Poor running after a run


Information and questions on GL1500 Goldwings (1988-2000)
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Graham B
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2012 3:59 pm
Location: Tenterden, England, United Kingdom
Motorcycle: GL1500SE

Poor running after a run

Post by Graham B »



I'm based in the UK.

Yesterday I filled up with our Super Unleaded so I could stick with E5 (Normal unleaded here is now E10). I then went out for a ride and, for about 120 miles she performed as normal.

As it was getting late I took the easy ride along a dual carriageway at around 70mph for about twenty miles. As I turned off and stopped at a road junction so did the engine!

She restarted OK but clearly wasn't happy for the rest of the trip. This morning I removed the plugs. The right hand bank were a good healthy colour, the left hand bank were black, almost like the choke was stuck.

Because I'd not touched the choke since before I filled up, I don't think it's a choke problem. I'll check the carb balance later. Fuel economy seems fine, 134 miles covered, some in heavy traffic and still around a quarter of a tank left.

Has anyone else had anything similar?


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DenverWinger
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'80 GL1100 STD Vetter (2005-)
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Re: Poor running after a run

Post by DenverWinger »

I'd say this is only co-incidental with your choice of fuel, rather than a result. Especially since only one cylinder bank was affected.

Although the 1500 is designed to run on regular octane, I've never heard of poor running caused by Premium fuel.

Here in the 'States we've been burning E10 fuel for a good many years, engines run just fine on it, but it doesn't store long term as well as non-ethanol fuel. Up to six months is generally OK. Fuel stabilizers help. But if left in a carburetor long term storage it tends to plug up tiny passages in the carbs.

So as long as your E10 fuel is relatively fresh you won't have any trouble with it. This applies to All vehicles and engines, right down to your lawnmower and chain saw.

Having said that, I'd try adding some Seafoam or other similar product available across the pond to your GL1500. A strong does of additive in your next couple tanks of E10 fuel may straighten out the Left side carburetion. Ethanol if fresh actually has some cleaning properties, too.

If this doesn't help you may have a winter project on your hands - Carburetors.
A local inventor has figured a way to turn a sausage grinder backward to manufacture pigs. :lol:

♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫ :(
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Graham B
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2012 3:59 pm
Location: Tenterden, England, United Kingdom
Motorcycle: GL1500SE

Re: Poor running after a run

Post by Graham B »

I agree the fuel change is probably a coincidence but it was the last thing I changed.

I've now run the engine up to working temperature. She idles and picks up fine but isn't smooth. The coolant level is also good.

The carbs are balanced, no adjustment being indicated. I'm out tonight but I think the next thing will be to read up on the ignition circuit to see if anything there could affect the left bank only.
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DenverWinger
Posts: 2441
Joined: Thu Jun 23, 2011 2:20 pm
Location: Denver, CO
Motorcycle: (s)
'80 GL1100 STD Vetter (2005-)
'93 GL1500 Aspencade (2017-)
'83 Trav-Lite Camper (2010-)
Past rides
'72 CL350 (1980-1988) sold
'78 Suzuki GS550 (1985-2005) sold
'77 GL1000 (2002-2006) sold

Re: Poor running after a run

Post by DenverWinger »

It won't be ignition, there's three ignition coils, all three have a sparkplug lead to each bank. So you'd have to have a partial failure on all three coils at once.
A local inventor has figured a way to turn a sausage grinder backward to manufacture pigs. :lol:

♫ 99 Little Bugs in the Code, ♪
♪ 99 Bugs in the Code. ♫ :(
♫ Take one down, Patch it around, ♪
♫ 127 Little Bugs in the Code. ♫ ♪ :shock:
~Mark
Graham B
Posts: 22
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2012 3:59 pm
Location: Tenterden, England, United Kingdom
Motorcycle: GL1500SE

Re: Poor running after a run

Post by Graham B »

I read up on ignition last night and it looks like we're back to the fuelling. I might run some carb cleaner through in case there's some muck somewhere.
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ct1500
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Location: Glastonbury,CT
Motorcycle: 1988 GL1500

Re: Poor running after a run

Post by ct1500 »

A slide which is stuck open on the left side could cause your symptoms and is easy enough to check for by removing air box top.


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