Engine dies at idle - help?

[ducpainter]

One of my buddies mentioned adding some fuel injector cleaner to my gas.  I guess I'll give that a try.  I'll also take a look at the plugs.  What am I looking for?

We're assuming you have a fuel delivery problem causing lean running and stalling.

If the plugs are black and nasty that might not be the case.

How does the bike go down the road aside from stalling at idle?

[pkat696]

It runs pretty good during normal riding.  I get periodic blips or hiccups.  Not sure how else to describe them. 

[ducpainter]

It runs pretty good during normal riding.  I get periodic blips or hiccups.  Not sure how else to describe them. 

I guess I'd try some cleaner in the gas first.

I hate to say this, but if that doesn't do it you may have to fork out some dough for a basic carb set-up...

synch...CO...idle speed.

If you have tools it is possible as a DIY but few of us have an exhaust analyzer.

I'd bet you can fix the stalling without one.

[pkat696]

Thanks again humorless dp.  I'll try the cleaner and see what happens.  It will probably take a while to see the results though since I don't ride much at all. 

[ducpainter]

Thanks again humorless dp.  I'll try the cleaner and see what happens.  It will probably take a while to see the results though since I don't ride much at all. 

Keep in mind that with today's ethanol fuel lack of use can also be an issue.

If the fuel in the tank is more than a month old you may be suffering from ethanol separation.

Some Star-Tron or Sta-Bil might be a good idea too.

[pkat696]

I definitely notice that the more I ride it, the better it runs.  Unfortunately, as much as I try, I only get out on it about once a month.  I'll try the cleaner first, and then the stabilizer.  Thanks again!!

[WetDuc]

I second the Stabil/StarTron advice from HDP.
I was reading through this thread waiting to suggest Stabil or Startron because it makes my 2000 Ford F150, 2000 Mercury 50HP outboard and both my 2007/2008 ducs run so much better.  Each and every motor runs better, but the outboard will only idle with the Stabil or else, forget it.

[pkat696]

Hmm...maybe I'll try the stabilizer first.  Thanks!!

[pkat696]

Just a quick update...

So I tried some fuel injector cleaner on Friday since I had some laying around.  It didn't seem to do much, but then I only went for a 15 minute ride. 

On Saturday, I got the Sta-bil and reset the mixture screws to 3 turns out.  The throttle hanging issue was definitely worse at that setting.  I adjusted it out and tested it using half turn increments.  It got a little better at 3.5 turns, but then started getting worse beyond that.  I stopped at 5 turns out as it was not getting better.  I put it back to about 3.5 turns out.  I then reduced the idle to about 1000 rpm, and the hanging went away.  Unfortunately, the engine still periodically dies.  However, it is better.  I figure that I will let the fuel in the tank run its course and see what happens.  Hopefully things continue to get better.

I also went to look at the plugs, but I don't have the right socket.  I will need to get the right socket and then I'll see what the plugs look like.  Hopefully I can get to that next weekend.

So also, I just wanted to note that the engine does not die right away at idle.  It will idle well for about 5 or so seconds, and then it starts to slow down and sputter a bit before it dies.  I don't know if that helps or not.

Thanks again to all for your help.

[Howie]

Drain the fuel tank and change the fuel filter.  Then attack the carbs.