Gl1500 Carb Rebuild

[zackzuro]

I just picked up a 1999 1500 SE with 1,900 miles on it
That's not a typo... 1900 miles
Problems with the bike are obvious, needs new tires due to age, and carbs are in less than perfect shape
Everything else looks fine
I've taken all the 'Tupperware' off and you could literally eat off any of the interior framework, this thing has never seen a dirty road or a rainstorm
Randaak doesn't seem to cover the later models of the 1500
What are my options for carburetor parts/ rebuild kits.
I have heard bad reviews about K&L
Is my only option to buy piecemeal from Mother Honda whatever is still available?
This is my first 1500, and I know there are members on this forum that have a lot of information to offer
Thanks to everyone in advance

[89 1500]

You know how long it's been sitting? Might get away with minimal parts if they're not lacquered up bad when you get them apart.

[zackzuro]

I was told it was driven last fall.
I actually drove it home 400 miles
It runs but but definitely has a hesitation
I have gotten down to the carbs, but haven't removed them yet
The only thing i know at this point is the vacuum slides are definitely not moving smoothly
I can tell by moving them with my finger

[ct1500]

For a trouble free repair go with OEM. I would put new float valves and pilot jets, jets just because you want guaranteed OEM results. 1,2,3 and 24.
Doing stuff on the cheap can come back to bite you in the a$$ and 1500 carbs are something you don't want to do multiple times
https://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche.co ... COMPONENTS
Before carb removal use an impact driver to loosen the (4) top plate screws. During disassembly count the turns on mixture screws till lightly seated in and add 1/8 turn more (open) on assembly.

[Snowmoer]

If it is running, you should have tried a good dose of Sea Foam for a couple of tanks of gas first. That usually cleans things up on a running engine.

I would just get the OEM gaskets and O rings. They will be the best. That is what I did when I got my barn find 88 going after sitting for 7 years.

You should not have to buy new jets. The old ones should clean up with carb cleaner. If they are plugged a little, small wire through the jet and then a repeat of cleaner will do the trick. Spray all the carb passages with carb cleaner. This will clean up the slides also. Mine had a little varnish build up on them.

I have done this on all my bikes, quads, and snowmobiles that were advertised as not running because they have sat with fuel. I pick them up cheap this way. I have yet to buy jets. The old ones clean right up and work as they should.

[zackzuro]

I put Seafoam in the tank when I got home
Didn't have the opportunity to put any serious miles on it yet
what i did do was check the carb sync and that's what really told me i have an issue with carbs
i have about 23 inches on the left bank and about 15 on the right
sync screw has no or very little effect
I've done carb sync many times on my gl1200 so I'm confident I've got an issue.
The vacuum slides are really sticking.
I can push one in and it will just stay there unless I coax it back out

[ct1500]

Many on the Forums who attempt carb repair often come back with same or more problems either because inexperience, rushing to get it done or just plain old too cheap to buy parts$ It aint a lawnmower carb which you can have back off in 5 minutes time and then throw away when messed up beyond repair and buy new for $17.
No way to know the skill level of folks who attempt this and I err on the side of caution when advising to replace parts which will boost successful repair outcomes I hope. Are a set of $750 carbs worth $100 in parts.

[Elmobile]

I know we are talking carburetors but... I would be willing to guess that the timing belts are original. Unless you know for sure that the PO did replaced them, you should put them on your list before cranking this engine again. Just saying
1900 miles, must be in mint condition. Should post some pictures when it is back together...

[zackzuro]

point taken
this isn't my first rodeo
but it is my 1st 1500
that's why I am taking the time to discuss this with other members who may have experienced this problem before

[zackzuro]

timing belts are definitely on my list
it is a nice bike in really great shape
I expected carb problems, no surprise there, new tires and the belts
I will get some pix and post them

[ct1500]

1900 miles, must be in mint condition. Should post some pictures when it is back together...

I like to see them when apart.

[dingdong]

Well you might consider this. Any motorcycle that old and not having been ridden will need everything that needs oil or grease to be cleaned and relubed or replaced. Wheel bearings, head bearings, drive line assembly, swing arm bearings, brake assemblys, reverse assembly, switches, speedometer cable, etc. All of that old oil and grease will be dried out. Wish you luck. It would cost less in time to bring back a cycle with 90k miles that has been ridden frequently.

[zackzuro]

I think I'll just ignore that bit of sage advice

[dingdong]

I think I'll just ignore that bit of sage advice

Darn. Sorry dude! Not putting your ride down. Just offering some "sage" advice based on experience. You asked! Remember? Like I said I wish you luck.

