system, but I have little experience dealing with a four carb setup.  I was planning on draning the tank, changing the fuel lines and filters and tuning the carbs, but I think I really need someone with experience to help me, unless there is a good book to follow.

[sparty]

I am currently searching for a mechanic that would like to do some "moonlighting" in helping me rebuild my engine and carbs, maybe even make some performance modifications.  I learn best by seeing and doing and with an experienced mechanic, I think that I will really learn alot.  I am willing to pay cash by the hour.  I am thinking of viositing my local Honda shop and speaking with the mechanics to see if they are interested or can recommend someone.  If I had the time, I'd take a motorcycle repair and maintance class at my local vocational school.

[Lumbee]

..bro, this is all the motorcycle repair class you need right here.  get your clymers manual and have at it.  good luck finding anyone thats gonna spend time with these old bikes...unless its theirs.  disassembling and cleaning the carbs is a right of passage on these old bikes that can't be denied.

[byidesign]

Get a good shop manual for it, and start going thru it,by the numbers...
    when you have a question ...post it.. 
     you won't find people with this wealth of knowledge ,
      at your local Honda shop,
      {Ya get to learn a lot here}
         {and this is a better price}
             hope it helps
                  Bruce

[sparty]

Thanks guys, I just hope you don't get tired of my million questions.  My father told me to suck it up and do the work myself and if it blows up start over.

[Lumbee]

...listen to u'r dad...hes giving you good advice.  the satisfaction you'll have from doing the work yourself is worth way more than any time you might save paying someone else to do it for you...

[dusterdude]

is there anyone on here from prennsylvania that could give this fellow some assistance?