Just bought a 1988 Voyager XII Four

[Rocketman]

The bike has been setting up for 3 years but the owner said it was started up 3 months ago but has a bad battery so i brought my external battery to start the bike it started with some starter fluid but wont run and spits and sputters he said he had everything done to the bike for a Sturges run but could not make it for family issues im going to try seafoam or do i have more issues to contend with?
Also he stored without fluid in the radaitor would that help make the bike run when i put the fluid in?
Hope i did not buy a money pit.

[chicagorandy]

Defintely fill the system with 50/50 anti-feeze (non-siicate) to keep it from heat seizing up.

I would 'guess' that the carbs have a nice coating of evaporated gasoline varnish and sludge in them after sitting for 3 years? So fresh gas and Seafoam would likely make a good first try before a potential complete carb removal and cleaning.

You could try putting a fresh 1/2 gallon or so of gas in the tank, slosh it around and then drain it all from the fuel filter tap into an appropriate container. (Behind the left side plastic 'chrome' cover) and then behind the coolant reservoir bottle - remove the lower engine cover (8mm bolts) and then one bolt on the reservoir bottle and a sharp tug gets it out.

[bikerking.biz]

Since it was sitting around for 3 years, and not running well despite the claim it was started 3 months ago, I would check out the air filter. If it was stored some place where mice can build nests, they may have that clogged up. I would drain and refill all fluids before doing much of anything. If the carbs are clogged bad enough from storing with gas, you will probably have to have them cleaned. Make sure the spark plugs are clean and in good condition also. Check the plug cap connection to make sure they are not mushroomed on the ends and are making good contact. Good luck.

[Rocketman]

Thanks for the quick replys also tryed to put antifreeze in the bike and it wont let any in could it be a stuck thermostat and where is it located.thanks

[chicagorandy]

Are you saying the radiator is full? Your 1st post said it was empty.

You should be able to pour a few liters from the radiator cap into an empty radiator and cooing pipe regardless of the thermostrat.

[Rocketman]

Yes the i was told it was stored empty and it will take a few liters but wont go down? Also the overflow tank is empty. We filled it up but should i drain it back out?

[chicagorandy]

Now that you have the radiator and 'part' of the cooling system filled you will need the engine to get running so that the thermostat can open up to make room for you to add more up top. Filling the reservoir bottle is fine.

Running in place with the radiator cap off once it heats up will also allow any air in the system to escape also giving more room for more antifreeze with each 'burb'.

[bikerking.biz]

There is a air relief bolt on the water pump that should be opened when filling the radiator to allow air to escape when filling. You probably have an air bubble that is preventing the coolant from entering the system since apparently you did not open the air relief bolt when filling.

[Scott-(Altoona, PA)]

Here is a pic out of the service manual that BikerKing is referencing.

[Rocketman]

Thanks is there any way the thermostat could be rusted shut also? i will try to do what you Guys said to do just don't want to blow the motor.

[Rocketman]

I dont think i made my self clear it will not take but a few ounces of coolant before it stops and over flows out the filler cap.

[cushman eagle]

A stuck thermostat could prevent coolant from getting from the engine to the radiator cap,but it would not prevent coolant from getting to the water pump vent.Try loosening the water pump vent screw and see if you can get coolant out of it.If you get coolant out of there,it is probably getting to the engine,in which case,I would buy,or borrow a heat gun,start the engine,and watch the temperature throughout the cooling system.Do not run the engine to the point the cylinder head gets over 220 degrees F.It should show uniform temp rise throughout the engine until the engine gets to about 175,the thermostat should then open to let coolant in the radiator, then the whole system should rise till the fan comes on about 220.Let us know what happens.

[chicagorandy]

Just thinking out loud here, but is it 'possible' that in fact the radiator and cooling system are full, as in they really were not completely drained? That would also prevent adding any more antifreeze.

If you have coolant to spare, put a catch pan under the radiator drain, unscrew the drain plug/bolt in the coolant pipe and see how much comes out? If it drains out a bunch, say near a gallon or more, then there's your answer. Refill it with the correct mix, get it running up to temp and add more as needed.

Worth a try anyway?

[Rocketman]

Here is a pic out of the service manual that BikerKing is referencing.

Mine does not look like that picture what mine looks like is a bolt that has a small line that connects to another line behind it?

[debron]

Here is a pic out of the service manual that BikerKing is referencing.

Mine does not look like that picture what mine looks like is a bolt that has a small line that connects to another line behind it?

Can you post a photo of yours?

[Rocketman]

I will try tomorrow.Thanks

[Rocketman]

Got the bike running still spits and sputters and backfires but think it will get better as i keep running it with seafoam and carb cleaners put a new battery in but the battery light still stays on any ideas?

[Bob in Tucson]

The battery light being on really doesn't mean there is a problem. On a good day it tells you that your battery is low on water. My battery light comes on and goes out pretty much when it wants to.

[ekap1200]

Got the bike running still spits and sputters and backfires but think it will get better as i keep running it with seafoam and carb cleaners put a new battery in but the battery light still stays on any ideas?

When you put your new battery in , did you install the PROBE and make sure it is plugged in ? Was it properly charged before being installed ? Also using a 3mm allen drain your carbs too see if any water or rust is present. ( I do one at a time and then restart the engine before doing another ) All the other items that others have noted are important things to look at before being put into service . It is the simple things like air filter , and spark plugs that can get one in trouble if not serviced correctly . Air filter, when removed can allow debris to enter the intake system and foul an otherwise clean carb system. Spark plugs sit down in a well that will collect all kinds of nasty things not good for the cylinders and rings. compressed air is needed to blow these wells out. Cooling system, when in doubt, just drain it all and replace. Engine oil, just dump it and start with new oil and filter. Keep reading the posts, for all the other little items to look at . Not knowing what the PO did or not do would make me look at everything. Just how many miles are on this machine ?
What does the fuel tank look like from inside the fill ? does it look clean and shinny or does it look rusty ? And don't ever trust the oil sight glass. Fill the engine with the proper amount and forget about it.!!!!!
Now I know this may sound a bit funny but what do you do for a living. It always helps us to direct someone in repairs if we have some sort of idea of your abilities. Face it; one would not have a roofer do a heart valve job. And we would not want to get you in over your head. Hope this helps you out a bit
Gene Kap.

[Rocketman]

Hi the bike has 41 thousand miles on it and what is the probe?the tank cover is off and there is a wire connector that goes to the display on the tank cover but cant find anywhere to plug it into is that the probe your talking about?