'75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

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Lowrider Bud
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'75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#1

Post by Lowrider Bud »

I got the engine running on the single carb and have resolved a number of problems that I'll blame on the bike setting for 14 years and not what the POs did or did not do during that time. My intention is/was to get the bike running, streetable and safe. Getting very close to accomplishing that goal.

Last week after two other attempts, I finally got the correct caliper seal kit for the left front fork and got it installed. Looks like that fixed that leak. Then I proceeded to find out why the right rear turn signal didn't work. Discovered the bulb socket was rusted and corroded. Got a replacement socket from the local auto parts store and a new bulb. The rear turn signals are from a '79 (I believe, big and rectangular). Figured out how to take it completely apart to put in the new socket. Put it back together and now we have legal lights - front and rear. BTW - this was not the only lighting problem I had to deal with, but the others are history now.

So, yesterday was "Road Test Day!" Moved stuff around in the garage so I could get it out. Now in the driveway, it did not want to start. It always starts right up on the lift - WTF. Some how I flooded it and run the battery down trying to clear it. Finally got it started and away we go. I live in an area with a couple of loop roads. One about a mile that comes back to my house and another that is 3 miles that cuts off of the one mile loop - rode both. It actually rides pretty good for a 46 year ol' gal. I think the shocks might even be original. :crosso

The engine runs smooth and pulls hard; no stumbles, but near the end of my ride it died when I backed-off the throttle. Started right back up and we pulled in the driveway. In the garage I did a quick look-over and only found two things that need immediate attention - Left front fork seal is leaking and coolant under the left valve cover. Not coming from the valve cover but on the floor right under it.

Today I get to find out where the coolant is coming from. The fork seal can wait. Maybe next ride I can get the required video of this beast doing what it was designed to do.

Later, Bud...
Time for another Road Trip...
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Track T 2411
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#2

Post by Track T 2411 »

Sounds like you're making good progress! A common content leak is at the crossover pipes leading to the heads. The joints have o-rings, and often need replacement. The o-rings will sometimes reseal once the engine goes through a few heat/ cool cycles.
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Lowrider Bud
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#3

Post by Lowrider Bud »

Track, you may be right on with the O-rings or the coolant on the garage floor must have been from an over-fill-spill that came out when on the side stand. I topped off the coolant and rode into town today to buy gas (about 12 miles roundtrip), got home and no drips. But, she doesn't want to idle and has a surge when trying to cruise at about 2500 - 3000 RPM. Going through carb adjustments, but not being able to get it to idle is probably an underlying issue that I need to focus on.

A couple of good observations; the gas gauge works and the temp gauge runs right at the edge of the normal range. If those are actually ++s

Sure was fun actually getting to take it out for a spin.

Later, Bud...
Time for another Road Trip...
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robin1731
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#4

Post by robin1731 »

Lowrider Bud wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:32 am snip......... has a surge when trying to cruise at about 2500 - 3000 RPM.

That is usually a sign that it is lean. Could be multiple causes.
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#5

Post by Whiskerfish »

Lowrider Bud wrote: Tue Apr 27, 2021 8:32 am SNIP.

But, she doesn't want to idle and has a surge when trying to cruise at about 2500 - 3000 RPM. Going through carb adjustments, but not being able to get it to idle is probably an underlying issue that I need to focus on.
SNIP

Later, Bud...

(Disclaimer) I have never played with a single carb setup but almost every one I hear about has either a WOT or idle issue. If you get it setup for a good idle then power is down on the high end, conversely if you get it setup for good power the idle suffers. It seems they are just not adjustable enough to cover the wide range of RPM of these bikes effectively.
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Liam
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#6

Post by Liam »

Ok I have to ask the stupid question. What is WOT?
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CYBORG
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#7

Post by CYBORG »

Wide Open Throttle
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#8

Post by Liam »

I don't think I will ever get to understand acronyms. I was scratching my head (a big head like mine takes a lot of scratching) trying to figure that one out. Something new learned for me.
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Lowrider Bud
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#9

Post by Lowrider Bud »

I been trying to get this pig to idle for 10 days. I'm about ready to pull the plug on her and let her rest in peace in the back of the garage. But I can't do that, I'll stay with her. I'm sure I'll find a cure; after all, it's just a motorcycle.

Later, Bud...
Time for another Road Trip...
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#10

Post by MikeNTexas »

Look for vacuum leaks. Could cause both no idle and surging problems.
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#11

Post by digger »

And WFO means wide “freakin” open. Same as WOT but more from a racing aspect. 🏍
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Re: '75 Goldwing - 2nd Chance on Life...

#12

Post by pidjones »

So.... do you still have the original carb rack?
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