Engine RPMs racing once it warms up

[ERJpilot]

So I recently bought an 82 GS450 that I knew would need a little work but I think I got more than I bargained for. The bike started up and ran fine when I took a test drive but it was really slow to come down to idle once it got warmed up.

After trying to drive it home the engine started racing and wouldn't come down so I was having to kill it since I was afraid it would over rev. After stopping and parking the bike fuel was just pouring out of the carb.

Long story short, bike was trailered home, and I figured I had a float sticking. I used a ton if carb cleaner, then pulled off the carb to clean it. Still had fuel leaking out once it got warmed up. Then I took the carb off and dipped it and let it soak and just put it back on the bike. Once again, it starts fine, sounds fine, but is a little slow to come back to idle. I took it for a spin and after about 5 min of riding the engine will just refuse to come back to idle and eventually it will just start running higher and higher rpms.

Help! I'm not sure what to do, I've replaced o rings and seals, but I'm not sure I have the mechanical know how to adjust valve clearances or if that would even fix the problem...

[Nessism]

Sell the bike and buy something newer. Wrenching isn't for everyone.

[Jagir]

sounds like an air leak

[ERJpilot]

Sell the bike and buy something newer. Wrenching isn't for everyone.

Well I must say that is the most dissapointing advice I think I could have been given. I may not have the current knowledge or experience of some with "wrenching" but I didn't say I don't enjoy it...

[Jagir]

and it sounds like Nessism is having a rough day. You can do it.

[Guest]

Sell the bike and buy something newer. Wrenching isn't for everyone.

Dang dude, smoke a doobie!

[Nessism]

Me no smoke anything for about 20 years now.

[GSXXZRX]

Me no smoke anything for about 20 years now.

That may be the problem.

[sparki]

Me no smoke anything for about 20 years now.

you may wanna take it up again......

[Larry D]

Well.....I just smoked a big one, so, let's see if I can help.....just kidding....

Is the bike stock ? Do you have the airbox/air filter ? Is the airbox sealed well ?

Any bike of this vintage is going to need some maintenence to get it road worthy. First thing is to completely dissasemble the carbs, dip 'em and reassemble with new o-rings. you're in luck as you only have two instead of four. Spraying some carb cleaner is NOT enough to get them clean inside. When you have them apart, check the jetting to ensure that someone hasn't changed them for whatever reason.

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

http://www.cycleorings.com/

After that, I'd adjust the valves, check the electrics, chain and sprockets, brakes, etc.....

Spend some time here reading everything you can. Use the search feature and search high idle, idling fast, etc.....

It does sound like you have an air leak on the intake side. Although not sure why it would only show up after the bike is warm.

[Viperman300]

whoa whoa

First off, congrats on the purchase. I believe you have just entered in to the wonderful world of gs bikes and you've come to the right place. Don't listen to the downers that say sell it or whatever. Obviously you are on this forum because you have an interset in fixing the bike and doing it yourself. Anyone can do it with a little help. I may not have the answers for you but keep checking back. I have gotten great advice from many on this forum, you just have to sort through the crap sometimes.

[Nessism]

Tip of the day #1: Using the Advanced Search...

Click "Search" and then "Advanced Search", type "idle" and then click "Titles Only", submit search and start reading.

Number one reason for a hanging idle is leaking intake boot O-rings. Number two reason is misadjusted pilot mixture screws (too lean).

Tip of the day #2: 30 year old GS bikes need basic maintenance...

Valve adjustments, and similar maintenance, is NOT optional. You will destroy the bike by neglecting items like this. If you have no intention of doing things like valve adjustments you would be wise to sell the bike and get something that won't require so much work.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. ERJpilot,

I am afraid Mr. Nessism is right. You can't be afraid to take matters into your own hands when you have a 30 year old motorcycle, abused and neglected, that needs lots of TLC. Many new members show up here looking for a "silver bullet" quick fix and bemoan their lack of tools, lack of funds, lack of expertise, lack of whatever. These are not the bikes for those riders. GS riders must roll up their sleeves, read the manual, do the research, ask the questions, obtain the tools and experience, and, by golly, win one for the Gipper!

The task lists in your "mega-welcome" are guaranteed to lead you down the path of GS nirvana, if you take no shortcuts. If you deviate from the path, your way will be fraught with frustration and disappointment. You will not experience the joy of riding. Instead you will be stranded on the side of the path wishing you would have fixed it right the first time. Let us begin....

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ERJpilot]

I'm not too worried about messing it up more to not try the "heavier maintenance", after all it is 30 years old, and I did buy it pretty cheap. I guess the next step is to check and adjust the valve clearances, and continue following the great selection of links on here. After all, that was the first time I've disassembled and cleaned a carb and it all seemed to go back together just fine without and extra parts.

I was pretty detailed with the carb cleaning, following all the advice and the step by step instructions I could find. I didn't take any shortcuts with the cleaning of the carbs, I just haven't continued on to the next steps yet...

[legaleli]

ERJpilot,

You'll find all the gurus here awesome - (including Nessism, whom I owe my gratitude for his advice and many beer if I ever meet him!)

My bike, which I recently bought, would be set up in my garage without me ever being on the back. I have a ways to go before my bike is ready for a log trip... but these guys (and my wrenches) are going to get it done.

Read Bascliff's site.

Have fun man!