• Required reading for all forum users!!!

    Welcome!
    Register to access the full functionality of the GSResources forum. Until you register and activate your account you will not have full forum access, nor will you be able to post or reply to messages.

    A note to new registrants...
    All new forum registrations must be activated via email before you have full access to the forum.

    A Special Note about Email accounts!
    DO NOT SIGN UP USING hotmail, outlook, gmx, sbcglobal, att, bellsouth or email.com. They delete our forum signup emails.

    A note to old forum members...
    I receive numerous requests from people who can no longer log in because their accounts were deleted. As mentioned in the forum FAQ, user accounts are deleted if you haven't logged in for the past 6 months. If you can't log in, then create a new forum account. If you don't get an error message, then check your email account for an activation message. If you get a message stating that the email address is already in use, then your account still exists so follow the instructions in the forum FAQ for resetting your password.

    Have you forgotten your password or have a new email address? Then read the forum FAQ for details on how to reset it.

    Any email requests for "can't log in anymore" problems or "lost my password" problems will be deleted. Read the forum FAQ and follow the instructions there - that's what we have one for...

  • Returning Visitors

    If you are a returning visitor who never received your confirmation email, then odds are your email provider is blockinig emails from our server. The only thing that can be done to get around this is you will have to try creating another forum account using an email address from another domain.

    If you are a returning visitor to the forum and can't log in using your old forum name and password but used to be able to then chances are your account is deleted. Purges of the databases are done regularly. You will have to create a new forum account and you should be all set.

The Carb Cleaning Nightmare

  • Thread starter Thread starter Norseman
  • Start date Start date
N

Norseman

Guest
Well, the odyssey continues... First carb (#1) I worked on - broken float post. Well, fixed that with help from the forum. Second carb I just started - another broken float post (right through the hole that takes the pin shoulder) but the pin was reversed by whoever did it and seems to hold pretty tight. But I also discovered a screwed-up pilot jet, no slot left in head after Helen Keller had worked on it (who knows who did?). I ended up using an extractor, but the head of the pilot jet is trashed (how anyone can manage to destroy a jet that simply needs to be gently screwed in is beyond me). Who knows what I will discover on the two remaining carbs :confused: .

My question to you folks is; do dealerships sell just one pilot jet or will I have to buy an entire kit? I am going to stay OEM, the bike is entirely stock. I'm not sure which Mikuni I have, but the bike is a 1981 GS650GL.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Norseman.
 
You can buy pilot jets by the each. I just hope they have your size. Try any local bike shop. These CV carbs were used ALOT. I use on-line parts dealer Dennis Kirk for jets. They even exchange jets. But if you can find them locally I would.
 
Thanks...

Thanks...

Thanks, Pearson and Chef. I will call the dealership (Motorcity Power Sports; they're the largest in the Detroit area) and see if either they have one in stock or can order one. The reason I posted tonight is really for peace of mind - and you gave me peace, Chef. Money is tight right now, and I was worried I'd have to spend alot.

I'm about to open the last two carbs, hopefully no unpleasant surprises...

Norseman
 
More Problems

More Problems

Well, I got the last two carbs disassembled (almost). Third carb has an air screw that won't budge, I have it soaking in PB Blaster overnight, try it again in the morning. Perhaps a little heat applied to the outside of carb would do the trick :confused: ?

Fourth carb has another destroyed pilot jet head - once again used screw extractor and got it out without damage to carb body.

The good news is carbs 3 & 4 have good float posts. It's really a no-brainer getting the pin out using a small socket to support the post with the pin head, and gently tapping.

Are messed up pilot jets and frozen air screws common problems? Or am I having extraordinary problems here? :shock:

Norseman
 
You are not alone so don't feel bad Do you know what size the pilot jet is ??
 
Are messed up pilot jets and frozen air screws common problems? Or am I having extraordinary problems here? :shock:

Norseman

Well I was starting to feel good about my carb rebuild and I remembered the hairline fracture that caused a good size fuel leak and resultant hair loss with my carbs. :shock: A quick dab of solder eventually fixed me up and I got a new bowl off a member for cheap! So I guess problems are pretty common with these carbs, but fortunately so are parts.
 
Well, the odyssey continues...
Norseman.

Sounds like just another day in the life of a carb cleaning. Be Paticeint. My down fall was rushing it, having to do it over and having 4 dealerships within a mile. $$$$. Shop around and use the resources.
 
They're BS32SS's. They were used on the GS550, 650, and 850. they're common. almost to the point of hilarity.

sounds like your set is completely trashed. go hunt down a new set.
 
They're BS32SS's. They were used on the GS550, 650, and 850. they're common. almost to the point of hilarity.

sounds like your set is completely trashed. go hunt down a new set.
Oh yeah, and 750s.
 
norseman: yes it is a common problem and like you i had to extract pilots as well, it should give you good start at bonding with your bike though. take care by not leaving any non metalic parts in your carb cleaner. lots of great guys and gals on this site with lots of great knowledge and info. good luck and keep us posted. ikazuki
 
Thanks for the encouragement

Thanks for the encouragement

Well, I'm done, short of waiting for the pilot jets I ordered today - $5 per, not a big deal. I had to hand clean (using carb cleaner) the body where the air screw is stuck, but dipped all the parts (brass, of course).

I did post another thread about the importance of one air screw not being adjustable, probably should have just added the question to this thread, apologize for that. I have to admit I'm relieved that so many others have experienced the same issues - misery loves company, I guess :) .

Anyway, thanks so much for all your advice and encouragement, couldn't have done it without you all. I will say this much, while it may be frustrating during the process, I know my carbs now and have the satisfaction of doing it myself (with your help). The dealerships are helpful in obtaining parts, but when it comes to questions on these older bikes, they REALLY don't have a clue...

Now the real challenge begins - tuning and adjusting. But then again, so many of you have posted very helpful info and resources on the subject, I believe I'll learn that as well!

Norseman
GS650GLX
 
Back
Top