1980 GS850G won't idle anymore

[Serpae]

Hi again.

I bought my 1980 GS850G about 3 months ago. Put about 2000 miles on it riding back and forth to work (about 5 miles) and longer trips on the weekends. Even rode it up to Americade in Lake George and back to Norwich, CT (about 500 miles on back roads) with no problems.

I always had to use the choke to start her, but it has steadily become worse, having to choke longer and more severly in order to achieve an idle.

Now I can't get her down past 3000 rpm without her steadily winding down and stalling. If I ride her with an alligator clip holding the choke up, the choke eventually slips down and she stalls whenever I come to a stop if I don't keep the throttle open.

I've looked through the other threads and have found similar situations, but none that were the same as this. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

[robertbarr]

Do you have rust problems in your fuel tank? Have you tried draining a carb bowl or two to get a snapshot of the amount (if any) of grunge / rust in the bowls?

[dpep]

It sounds like you may have an air leak. Could be around your intakes. Could be your air box. 850's are notoriously picky about their air supply. For starters make sure that airbox is well sealed. Use weatherstripping to replace the gasket for the door. Could be your intake rubber on either side of the carbuerators is old and stiff and not maintaining a seal, or maybe they just need tightening.

[Darci]

Hi again.

I bought my 1980 GS850G about 3 months ago. Put about 2000 miles on it riding back and forth to work (about 5 miles) and longer trips on the weekends. Even rode it up to Americade in Lake George and back to Norwich, CT (about 500 miles on back roads) with no problems.

I always had to use the choke to start her, but it has steadily become worse, having to choke longer and more severly in order to achieve an idle.

Now I can't get her down past 3000 rpm without her steadily winding down and stalling. If I ride her with an alligator clip holding the choke up, the choke eventually slips down and she stalls whenever I come to a stop if I don't keep the throttle open.

I've looked through the other threads and have found similar situations, but none that were the same as this. Your advice is greatly appreciated.

Have you checked your intake manifolds? If there is the slightest crack in those things, air will escape and cause a major problem!!!

Also, have you checked the condition of the plugs??? Are they fouled??

[Guest]

Besides air leaks also check your valve clearances.