Newbie help

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  • TheBuddha
    • Jan 2026

    #1

    Newbie help

    First time rider, bought a 1982 GS650L last summer. She rode great, and I stored her over the winter. Unfortunately, my na?vet? caused some problems as I listened to the previous owner who had told me to use "pri" on the petcock for storage.

    Needless to say, the tank was empty last week when I tried to start her, and an oil change produced a mix of gas and oil drained out.

    What kind of problems might I have caused by my stupidity? I'm assuming I'll need to take the carbs apart, but what should I be looking for in terms of damage I'll need to repair?

    thanks in advance for any and all advice
  • dorkburger
    Forum LongTimer
    Past Site Supporter
    • Jan 2013
    • 10769
    • Stupid Freehold Boro NJ

    #2
    Mainly you cost yourself an oil and filter change, plus a tank of gas. If the carbs and petcock had no previous problems, you might be ok.
    Prime position means the petcock is always open, and if left there with the engine off eventually gravity will overcome the carb needles, fill the carbs, leak into the cylinder, then on to the oilpan.... "On" or "reserve" positions open the petcock when it recipes vauuum from the engine, and closes it when the vacuum goes away (engine off)

    Change the oil and filter, put gas in and try it. Many here have done it, but not usually all winter....
    sigpic
    When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

    Glen
    -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
    -Rusty old scooter.
    Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
    https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
    https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

    Comment

    • Burque73
      Forum Sage
      Past Site Supporter
      • Mar 2016
      • 4710
      • Albuquerque, NM

      #3
      Yep, done that! Luckily trying to start the engine didn't damage anything. It could though. In my case too an oil and filter change was about it. Oh, cleaned the air box out and re-oiled the filter.
      Roger

      '83 GS850G Daily rider
      '82 GS1100GK Work in (slow) progress

      Comment

      • dorkburger
        Forum LongTimer
        Past Site Supporter
        • Jan 2013
        • 10769
        • Stupid Freehold Boro NJ

        #4
        Ive laid in bed at night and suddenly had to make a run to the garage to check a few times.....
        sigpic
        When consulting the magic 8 ball for advice, one must first ask it "will your answers be accurate?"

        Glen
        -85 1150 es - Plus size supermodel.
        -Rusty old scooter.
        Other things I like to photograph.....instagram.com/gs_junkie
        https://www.instagram.com/glen_brenner/
        https://www.flickr.com/photos/152267...7713345317771/

        Comment

        • Sam 78 GS750
          Forum Mentor
          Past Site Supporter
          • Aug 2014
          • 440
          • New Jersey

          #5
          You didn't start the bike, so you should be good. Like others have said, just an oil/filter change and fill up your gas tank.
          sigpic

          Check out my rebuild thread here: https://www.thegsresources.com/_foru...GS-750-Rebuild

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