97 vfr runs w/choke only

Hey guys! This is my first post. I recently purchased my dream bike an analog 97 VFR with under 5,000 miles on it that had been sitting with half a tank of gas for about two years. It will only start with the choke fully engaged. When I try to advance the throttle it hesitates and usually dies. If I quickly advance the throttle to get past the idle jet the engine will pick up quickly, but it is difficult to maintain a constant rpm. I have to work the throttle up and down to keep her from dying. Once warmed up I can then close the choke valve and the rpm fluctuation reduces slightly, but will not idle with the choke closed. I ran an entire can of Sea Foam through her, and let it set for over one week several times, but the situation has improved very little. I am trying to find out if any one has some idea that might work before I have to take her to the local Honda shop. A thorough carb cleaning and sync will cost me around $600. Thx.

 

You need to find a new shop if they're going to charge you $600.00 for a carb clean. I'm afraid that you're probably gonna need a carb clean. After sitting that long with old stale gas in it, the pilot jets are all nice and gummed up. That's why it will only run on choke. Most shops charge an hour per carb. to clean. So even if your shop charges $100.00/hr. it still should be less than 600.00. Where are you located?

 

What Jev said - sounds like plugged pilot jets. Revving the engine gets it running on the mains. I'd bet after two years of sitting, even if you solve the idle problem, it won't run well without freshening the carbs up. The holes in the emulsion tubes are tiny compared to the pilot jets.

Before you give up, check for vacuum leaks, too. A split or loose intake boot would lean the mixture out enough to need the enrichener to idle.

I sure wish I could get 6 bills to overhaul a set of carbs!

 

Honestly, $600 isn't THAT far off. I've been told that $100-$125 per carb is what it costs. Then again, I live in the Baltimore/DC area... everything is expensive here. I hope the OP was aware of this before he bought it and negotiated accordingly. A lot of sellers like to gloss over a set of gummed carbs, like it's a cheap & easy fix.

Hey, VFRav8r, I just bought my '97 with 7K miles on it. No fuel system problems, but I am having intermitent charging system problems. Possibly a weak battery, possibly a dying R/R, possibly faulty connectors... I need to figure it out. Older, low-milage VFRs seem to have trouble with this. The battery runs down from lack of use, and the R/R has trouble charging it completely, especially with repeated short rides or sustained low-RPM operation.

Anyway, check out your battery & charging system before you go for any long rides. My VFR stranded me a few weeks ago when the battery died mid-ride.

 

Might try this as it worked for me. Run some really heavy duty carb cleaner through em the kind that you pour not spray. then let them sit a week then flush. put in good gas and go from there. yep check all vacuum lines too Yea hate to say it, those carbs are time consuming, so not surprising a shop would get that much, if you're feeling brave take em off yourself, flip em over, pop the float bowls off and take a looksie. good luck

 

Where are you located?

600 seems high, but it can depend upon where you live.

If you are near Delaware, let me know!

BZ

 

Guys, I should clarify. The labor quote is $250, and the parts quote is between $250 to $350 depending on the condition of the carbs.

I drained the old gas, refilled with fresh gas with Techron added, ran the fresh gas out, then refilled and added Sea Foam. I had also replaced the plugs and changed the oil. The bike also has a new battery. I can not find any vacume leaks. All the rubber looks to be in very good condition. The bike still has the original Dunlops on it with no sign of dry rot any where.

Oh yea, I did negotiate more than enough room to be able to rebuild the carbs, replace the tires with up to date ones, and still have a sizeable budget to add sever other goodies. The guy I bought her from was the original owner, and he fully disclosed the condition.

I live near Bristol, Tennessee. I have done business with the Honda dealer for more than 30 years and feel the quote is conservatively high. The actual bill should be less.

 

Yea Reg whats that about LOL Hmm Sea foam? okay must be something great if Reg knows of it. I wasn't sure how good it is or was, so thats why I suggested what I did, sounds like a manual inspection now.

 

Gentlemen....I really appreciate all your responses. This is my first VFR. I have wanted one for 25 years of the 40 years I have been riding, and they are very rare where I live. The dealers won't stock them because they are so expensive, and don't sell as well as the CBR's out here in the sticks. I had to go out of state to find this one.

I am not an accomplished mechanic so I think I will take the Honda shop route. Spring came early here this year, and I am itchin to start touring my favorite Appalachian mountain twisties so I am in a bit of a hurry too.

I can't get over the sound-even if she's not running perfect. I can't wait to hear what she sounds like in good running order. This is the first VFR I have heard. A lot of guys run sport V-twins here, but no V-fours to be found.

THANKS AGAIN FELLAS!!

 

Reg and these guys are right, but I suggest that you run carb clean and if that don't work, change dealers.(That dealer) These guys are , as Mencia says" Dee- d- dees!!":ballchain:

ps RVFR is that U? I didn't think that your decrepit ass could lean that far!:hug:

 

You'd be surprised what you can do, once you throw away the cane. :biggrin:

 

I've heard of and use Power Foam. it comes in a spray can you spray it in your intake track as like you would stater fluid. but this stuff expands making a better seal. used it when the rotors in our RX 7 would have what they called a locked seal, a quick squirt while you turn over the engine and wa la she starts right upup

 

Hmmm, Thanks Reg, man this site is great!

 

Sorry I have not replied in a while. I have been way too freakin busy riding!!! I took my bike to the local Honda dealer and they cleaned and synched the carbs, changed the oil/filter, and flushed the radiator for $200 in April. DANG she sounds like my big block Vette! As previously posted the bike had been sitting for over 2 years. I have put over 5,000 trouble free miles on her since then. She did not need any parts. I was very lucky. She starts the 1st time every time, and purrs perfectly. The bike is very smooth and tractible, and loves her new home along the Blue Ridge twisties. I have had her on every GAP from "Tail of the Dragon" to "Front Royal" and she sits up and begs for more!! I have owned several sport bikes over 40 plus years, but none compare to this little lady. I just can't get enough of that awsome sound! By the way the mechanic said the Sea Foam made his job a lot easier. I have been running Sea Foam in all my rides since then and will be a Sea Foam fan for life.

 

Good to know.. thanks for the update, now go back and enjoy.