choke question

[Anonymous]

1980 gs850glt with 55,000 miles.

I really have two questions:\

1) i rebuilt the carbs and fixed the intake leak (o-rings) to stop the rpm problem. Well now after its warmed up it runs great and the rpms stay and do not flucuate. The problem is I do not have that luxury when I first start it with the choke. While the choke is on it will start out nice and easy and then it will start increasing and then go wild at about 3000 rpm. I adjust it down and it will either be ok for just a bit and then increase again or it will die. Once you get it warmed up enough to not have the choke it is fine. What is the problem?

2) I think my cam chain is rattling ( i think) it does not do it all the time. Some days it will rattle and others not. So I am assuming its the cam chain. I see the tension adjuster but did not quite understand how you adjust it and know its not much or you will be doing major damage. Could someone give me a brief "how to"? thanks cj

[SqDancerLynn1]

Having to fiddle with the choke is normal, The cam tensioner is automatic

[Sandy]

Having to fiddle with the choke is normal, The cam tensioner is automatic

Ditto, my GS1000 behaves exactly as you say. I have to readjust the choke a couple of times too. Maybe when starting just pull it part way out if that's all it needs and when the revs start climbing gradually push it back in a bit. After a while you should get used to where exactly it should be.

[Anonymous]

why does the cam chain rattle if the tentioner is automatic. Should it not take up the slack so its not rattling. It does get kind of loud sometimes.

[IanFrancisco]

Search for other threads re the camchain tensioner. The lockscrew should be locked 1/2 to 3/4 turn out so as to not interfere with the action of the tensioner, it's really only there for help with installation. The big knob on the other side is what does the job and the spring has to have enough tension on it to hold the camchain tight. Some people (including me) have had to remove the knob and put another 1/2 to 1 turn on the spring to get the right tension. Allowing the camchain to run slack and slap around in the engine is not good. It can jump a tooth and throw off the valve timing or worse.

[marvinsc]

My 80 850's choke button lever Will NOT stay pulled up. My solution is a short piece of Stiff 3/8" plastic tubing with a slit on 1 side. I pull up the choke and slide the tubing onto the metal shaft. It took a few tries to trim it to the Right length but it works great now. Once she is warmed up I slip off the tube and put it in my tank bag.

[SqDancerLynn1]

My 80 850's choke button lever Will NOT stay pulled up. My solution is a short piece of Stiff 3/8" plastic tubing with a slit on 1 side. I pull up the choke and slide the tubing onto the metal shaft. It took a few tries to trim it to the Right length but it works great now. Once she is warmed up I slip off the tube and put it in my tank bag.

Lift up the rubber dust cover & tighten the friction nut & the knob will stay up