'83 gs550 Not firing on one cylinder

[Bshipe]

Hi all,

I'm back at trying to get this bike up and running now that it's getting nicer out. I rebuilt the carburetors and petcock and got them buttoned up. I got the bike running and with a little throttle help I can keep it going. However, it won't continue to idle on its own. I checked the pipes and #3 is not hot. I checked spark and compression and both were strong (150+ psi).

Not sure where to go from here. The manual says that the same coil operates cylinders #2 and #3. #2 seems to be firing fine so I don't think it's the coil. Is there any way to check/adjust the timing on these or is it all electronic?

What do you think?

[Dj66]

If you checked for spark and found it,then your problem is not in the ignition system.

[Bshipe]

I assume my timing could be off enough to not allow the cylinder to fire.

[JEEPRUSTY]

Hi all,

I'm back at trying to get this bike up and running now that it's getting nicer out. I rebuilt the carburetors and petcock and got them buttoned up. I got the bike running and with a little throttle help I can keep it going. However, it won't continue to idle on its own. I checked the pipes and #3 is not hot. I checked spark and compression and both were strong (150+ psi).

Not sure where to go from here. The manual says that the same coil operates cylinders #2 and #3. #2 seems to be firing fine so I don't think it's the coil. Is there any way to check/adjust the timing on these or is it all electronic?

What do you think?

it is all electronic

[Bshipe]

So what are the options here. Obviously I could have an issue with a carb again. What else could be the culprit?

[steve murdoch]

If you have spark on that cylinder and it is not running i would look at the carb being the culprit.

[tkent02]

Did you synchronize the carburetors?

[JEEPRUSTY]

It could be a leaking petcock diaphragm. The tube for the vacuum goes to the number 3 and if its sucking gas then it could be flooding number 3 cylinder.

[tkent02]

Is it number 3 on an '83 550?

[JEEPRUSTY]

yeah im sure it is.

[tkent02]

OK, cool.

[JEEPRUSTY]

Check the plug on #3 and swap it for another cylinder if its wet.
If the petcock is leaking then you will find that the dry one you ut in will be wet again.

[Bshipe]

I'll check tomorrow. I have the feeling I will be pulling these carbs again though. This time I will probably boil in lemon water instead of soaking in a carb cleaner bucket though.

[JEEPRUSTY]

add a bit of garlic too

[Bshipe]

haha. I may do that just because I love the smell! On a serious note, The petcock was so gummed up I couldn't even move the lever. I tried the lemon juice trick for the first time and it's nearly as good as new.