n00b needs serious help...

[MaxYax]

So I bought a '78 GS 1000 yesterday. The thing was immaculate, chrome was perfect, and it even had a nice rack on the back. The place I bought it was about two hours from my house, so the wife drove me up so I could ride it back down.

Here is where the problems start.

About 45 min. into the ride it starts stalling on me at stop lights. Then it gets this "dead spot" at about 1/3 throttle. The thing acts like it's starving for fuel, then takes off on me. I tried to take it to the store last night and it about left me stranded.

Then I go out this morning and check the thing out a little closer. The air filter wasn't even connected to the airbox on the carbs, and now it's smoking while at (rough) idle.

I don't know where to start. I was going to take it to the local dealership and have them sinc the carbs and adjust the timing, but with it smoking now, I'm not sure just how screwed I am?

What do the gurus of the GS forum think?

[TheCafeKid]

First, how mechanically inclined are you? If you can change your oil, you can work on your bike. DO NOT take it to the stealership. If the dont laugh at you, they will screw you, maybe both! You need to do the following:


Adjust the valves
Take the carbs apart and clean them, and install new orings in them
Replace the intake boot orings
Replace the airbox boots
Check the electrical and charging system

Do THESE things, and, if its running well enough to ride but leave you stranded, chances are, you'll be just fine... There are pleanty here to help you, guide you and inform you. The Search function is your friend, and so is a MANUAL...

[Nessism]

I agree with Cafe (Josh).

You bought yourself a 30 year old vehicle, it is going to need maintenance. I've bought six different GS bikes so far and after purchase the bikes went straight into the garage for all the stuff Josh mentioned. Do the work up front and the bike will run reliably thereafter. Take it to the dealership and you will wind up in the poor house, and if you wait for things to break before you do the work, you are going to get stranded on the road somewhere. Learn to wrench on the bike, that's part of owning an old vehicle.

[twr1776]

Today 11:36 AM
TheCafeKid First, how mechanically inclined are you? If you can change your oil, you can work on your bike. DO NOT take it to the stealership. If the dont laugh at you, they will screw you, maybe both! You need to do the following:
Adjust the valves
Take the carbs apart and clean them, and install new orings in them
Replace the intake boot orings
Replace the airbox boots
Check the electrical and charging system
Do THESE things, and, if its running well enough to ride but leave you stranded, chances are, you'll be just fine... There are pleanty here to help you, guide you and inform you. The Search function is your friend, and so is a MANUAL...

+1 on the above, I would re-attach the airbox first and also check the inside of the tank for rust, & the petcock screen to be sure it is clean and the petcock is working correctly. Usually replacing the petcock on a new to you bike is pretty much required if you are unsure if it has been replaced before. As TCK mentioned a service manual is a must.

[ALB80-850]

+1 with Josh's suggestions. May take a little more time, but a ton less money.

[MaxYax]

O.K., thanks, fellas. Yes, I am mechanically inclined enough to do that. I have always done my own maintenance and such things on my other bike ('85 Xl600R).

I'll pick up a service manual on Monday, that should help, huh?

Quick question. Does adjusting the valves or carb related work require any specialty tools?

P.S. Sorry about not using the search function, I just really needed to rant a little. When I bought it I was assured that it had "just been tuned up". Yeah, right.

[Big T]

Carbs don't need any special tools to disassemble, just the sync tool

See the Carb Clean up for VM Carbs

Valves need the valve shim tool, however, there is a zip tie method

A VOM is needed to check the charging system

Go here

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

for a manual and instructions on how to just about everything GS related

[Poot]

O.K., thanks, fellas. Yes, I am mechanically inclined enough to do that. I have always done my own maintenance and such things on my other bike ('85 Xl600R).

I'll pick up a service manual on Monday, that should help, huh?

Quick question. Does adjusting the valves or carb related work require any specialty tools?

P.S. Sorry about not using the search function, I just really needed to rant a little. When I bought it I was assured that it had "just been tuned up". Yeah, right.

You will need a special tool for doing the valve clearance, like this one from motion pro http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000UKIN8Q/...Q&linkCode=asn

Apart from that, I'd say get a clymers manual...I find them a bit better, and a Suzuki manual if you can get one is better still I've heard.

Your 1000 is pretty close to my '80 850, and I can tell you that things aren't hard to do, especially with the forum.

It will be fine in no time.


POOT

[sachsaca]

I brought a 30 year old 79 GS 1000 L and in the same boat. These things are hammers. Just take the time needed to get it right. Read these posts before you ask alot of question. You will probably get the info needed, I save alot to my memory stick and read it at work. BassCliff will get you a welcome to the family pack when he can but he's banged up. There is almost all you need it that. Again patience is the key point and it will pay off. These guys are great and know more than you can ever imagine.
Sachsaca

[ryonker]

If I can do it, you can.

I did my 79 750 last year with the help of the forum and I had NO prior MC repair experience.

I had so much fun I bought a 78 750 to do it all over again !

Unless your ignition has been upgraded, you will also want to replace the points and condensors.

Rick

[MaxYax]

Sorry about not using the search function guys!

Thanks for the encouragement everybody. I figured I would start with the easiest and cheapest method I could think of, so I bought a can of carb cleaner, pulled the float bowl drain screws out and sprayed the hell out of each carb.

She now runs great!

Next up is a valve adjustment, and a little electrical work!

Again, thanks.

[rustybronco]

OOOWWwww, another Metro Detroiter!!! welcome aboard.

I work with an Andy Yax.

[MaxYax]

OOOWWwww, another Metro Detroiter!!! welcome aboard.

I work with an Andy Yax.

Um, really? Maybe you should PM me, cuz that's my name!

[rustybronco]

You can't be in two places at once!

he lives near Port Huron. small world indeed.