[zackzuro]

no offense taken,
when all is said and done I'll post how all turns out

[WingAdmin]

timing belts are definitely on my list
it is a nice bike in really great shape
I expected carb problems, no surprise there, new tires and the belts
I will get some pix and post them

With the amount of time that bike has sat without running, I would strongly advise that you move timing belts to the top of your list, before you start that engine again.

[Elmobile]

Zackzuro,
I am afraid that Dingdong has a more than valid point. I have a 1990 with 177000 kms which sat for about 10 years that I know of and I have been going through this process for the past 3 years, one step at a time... I rebuilt the front fork first (it was leaking) including the bushings, all seals in the rear end were replaced and I repacked the triple tree bearings. They were replaced when I put the new triple tree for my sidecar. Carbs are now rebuilt and rear brake master cylinder and all calipers. All the brake lines have been replaced by SS lines. Kept the hose for the cooling circuit but replaced the clamps etc...
I worked for a french tire manufacturer for 35 years + so I am quite confident when I say that anything made of rubber will have to be replaced soon or later. In my case, the O rings in the carbs were particularly BAD... The boots were as hard as rock, nothing like the new which replaced them!
And yes, the timing belts were the first one to be replaced
BUT the thing to look for is when every things is said and done, you will have a brand new GL1500

Good luck with your project.
Cheers.

[dingdong]

Zackzuro,
I am afraid that Dingdong has a more than valid point. I have a 1990 with 177000 kms which sat for about 10 years that I know of and I have been going through this process for the past 3 years, one step at a time... I rebuilt the front fork first (it was leaking) including the bushings, all seals in the rear end were replaced and I repacked the triple tree bearings. They were replaced when I put the new triple tree for my sidecar. Carbs are now rebuilt and rear brake master cylinder and all calipers. All the brake lines have been replaced by SS lines. Kept the hose for the cooling circuit but replaced the clamps etc...
I worked for a french tire manufacturer for 35 years + so I am quite confident when I say that anything made of rubber will have to be replaced soon or later. In my case, the O rings in the carbs were particularly BAD... The boots were as hard as rock, nothing like the new which replaced them!
And yes, the timing belts were the first one to be replaced
BUT the thing to look for is when every things is said and done, you will have a brand new GL1500

Good luck with your project.
Cheers.

Thank you sir. I had much more to add to the list but didn't want to overwhelm him. A bike with 30 year old grease an rubber needs serious attention. Might be pretty but.........

[viktorz]

I'm also about to rebuild a carburetor on my GL1500 SE 1994 and wondering whether to install a 6 sigma Carb Jet Kit for Honda Goldwing GL1500 or not. Or rather, what do you recommend to me. Does anyone have any experience with this kit? I ask for your opinion. Thanks.
Regards, Viktor

[Elmobile]

When I decided to rebuilt my carbs, I got a kit from Randakk's:
https://www.randakks.com/randakks-own-g ... els%2F1990
The air mixture screws were ceased on my 1990 carburetors so I replaced them with a set from a 1996. I used the same kit and all went together without any issues... All my jets were cleaned in a ultrasonic bath as were the bodies.
To my knowledge, the jets do not need to be replaced most of the time. Poking at them with a steel wire if they are clogged is not a good idea IMO. In that case, replace them by OEM jets. I would not trust many after market ones!

Below are 2 videos which help me close this project, beside the advises from this forum


   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!



   Never miss a video: Subscribe to the GoldwingDocs YouTube channel today!

[viktorz]

....thanks for your advice.

[toanogreen]

Congrats on your purchase. Once maintenance is done you will love it. Send pics

[zackzuro]

Finally got the last of carb parts from Honda
Took a while with everything going on in the world
All cleaned and assembled on the bench
Have one possible issue.
Seems that the carbs have been out of the bike at some point.
I think someone may have altered the accelerator pump stroke by bending the tab that acts as a stop on the carb airhorn
The arm looked as if it was crooked when I had it apart, and the stoke was very short (less than an eight of an inch)
The pump jets in the air horn only gave a small dribble of fuel, not a nice shot.
I don't think that Honda ever intended for there to be an adjustment.
Does anyone know what the clearance might be?
I've attached pix
download/file.php?mode=view&id=63735
download/file.php?mode=view&id=63736
There is a new pump diaphragm installed.

[Rednaxs60]

Watching with interest. Going to get at mine this fall/winter.

[Rednaxs60]

Watching with interest. Going to get at mine this fall/winter.