I put 91 in my GS a couple of times, didn't really make any difference with 87. The problem does sound like a carb related one... Worst case, get someone to check the valves, float valve, adjust the mixture, etc.
Engine Problem/Almost Wiped Out
- Thread starter int15
- Start date
I put 91 in my GS a couple of times, didn't really make any difference with 87. The problem does sound like a carb related one... Worst case, get someone to check the valves, float valve, adjust the mixture, etc.
The difference is definitely not so bad you'd need to empty the gas out! It's fine to use premium, it's just costing you money. Most carb'ed bikes are okay with 10% ethanol. Also on the stuck float valve theory - it would explain the gas smell but not the running issues you described. The battery, gas tank vent, and choke cable are where I'd start looking personally.
Great, as I mentioned above, these are the only things I'm comfortable checking myself.
Always got 91 from shell. *Hint - at the pump, instead of grabbing the nozzle from the 87,89,91 section (at my pump there is a separate 91 v-power one) so the only thing that flows out of that one is 91 as the others will be mixed with 87,89,91...have a gsf500 and recommended from Gp Bikes when I got it...
I thought I'd give an update.
I had the battery on the tender to fully charge it before I test it. And this is with the tender still plugged in (I tried plugged and unplugged and the results were the same).
If I'm reading this correctly, my battery needs replacing.
I went for a ride this morning and couldn't get passed second gear without the engine stuttering.
Stand-By Reading:
Load Test Reading:
I had the battery on the tender to fully charge it before I test it. And this is with the tender still plugged in (I tried plugged and unplugged and the results were the same).
If I'm reading this correctly, my battery needs replacing.
I went for a ride this morning and couldn't get passed second gear without the engine stuttering.
Stand-By Reading:
Load Test Reading:
Gryphon
Well-known member
A dead battery would explain why your motor won't crank when you go to start it.
But if the battery is strong enough to start your bike, in theory it's strong enough for you to ride around.
However, your battery does fail load-test...
Is your bike starting (cranking) okay?
Your problem smells like fueling, not spark, to me.
Yes, Shell Gold and Esso Super (91) are good gas, no ethanol.
Are your spark plug wires/caps original, from 1991?
They are 20 years old and well-due for replacement, which is not expensive.
Your spark may be getting lost on the way to the sparkplugs...
Apart from that, I would check fuel system - I suspect there is mung inside one of your carbs' tiny orfices.
Regards
But if the battery is strong enough to start your bike, in theory it's strong enough for you to ride around.
However, your battery does fail load-test...
Is your bike starting (cranking) okay?
Your problem smells like fueling, not spark, to me.
Yes, Shell Gold and Esso Super (91) are good gas, no ethanol.
Are your spark plug wires/caps original, from 1991?
They are 20 years old and well-due for replacement, which is not expensive.
Your spark may be getting lost on the way to the sparkplugs...
Apart from that, I would check fuel system - I suspect there is mung inside one of your carbs' tiny orfices.
Regards
bobjohnson
Well-known member
It could also be fuel starvation. The engine lugging and stalling out when you went to upshift is what makes me think this. You might have gotten crap stuck in your "on" hose for the petcock, which is why switching to reserve worked (the hose for reserve is clear).
Where'd you get that load tester? It looks like it's made for cars, is there a spec for the load it applies? I'd say your battery is probably perfectly fine.
I have a charger (Battery Tender Jr.). Problem is, after less than 24h off the charger, the battery is almost drained and it'll take a few hours for the tender's LED to switch back to green (full).
I got this battery tester. You are probably right, it might be for car batteries, but it can be used for 6v and 12v batteries. I just naturally assumed it could be used for biked batteries.
SD
Already ordered a Ballistic battery. Should get it in time for the next weekend. Once I get the bike running "enough", I'll use the can of SeaFoam.
+1
I've been getting weak battery issues for the past while that were quickly fixed with a tender charge about once a week.
Yesterday was beautiful weather, after leaving a tender on it for over 24 hours, the bike wouldn't even crank over at all.
If I put my booster pack on it, started up no problem and kept running with the power created from the generator.
Turn off bike, try to turn over again (without booster), nothing at all.
Went and bought a brand new battery, friggin bike turns over faster than ever now when I hit the starter.
I have no idea how old the replaced battery is, but it served its purpose until the very end.
Yeah, I had to change the battery the first spring I took the bike out of the garage in 2009. Changed the one I got with the bike in the fall of 2008 (don't know how long the previous owner had it for). Now this is the battery I'm having issues with. Is that a normal lifespan for a motorcycle battery (can't remember the brand)?
Venom01
Well-known member
Its just nit holding the amps. At least that is what is sounds like to me.
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