1985 Honda VT700 Idling Problems.

[jmcdowel]

Here is the back-story. I have been working on this Honda for a fried that got it from a friend. This bike had been sitting in a barn for five years with no TLC until now.

I have changed the oil/oil filter, flushed the coolant, replaced the air filter, completely cleaned out the carburetor, changed all four spark plugs, new fuel filter and put in a new battery.

I got the bike to start but can’t keep it idling. I thought that it was a blocked fuel line/bad fuel pump but everything is flowing and working fine. The bike will start when I use a starter spray in the carburetor and will idle for maybe a minuet and then slowly dies. Or I will get it going with the starter spray and rev the engine only to have it quit on me while I have the throttle wide open.

In general it sounds like the engine isn’t getting enough fuel although I know the pump is working and fuel is flowing through the lines.

I am completely stumped as to what the problem could be. The engine is trying to run but can’t start without the starter spray. Could the fuel pump not be pushing enough fuel through?? I am open to any suggestions.

[CB750F]

How good did you clean the carbs? Take them apart and clean them. Run a wire through the jets and if you look on the pilot jet there are tiny holes at the top of it on the sides. If they are plugged up it will not idle. In short I would say it's the carbs. You may want to invest in rebuild kits which you can buy off Ebay, Old Bike Barn or Parts n More. They come with new jets, needle and seat, slide needle and gaskets.

www.oldbikebarn.com (http://www.oldbikebarn.com)

www.partsnmore.com (http://www.partsnmore.com)

Other than that the whole fresh gas, clean fliter, yadda yadda you know because ya already done that. Another thing to check for is check the carb boots for cracking due to age. If they leak air it won't run right.

[Uesque]

Is this a 500 or a 700(two different threads)? My wife has an 85 VT500C, and we had a similar problem when the battery was bad, although I know you've changed yours. Might still be electrical. Come to think of it, you mentioned 4 plugs, did you mean VF instead of VT? VT was the Shadow or Ascot, VF was the Magna or Sabre.

[sabotage420]

How good did you clean the carbs? Take them apart and clean them. Run a wire through the jets and if you look on the pilot jet there are tiny holes at the top of it on the sides. If they are plugged up it will not idle. In short I would say it's the carbs. You may want to invest in rebuild kits which you can buy off Ebay, Old Bike Barn or Parts n More. They come with new jets, needle and seat, slide needle and gaskets.

Other than that the whole fresh gas, clean fliter, yadda yadda you know because ya already done that. Another thing to check for is check the carb boots for cracking due to age. If they leak air it won't run right.

I agree. Start with the carbs. That and check your air screws. On my bike the manual says they should be one and a half turn from tight. It sounds like you're getting too much fuel maybe? Have you checked your plugs? What do they look like? Can you post a pic of them?