White smoke, stalling in idle - after washing

[digitalsam]

OK, I am not really sure what caused it, but... I had a leaking carb (#2) last week and was planning on cleaning the carbs this weekend (Labor day). However, on Thursday the leak stopped! Woohoo! Probably should have pulled the carbs anyway, but instead I enjoyed riding.

Here is the problem. This morning, I washed the engine for the first time since I bought the bike. I used Meguiars Spray and Rinse and got rid of a LOT of old grime. I rinsed the bike off with the hose (doused it pretty good). I let it dry and set off on a ride. The bike idles well in neutral but dies when Idling in gear (at a stop sign). I rode around a bit and noticed that I had very little power. I could not get the bike over 40MPH for some reason.

A friend suggested Lucas carb and injection cleaner. I added a small amount and ran the bike in neutral for a while. Noticed lots of white smoke, mostly when I throttle it and mostly but not totally from the 3&4 exhaust. Still dies in idle when in gear.

Suggestions? I guess it is time to pull the carbs. But does that sound like the problem.

[bikerphil]

won't run after washing

Common problem with these bikes. Water gets in some of the connectors under the tank and the plug caps/wires. It will probably be ok after the water dries up.

[digitalsam]

So, should I run the bike to heat it up? Or should I let the bike dry overnight and test it in the morning?

Any thoughts on the stalling?

[bikerphil]

You can do either. I'd run it & let it idle to speed the drying process up. With the stalling, it will do that when popped into gear until everything is dry. Should be ok tommorrow. Don't tear your carbs apart until wires are dry and running carb cleaner thru the tank first.

[digitalsam]

Carb cleaner through the tank?

Can you elaborate on carb cleaner through the tank?

[bikerphil]

carb cleaner

A lot of us like to use "Seafoam" brand carb cleaner. It seems to work the best. It's in a red/white can and available at most auto parts stores. Pour a good shot of this in with your gas and ride the bike. You will notice the difference, especially after letting it sit in the carbs overnight.

[digitalsam]

Lucas Carb and Injector Cleaner

Has anyone used Lucas on your motorcycle? I use it on my 94 Grand Cherokee and it seems to help.

[MrOzz]

My brother in law and I have used Seafoam. I works great. As far as the Lucas never tried it.

[digitalsam]

Seafoam it is

Thanks guys, I will let the bike dry tonight and see what happens in the morning. Will buy some Seafoam and see what happens.

[melbxs]

Pull the plug caps off and spray them liberally with your favourite water dispersant spray. (WD40 would do it) This will remove any dampness and give them a clean at the same time.

[gearhead76]

If you put seafoam in don't do it untill you add gas. I was almost empty on my 77 goldwing and put some seafoam in at home and drove it 2 miles to a gas station filled it up and went for a nice ride. The next day I had gas leaking from almost every gasket on the carbs, fuel pump, and petcock. So I think the seafoam was a little to strong for the 30 year old gaskets but then again I did ride it with the seafoam in before I filled up with gas.

So I don't know I've used seafoam in lots of bikes and cars without any problems except this one.