1976 GL1000 LTD

[robin1731]

Carb sync probably won't help your issues. You said you had gas dripping from the exhaust. You need to pull the carbs and do a thorough cleaning and rebuild. Sorry but I think that's the only way to fix it.

Also on the belts. They say Honda on them. I suppose someone could have had them replaced at the dealer at one time with OEM belts. Rathe unlikely though. Which means those are 35 years old. I would replace them. You can check our crossover section for part number. Belts can be gotten from NAPA or any auto parts store. I think it is CharlieP on here that also carries them for a very good price. But don't go to Honda. You can get both belts any place for less than one from most dealers.

I'd hate to see you hurt the engine by not changing the belts. These are interference engines so if one breaks you are giong to bend some valves. Cheap insurance in my mind. And you can't tell anything by how they look.

[ZanVooden]

The more I think about this, I completely agree on pulling the carbs and cleaning them. I'm used to the cb750's carbs that have bowl overflows to prevent gas from dumping into the engine. When I saw the fuel dripping I initially just figured dirty float needles and that the fuel was just from the overflows before realizing these carbs dont have overflows.

I will be sure to replace the timing belts. Last time I went to Cascade cycles shop they were out of stock.

[dbtroudy]

It sounds like you are due for a carb rebuild from the engine behavior you are describing. You have a couple of carb ports that are gummed up or plugged. You may want to try adding some SeaFoam cleaner to the tank and running the bike for a while. Then let it sit. The SeaFoam will help clean the ports, but the way to get the most out of SeaFoam is to ride the bike for a 100 or so miles and then see how it idles. However, if you don't know the history of your timing belts, change them out before you do any riding (personal experience). Changing out 7 out of 8 valves and doing a complete head rebuild because your timing belts broke is not a fun job. Been there - done that!

Don

[ramjet]

Carb rebuild......yes
Replace timing belts....yes now!
Inspect gas tank for rust, etc......do before putting a drop of fuel in newly rebuilt carbs
New fuel filter, clean fuel pump and fuel lines.....always

When I bought my 76 GL1000 in June of 1976 at Libertyville IL. Honda they had two on the showroom floor; a red one and a LTD. I bought the red one.....
Who knew?

[Fred Camper]

Good progress, and a sound rebuild canidate. But +1 on the belts first and carb rebuild second.

[ZanVooden]

Well carbs are off. Time to see what they look like inside.

[polkadot]

ZV, In my opinion you have made a huge mistake by taking those carbs off. To me, they look ready to roll! But seriously, I bet they have not been off that LTD before. With all that grime, gunk inside, original fuel line and red stripes on the carb lines, probably mother Honda installed those. Keep us posted. You and I are about at the same point with our bikes.

[robin1731]

ZV, In my opinion you have made a huge mistake by taking those carbs off. To me, they look ready to roll! But seriously, I bet they have not been off that LTD before. With all that grime, gunk inside, original fuel line and red stripes on the carb lines, probably mother Honda installed those. Keep us posted. You and I are about at the same point with our bikes.

LOL, yeah. I bet you are glad you took those off.

[Roady]

What are you guys talking about?

That is one gorgeous rack!

[polkadot]

Roady, Are you sure that you would know a good rack when you see one?

[Fred Camper]

I gotta agree with Steve, what with all that food stock inside, there is no better rack in the eye's of a critter,

[Roady]

Ummm, have you seen my wife?

[Fred Camper]

Oh Ernie, I think he's got you there.

[ZanVooden]

Well lets bring this conversation back to motorcycles.

Had a quick chance to pull the carb bowls off tonight. Not pretty... one broken post. All of the floats (except for the one with the broken post) were stuck and barley moved. Explains the gas running straight through the engine.

[Roady]

Ohh, those do look nasty. But, probably clean-able.

Randakk has a kit to fix that broken post.