Runs for 2 seconds

[ChicagoSouthey]

Having fun bobbing my son's '87 GL 1200. It was parked running 3 years ago. I drained the fuel tank, removed the carb rack, cleaned and installed new kits, new fuel filter, new battery. Fuel pump is putting out 1400 ml/min (118 ml in 5 seconds, thank you Tomcomax). I bypassed the fuel pump with an MG fuel pump (2-5#), it started, but would not stay running, I put the fuel lines back on the OEM pump. I bypassed the fuel pump relay. A 2-second shot of starting fluid will get it going, but quits. The 2 seconds it runs the motor is smooth and strong.

2 known mistakes I reused the manifold o-rings and found debris flowing from the fuel pump after I tried to start it. After running a pint of fuel into a container the fuel is free of debris.

This is my first experience with a Gold Wing. I've been working on cars and motorcycles, mostly Harley for 50 years. Thanks for any leads.

[Rambozo]

Do the carbs fill???

[ChicagoSouthey]

There is fuel in the bowls, not sure how much. When I loosen the drain screw fuel comes out.

[joecoolsuncle]

direct wire the pump and see if that cures it. if so, then you can find the reason (relay,wiring) it is not working correctly. if it doesnt run, then look for the blockage. what is the fuel pressure for those 2 seconds?

[ChicagoSouthey]

Pump is direct-wired, jump-wired the relay so the pump is on when the key is on. There is pressure to the fuel lines, not sure about psi. I removed the lines when I did the flow-test, when reassembled the pump filled the fuel hoses immediately. Now it won't start at all, which indicates fuel flow is problematic.

My next guess is the floats are not properly adjusted. Perhaps there is enough fuel initially but not enough flow to keep it running. Any thoughts?

[joecoolsuncle]

Pump is direct-wired, jump-wired the relay so the pump is on when the key is on. There is pressure to the fuel lines, not sure about psi. I removed the lines when I did the flow-test, when reassembled the pump filled the fuel hoses immediately. Now it won't start at all, which indicates fuel flow is problematic.

My next guess is the floats are not properly adjusted. Perhaps there is enough fuel initially but not enough flow to keep it running. Any thoughts?

that IS my thought. lol you will get very good at R/R goldwing carburetors and carb cleaning in general. did you remove the float valves? there are tiny screens under there that will clog easily when you start passing debris through the filter. make sure to adjust float level exactly as the FSM says, unless you want more practice. lol clean all jets, jet holders, idle passages all the way to the teenie holes in the carb venturi. and avoid those cheapanese carb kits like the plague! you have to treat them just like an early keihen carb on a harley.
BTW, get the beer before you start working, that way you dont have to stop in the middle of the job and go to the store.

[julimike54]

There is fuel in the bowls, not sure how much. When I loosen the drain screw fuel comes out.

I saw a trick somewhere, take the drain screws out replace with a barbed hose fitting, attach clear hose to the barbed fitting, secure clear hose up along the side. This arrangement allows you to view the level in the bowls to see if they are at the same level. I don't remember where the level should be, seems it was around the bowl gasket area for height, but don't bank on it. But it should give you an idea of where the level is and if you have one (or more) not even with the others.

[joecoolsuncle]

There is fuel in the bowls, not sure how much. When I loosen the drain screw fuel comes out.

I saw a trick somewhere, take the drain screws out replace with a barbed hose fitting, attach clear hose to the barbed fitting, secure clear hose up along the side. This arrangement allows you to view the level in the bowls to see if they are at the same level. I don't remember where the level should be, seems it was around the bowl gasket area for height, but don't bank on it. But it should give you an idea of where the level is and if you have one (or more) not even with the others.

that is the method to actually set the float height on several yamaha models. do it on the bench and only have to remove and replace the carb(s) once. it would be great if some other mfg would list those specs.

[ChicagoSouthey]

Great leads, thanks! I did buy the kits on Amazon, probably my first mistake. I'll get the carb rack off some evening this week as see what's up. Till then the barbed fitting sounds like the way to go. Really appreciate the leads!

[ChicagoSouthey]

SOLVED!

Bought a different carb kit on EBAY, had the carbs professionally rebuilt, new set of plugs and it's running great.

[joecoolsuncle]

SOLVED!

Bought a different carb kit on EBAY, had the carbs professionally rebuilt, new set of plugs and it's running great.

GITSUM!!!!! good deal man. go wear out some tires and brakes!