Did I break it?

[GritsNCornbread]

Hi everyone, my name is Tony. About a month ago, I bought an '82 GS650L off of Craigslist. I admittedly don't know jack about older carbureted bikes, although I sure as heck have learned a lot in a month.

The bike wouldn't start after day two and it was leaking gas everywhere, so I removed the carbs and had them cleaned. This morning, I reinstalled them. I opened the petcock and was about to start the bike when I had to run back inside for a moment. Then the lovely and talented informed me that breakfast was ready. I can't resist the smell of bacon, so off I went. About 40 minutes later, I came back to find gas literally running out of the vent tube, and leaking out of a few random orifices.

Needless to say, the bike won't turn over. This is where my ignorance shows... What do I do now? I was told to pull the plugs, close the petcock, and keep cranking to blow the gas out of the cylinders, which I did for about 2 minutes. What am I going to have to do to get this thing started now? I can't imagine I just let it sit for a few hours and it'll just magically start running.

Seriously, thanks.

[Guest]

First thing you need to do is change out the oil.

[1_v8_merc]

Lol, I can almost picture it now....you're walking away thinking "okay Ill let the bike run for a minute real quick, then I'll be right bac..WOOO BACON!!!"

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. GritsNCornbread,

Yes, change the oil because gas has probably leaked into the crankcase and diluted it. Next, get a new petcock. Then go through the maintenance lists you will find in your "mega-welcome".

So, let me dump a TON if information on you and share some GS lovin'.

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", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. 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

[Adler]

Hi Mr. GritsNCornbread,

Yes, change the oil because oil has probably leaked into the crankcase and diluted it. Next, get a new petcock. Then go through the maintenance lists you will find in your "mega-welcome".

I think BassCliff means that gas has probably leaked into the crankcase.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I think BassCliff means that gas has probably leaked into the crankcase.

Oops. Thanks.

Yes, I was thinking one thing and typing another. I fixed my post.


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[GritsNCornbread]

Fantastic! I appreciate the help. I figured an oil change would be in order. After that, I was at a loss. I'll start reading immediately.

[tom203]

Fantastic! I appreciate the help. I figured an oil change would be in order. After that, I was at a loss. I'll start reading immediately.

Understand that petcock has a "P" position (prime) that will let fuel flow to carbs at all times- the other positions are supposed to only let fuel flow when bike is running. Head to Basscliff's and plan to do some reading- it's an invaluable resource!
Put your bike model in your signature- this will help others as you post and revive this CL wonder!

[chuck hahn]

And have a fire extinguiseher at your feet when your cranking on it...and keep one in close proximtiy un till ALL the bugs are worked out. There have been more than several member that can attest they may still have that bike if a extinguisher was close by.

[koolaid_kid]

And have a fire extinguiseher at your feet when your cranking on it...and keep one in close proximtiy un till ALL the bugs are worked out. There have been more than several member that can attest they may still have that bike if a extinguisher was close by.

Amen to that. I do it with every machine I do engine work on. I get some odd looks by observers, but I prefer to be safe.

[loud et]

Yes, go on Bikecliffs site and download the manual..I learned how the petcock operates there, its not as simple as on and off you will find. You will save alot of waiting for answers for common questions with the manual at your fingertips. There is also a section and link one the page for a cheap carb oring kit. On the GSR homepage check the Garage section, there is a carb rebuild series that will give you confidence messing with your carbs and not just turning screws on them and hoping for the best(my former tecnique) bad results.
Clean those plugs change that oil and take your time and do it right, you will get it! Also spend time and use the search tool for the forums, sometimes you have to look around to find your exact answer, but the other things you come across while searching stick in your mind and you remember them later when you need it. Best luck, I have a few I am tryin to "get right" too.

[loud et]

Yes, go on Bikecliffs site and download the manual..I learned how the petcock operates there, its not as simple as on and off you will find. You will save alot of waiting for answers for common questions with the manual at your fingertips. There is also a section and link one the page for a cheap carb oring kit. On the GSR homepage check the Garage section, there is a carb rebuild series that will give you confidence messing with your carbs and not just turning screws on them and hoping for the best(my former tecnique) bad results.
Clean those plugs change that oil and take your time and do it right, you will get it! Also spend time and use the search tool for the forums, sometimes you have to look around to find your exact answer, but the other things you come across while searching stick in your mind and you remember them later when you need it. Best luck, I have a few I am tryin to "get right" too.

I just posted this reply then looked at my signature, and got a laugh....you needed to know why gas won't stay IN YOUR tank...... lol

[GritsNCornbread]

Ok, so real quick... the petcock should be straight down in the on position for normal operation, and the res position for emergencies. The prime position is kind of a special deal, used maybe when you want to drain the tank or something? Yeah, this is how inexperienced I am with carbed bikes...

[BassCliff]

Hi,

I found this on some guy's website:

Where Do These Hoses Go?


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[GritsNCornbread]

Again, thank you. I'm going to see if it'll start tonight after letting it sit overnight and changing the oil. Guess I hadn't found that part yet, since there's SO MUCH info there. Whoever that guy is, he's a genius.