Weak spark, no turn signals or horn

[Zook1100]

Now that I've installed a manual petcock to replace two faulty OEM ones I've been fighting with, yet another gremlin has crept into my 82 GS1100L. The problem must've started while I was struggling with the no fuel problem from my second OEM petcock. Now that I've confirmed that fuel is flowing properly, the engine will crank and crank real strong but it won't fire. I checked the spark on both sides of the engine (in other words, from each of the two coils), and it's very weak - I can barely see it. Also while fighting the no fuel problem, my turn signals stopped working. I am also unable to use the horn (a compact air horn instead of the original). All of the fuses are good, and replacing the battery with an almost new spare didn't help. Replacing the turn signal relay with a known good spare also had no effect.

Each of these items - the coils, the turn signals, the air horn - all require a decent amount of power to run, so I wondered if they're all somehow related to a common cause. But then again, the starter requires a fair amount of power, too, and it cranks the motor beautifully. I'm not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions? Now that I've picked up an '01 Savage for my girlfriend to ride, I've got to get the GS working soon or she'll be riding off without me...

 

[tom203]

Now that I've installed a manual petcock to replace two faulty OEM ones I've been fighting with, yet another gremlin has crept into my 82 GS1100L. But then again, the starter requires a fair amount of power, too, and it cranks the motor beautifully. I'm not sure where to go from here. Any suggestions? Now that I've picked up an '01 Savage for my girlfriend to ride, I've got to get the GS working soon or she'll be riding off without me...

Maybe that's her plan! Anyways, your starter works well so your battery is strong; but your connections from fusebox up to key switch and back to coils, lights ,etc are suspect. Doesn't take much to activate starter solenoid, but the other stuff requires decent voltage. Clean up all connections- do you have a multimeter?

 

[Zook1100]

Yes, I have a multimeter, but aside from voltage checks I'm not all that familiar with how to use it. What you say goes along with my experience, though - the bike's been sitting, since I've been afraid to ride it while it's been prone to dumping everything in the gas tank anywhere I might shut it off, and connections like that can go bad while sitting.

 

[tom203]

Yes, I have a multimeter, but aside from voltage checks I'm not all that familiar with how to use it. What you say goes along with my experience, though - the bike's been sitting, since I've been afraid to ride it while it's been prone to dumping everything in the gas tank anywhere I might shut it off, and connections like that can go bad while sitting.

Well, I hope you've solved your petcock/ fuel problem. Lots of connections to clean on these old bikes- follow the link to Basscliff's site and you'll find the place to get started.Get familiar with that multimeter, cuz it will offer lots of clues as you ponder suzuki's wiring habits.