1981 “TractorWing”

[club_c]

Hi folks, new to this forum tho no stranger to classic Hondas. I admit this is my first Wing. I got this bike as a non runner with no history. Likely hasn’t run in 10+ years at least. 1981 GL1100 Interstate with 34000km/21000 miles. I removed the carbs, pulled them apart and ultrasonic cleaned everything. Reassembled with original brass. Emptied the tank as best I could, put in a new battery and after some coaxing it fired up. However it sounds like an old tractor. I have to keep the choke on to keep it running, which would indicate a lean condition, but boots are good and new orings at the heads. When the revs drop there is a real “grumbling” sound near the alternator before it coughs to a stop. Today I ensured the new orings were properly seated and checked valve adjustment. They were slightly loose but not an obvious concern. It tried to balance the carbs but it seems to make the situation even worse. It sort of sounds like my 65 Mustang when the timing is off. Speaking of, I have not looked at the timing belts yet. I have new ones on the bench but haven’t got to them yet. If the timing was off by a tooth I could see it perhaps causing this issue but my understanding is these belts will strip out a section rather than let a cam sprocket move a tooth? Anyhow, I’d love some feedback please. I have a video of the motor running but not sure if I can post it. Help? https://share.icloud.com/photos/06aRd0s ... bvOYtXFq_A

[DenverWinger]

Sounds to me the idle jets are plugged. Motor sounds pretty good otherwise.

Carbs will need to come out and be cleaned. Especially the low speed jets.

The '80 and I think the '81, too, the Idle jets are not "Removeable". They don't unscrew. But they are in fact removeable using a drywall screw, look for youtube videos on this. I just had to do the same operation on my '80 last year. The jets are a press-fit, but you can thread a drywall screw into them without damaging the orifices and then pop them out of the press fit by the threaded-in screw.

[gdhubert]

Like the previous reply - Carb jets. Then - make sure you sync the carbs. Makes a huge difference and needs to be done after re-building or cleaning the carbs on these old bikes.

[Andy Cote]

Welcome to the forum and CHANGE THOSE BELTS!

[club_c]

Thanks for the info on this. All parts came off the carbs and into the ultrasonic cleaner. Except the low speed jets. The screw idea is great. Just saw a YT vid using an easy out extractor too. So that’ll be tomorrow’s gig. Though I’m certainly not happy about pulling them off again. At least the Tupperware is already out.

Sounds to me the idle jets are plugged. Motor sounds pretty good otherwise.

Carbs will need to come out and be cleaned. Especially the low speed jets.

The '80 and I think the '81, too, the Idle jets are not "Removeable". They don't unscrew. But they are in fact removeable using a drywall screw, look for youtube videos on this. I just had to do the same operation on my '80 last year. The jets are a press-fit, but you can thread a drywall screw into them without damaging the orifices and then pop them out of the press fit by the threaded-in screw.

[club_c]

Thank you. The belts only have 34k km on them. They’re also 42 years old so there is that…. Yes near the top of the order of things.

Regarding belt change I saw a post somewhere of someone saying they did it without removing the rad. Any comments on this?

Welcome to the forum and CHANGE THOSE BELTS!

[DenverWinger]

Can be done without removing the rad, but not worth the effort.

Could compromise, loosen top rad nuts, remove lowers and disconnect lower rad hose so you can swing it out some.

[club_c]

Well you lads were right on the pilot jets. 4/4 were clogged. Stressful removing them, I had to use a drywall screw to lock onto the jet and then twist/pull. Running and carbs sync’d now. Much better! Onto the belts next and then brakes.

Like the previous reply - Carb jets. Then - make sure you sync the carbs. Makes a huge difference and needs to be done after re-building or cleaning the carbs on these old bikes.