GS 500 only runs on choke

['79 550]

My 79 550 starts nicely, but only runs when the choke is on. As soon as I twist the throttle (even while keeping the choke on), the engine will die out. The bike will even idle without the choke sometimes, but as soon as I twist the throttle, dead again.

Any suggestions?

[chuckycheese]

Too bad

I think it could be several different things but the sad fact of the matter is that you're going to have to take your carbs off and clean them. I had a similar problem with a Yamaha and a good cleaning made it run like new.

You may never discover exactly what the problem is but once you take off the carbs, you'll want to do a thorough job. Good luck and I'll bet it will run great when you're done!

[spots25]

yup, carb cleaning time. Probably got some plugged jets

[Guest]

While you have the carbs off, change the O rings for the intake.

['79 550]

Okay, will try. Thanks for the suggestion.

['79 550]

Wow, took me a while to get to this project.

Cleaned carbs and changed O-rings, but still the same problem. Anything else I might be missing?

Thanks.

[earlfor]

Did you soak the bare carb bodies in carb cleaner overnight, or did you use a spray can of carb cleaner. Spray cans are worthless for cleaning out gummed carbs.

Earl

Wow, took me a while to get to this project.

Cleaned carbs and changed O-rings, but still the same problem. Anything else I might be missing?

Thanks.