1983 gl1100 Interstate

[danmercer214]

Hi,
I recently picked up this bike. I’m currently rebuilding the entire brake system. It sat for many years. My question is, the bike runs, wouldn’t idle at first so I put seafoam and rec fuel in the tank and it has sat with that for 3 months. It will idle now but does backfire when I rev it up. Not very bad. Do you think if I drive that a bit it might work itself out without rebuilding the carbs? I see it’s a nightmare to rebuild and I can’t afford for someone to do it for me. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Dan

[LAB3]

Give it a run, what do you have to lose?

Most people on here will tell you that you'll need to tear the carbs down for a full cleaning. I'll agree that's the best way to go but there are other things you can try.

Disconnect the fuel line at the fuel pump and drain the carbs via the fittings on the bottom of the float bowls. Get a turkey baster or similar device and run some seafoam into the fuel line you disconnected, this should fill the float bowls, let it sit overnight. Drain the float bowls and reconnect the fuel line and refill the carbs with gas and give it a try.

[danmercer214]

Hi,
Thank you for the response. I’ll pick some up tomorrow and do that while I’m finishing my rebuild on the brakes. It won’t hurt to sit longer than a day will it?
Thanks,
Dan

[LAB3]

Can't say with any reasonable certainty about keeping it there. The issue with cleaners in general is their effect on rubber parts such as drying them out. Some would probably tell you not to do what I originally described because of this.

Like I said, give it a try but most will tell you it's not the best either way. I've had it make a difference in the past and my bike didn't explode nor did I suffer from male pattern baldness nor erectile dysfunction because of it.

Use only as directed?

[danmercer214]

Hi,
Went over today and got the seafoam out and ran it with rec fuel. It’s not perfect but it runs very much better. Need to get it out on the road and see how it does after putting some miles on it. I will keep you posted as soon as the weather here in central Michigan clears up. Thx again for the info.
Dan

[LAB3]

I'm quite familiar with your situation weather wise having spent the majority of my life in Michigan, I'm often found slacking off and camping on Manistee National Forest land along and around M-37 in the summer these days, my profile picture was taken at CycleMoore campground just outside Interlochen. Glad I could help.

[danmercer214]

Hi,
Just looked at your ride. Sweet looking bike. Wish we didn’t have these dreaded long winters. Wanna be able to ride both bikes. I have 96 triumph adventurer 900 that I rode last summer but it’s acting up so it’s going to the shop. Next nice days we have the Goldwing is coming home. Been working on it at my moms in Beaverton. So soon I hope. Here’s to a lot of riding this summer and be safe. Dan