1983 GS1100E carb flush/conditioner

[ddeboer]

Hello, can anyone comment on whether it is a good idea to use a carb flush or conditioner? I've heard of some putting an additive in their gasoiline that apparently helps with the cleaning of carb jets, lubricating seals, valves etc.

Is there such a product or is this just BS?

Thanks,

Doug

[SqDancerLynn1]

Their is a product called SeaFoam (WalMart carries it) that may help. IT depends on the problem. If the bike has been setting for several years and is gummed up. THE only way is to do a complete disassemble and clean including new O rings

[Steve]

Listen to the young lady, she speaks wisely.

Yes, there are products that will enhance the cleaning ability of gasoline, but if the passages in the carbs are totally blocked, even they won't do any good. It takes an overnight soaking in "the dip" to get the really stubborn stuff out.

.

[ddeboer]

Carb conditioning

The carbs are currently working fine-I'm considering something along the preventative maintenance lines. Since carb work is the stuff my nightmares consist of, I want to do anything I can to prevent carb trouble/repairs.Any other advice in addition to Seafoam?

Thankyou....

[almarconi]

Marvel mystery oil also works.

[Steve]

The carbs are currently working fine-I'm considering something along the preventative maintenance lines. Since carb work is the stuff my nightmares consist of, I want to do anything I can to prevent carb trouble/repairs.Any other advice in addition to Seafoam?

Thankyou....

The absolute BEST preventative measure is regular doses of FRESH GASOLINE.

Yep, take it out for regular rides.

If, however, that is not possible due to location (we have no idea where you are, HINT, HINT), Seafoam, Marvel Mystery Oil or Sta-Bil in the gas will keep it from gumming up during storage.

If it is going to be a longer storage, like winter in oHIo, I will usually double up on the dose, and have had no problems with motorcycles and weed whackers firing up in the spring and snowblowers firing up in the winter.

.

[oldgsfan]

The carbs are currently working fine-I'm considering something along the preventative maintenance lines. Since carb work is the stuff my nightmares consist of, I want to do anything I can to prevent carb trouble/repairs.Any other advice in addition to Seafoam?

Thankyou....

Funny. Carb work used to make me nervous, too, but once you pull them off and go through the tear down, clean up process, you discover it's really not that bad at all. It just takes a little bit of time and patience. Oh, and careful reading of all the tutorials on this forum.

And I am the furthest thing from a mechanic imaginable. Seriously. My other loves, besides my motorcycles, are robots and comic books if that gives you any idea.

[bwringer]

Ride lots.

My carbs haven't been apart in something like seven or eight years.

[Nessism]

Proper preventative maintenance would have you taking apart the carbs and replacing the old and hard O-rings if they are originals. Not what you want to hear but the truth.

[bwringer]

Proper preventative maintenance would have you taking apart the carbs and replacing the old and hard O-rings if they are originals. Not what you want to hear but the truth.

True. First you gotta replace the o-rings and get the bike running right.

Once you do the o-rings, keep riding. Ride lots, and your o-rings will be good and your carbs will be happy for many, many years.

You don't need to add mouse milk to the gas.