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Request - How to seafoam Carbs

50K views 13 replies 7 participants last post by  Dodsfall 
#1 ·
I am wanting to seafoam my carbs because I have a rough idle and a hesitation on acceleration. I have an older 85 V65 Magna. If anyone has any pictures or tips. I already have some in the gas tank but I see videos on youtube about the white smoke from running it directly into the carbs. I want to do this to see then I will know or not if I need a rebuild.

Any help would be great!!! I love this bike and bout it about a month ago. Want to keep this thing forever. Very strong bike just some minor problems which could turn worse.
 
#2 ·
First examine your rubber boots (connectors) between your carbs and boots. If they are cracked, not lined up tight, or have holes, that is likely our problem. My old bike had the same thing happen, and I tried all sorts of things before tightening the pipe clamps and fixing the problem.

If you want to feed Seafoam directly into your carbs, I think you will have to remove your gas tank (probably a couple bolts underneath it. When you lift it up, detach the rubber tube from the petcock, leaving the tub on the bike. Then you should be able to put seafoam right in that tube? Someone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

Also check out this site http://users.metro2000.net/~cdc/magna/other features/magna books/dave m v65 society book.htm

Someone made the most detailed description of all the strengths and flaws of the V65, as well as common maintenance needs.
 
#13 ·
My Dad taught me a good trick for finding vacuum leaks which rob power, at least in automobiles, I would think it would work as well on a bike too, once it is at operating temp. Get a can of Carburator Cleaner, put the snorkel on so you can pin-point just where the leak is at & while the bike is warmed up trace around the area you suspect. When the engine revs you have found the leak. Really works well on any leaking gasket area.
 
#3 ·
SeaFoam is great

Just as you described it. Run it through the fuel line and fill the carbs up let it smoke for a bit to be sure it is everywhere in the carbs. Then turn it off and let it sit over night, this is what will really do the cleaning and it will not hurt any components of the carb including any rubber. The next day, hook up your fuel tank and start it up let it run until the Sea Foam is out and the gas is in and take it for a ride. Many report a clean ride right off some say, depending on how much varnish and gunk is present, it take a few miles of riding hard, not crazy, and then they notice a big difference. Do a Google search on Sea Foam and you'll read one story after another about how well it works. Let us know how it does for you.
 
#4 ·
Great information! So I take off the tank. Get the pressurized seafoam can. I hook it up to the hose and force it in there? Do I have the bike running while im trying to do this? Im assuming with no gas tank It would not be running but how do I know if the seafoam is in the carbs enough? I know very dumb question but this is the only part im confused about.

Do you think just dumping a full can into the gas tank would do the trick as well? I could dump it in ride it till its almost empty. Then let it sit for the night then run it again the next day. Is this basically the same process?
 
#5 ·
Sea Foam

I just used a suspended fuel tank filled with Sea Foam and let it run through. I have read online how people have sprayed it into the fuel line. If your tank is empty you could put a can in your tank run it for a bit then let it sit and then top it off with gas after you start it the next day.
 
#7 ·
Bad Gas

I was reading online about fuel and motorcycles and found out some interesting information. As we know the formulation of gas is not about making a product that give hp it’s about clean exhaust and fuel systems for automobiles. Gas is allowed to have as much 20% ethanol even though it is marked as 10%. Apparently, depending on where you live in the country this has become a problem for motorcycles. A mechanic from the North Western US says he see daily the havoc wreaked in the carbs from ethanol and he had some pic of jets that looked like they had been partially digested with acid. He recommends putting a fuel stabilizer or Sea Foam into every tank of gas to prevent this destruction. If I find the site I will post a link.

P.S. Let me know how the Sea Foam works for you.
 
#8 ·
Well I tried putting the whole can in and ran it but no difference. I have let it sit for a day and a big puff of white smoke came out but thats all. I wish this would work I hate driving it at 50% choke because I backfire when I downshift, but I die if I dont choke!

Are there certain gas stations that do not contain ethanol?
 
#9 ·
That is too much. You should use roughly one ounce for every gallon of gas. You bought a 16 ounce can (assuming). You probably have a 4 gallon tank, give or take a gallon. You should have used about a fourth of a can.

Make sure to fill up all of the way on fresh gas to dilute it. You will run lean until you get a new tank of gas. Shouldn't do any harm, but might be hotter.

There are certain types of gas that do not contain ethanol. Next time you get gas take a look at the pumps. One type (89 octane around here) has ethanol. 87 and 91 octanes do not.

You say your bike backfires. Is it a loud gunshot backfire, or just some 'popping' like finger snapping or clapping. If it is just 'popping' don't worry about it. It means you are running a little lean. To get more technical, google it. Basically, because you are deaccelerating the gears are pulling the engine faster than friction wants it to go, and pulling gas through before ignition.

Check where your headers attach to the mufflers for exhaust leaks. And your rubber boots/connections. If you don't have stock exhaust that is likely your problem. Any leaks (in or out) are a problem. But a little popping is no big deal.
 
#10 ·
SeaFoam Follow-up

After I did my SeaFoam and Techron overkill cleaning I had to change my spark plugs. While it cleaned out the carbs, and I had them off several time disassembled and cleaned, it fouled all four of my spark plugs. I pulled the idle jets, springs, and washers, main jet and pilot jets out and used Q-tips and tooth pics to get to every recess I could. The plugs where so fouled that the bike would not start. It had me confused for a couple days until, as a last ditch effort, I pulled them and they where shiny black, the electrode and all. I put in new plugs gaped new plugs and touched the starter and if started perfectly.

The last poster is exactly right, just a few oz per tank will stave off the affects of burning corn for fuel.
 
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