Need diagnostic advice

[donmcferran]

'82 aspencade. Sat for several years. I have changed timing belts, valve adjust, carb Sync, new plugs, Dodge Neon coil, new plug wires. an I've run a lot of seafoam through the fuel.
It lugs at low rpm. When starting off from a stop it lugs until I get the rpms up, Unless I very slowly accelerate, then it is smooth. Going down the road, it is smooth 3500 RPM and above. Below that it lugs.

I have not rebuilt or cleaned the carbs, and I fear that may be the problem. I have no experience working on carbs.
Any other ideas? Thanks in advance.

[donmcferran]

I'm adding pictures of the plugs.

[winguyjo]

any carb(s) that have been sitting for several years with gas in them are going to need complete service ... removal, disassembly, cleaning, certain rubber bits replaced (although i have had some success re-using the old parts i can't recommend it).

there are guys here that do it professionally, although their name(s) escape me at the moment. it's going to cost you some coin, but it's a good investment.

there are also brave souls who, like you, have no carb experience but went ahead and tackled the job anyway. again, i can't recommend it ... lots of ways to go wrong ... but if you want to give it a go there are definitely lots of forum members who will guide you, however, i would, at the very minimum, get ahold of a lawnmower or other small engine carb and take it apart/clean/put it back together before tackling a set of 4 goldwing carbs.

good luck, whichever way you go you should have a truly awesome machine in the end.

[Robbie1968]

Hi, I had something similar with my 81 interstate, very reluctant to idle and not firing on all cylinders at times.. Decided to buy the rebuild kit from Randakks along with the rebuild guide. People swear they are the best.
I had never even opened a carb before, but it was well documented and easy to follow. You just need to be very organised and methodical in your approach. Biggest pain is getting everything clean including all the tiny passageways.

Bike is now running great after a carb sync.

[dingdong]

Just judging by the pics the #2 carb is running rich. In order to find and fix that one carb you will need to pull the carbs so you may as well plan on a rebuild. That carb could have a float valve that isn't sealing or a float hanging up or out of adjustment. Question: Were the pics taken after extended idle time or after a long ride?

[donmcferran]

The pics were taken after riding for about 2 hours.

[dakotanator]

I can offer this advice.....if you need the carbs rebuilt, and you don't want to do it yourself.......send the carbs to Pistol Pete in Tennessee. YES.....it will cost in the neighborhood of $500+shipping, but when you get those carbs back, you will put them on, hook them up, and the bike will start. It will run like new.

I rebuilt my '83 Aspencade last year, and after fiddling w/ the carbs.......I said to HECK WITH IT, and sent them to a PRO. It's the best $500 I have spent on this bike yet. She runs like a dream. Only 47k on her, and starts and runs like new.

When you "winterize" the bike, follow WingAdmin's instructions and the next season, she should start right up. Just my experience so far. WORTH THE $$$.

[donmcferran]

Thanks, guys. I am going to contact Pistol Pete next week. Your advice is good, and I am listening.

[donmcferran]

An update to the original question. I followed the great advice I received from this forum, and sent my carbs to Pistol Pete. The carbs came back on schedule, and the problem is solved, the bike runs well. There were some gremlins related to the installation, and the stubborn personality of a 36 year old bike, but Pete and Mark were very helpful in phone conversations. Great customer service!

[dakotanator]

Thanks for the update. GOOD JOB..!!