81' rRunning a little rough and backfiring

[Guest]

My 81 GS850GLX is running a little rough until I get up to speed and backfires when I decelerate. I have replaced the plugs and am gearing up to do the carbs, intake boots, etc., but was wondering if there is something I should check/adjust now until I actually start the work.

[tom203]

Clean your carbs properly- it's likely your idle/slow speed circuits are gummed up. Good idea to test petcock to eliminate it as problem; when mine leaked down vacuum hose to #2 carb, I got backfiring in left exhaust at low speed.

[jacksonjeffrey1]

When you say "test the petcock to eliminate it as a problem:, what do you mean exactly? Are you suggesting I check for fuel leaks? Air leaks? What?

[habsdoc]

Petcock

You check to see if you are getting any fuel flowing down the vacuum line. If there is any fuel, you will need a new petcock.

[tkent02]

While you are waiting, adjust the valves. Probably nothing to do with the issue you are having now, but it needs to be done. Actually it could possibly be part of the issue you are having. Either way it needs to be done.

[Triam]

While you are waiting, adjust the valves. Probably nothing to do with the issue you are having now, but it needs to be done. Actually it could possibly be part of the issue you are having. Either way it needs to be done.

I love how that's everyone's default advice on this site. Valves are nearly worshiped. I told my friend that got me into riding that he should adjust his valves (He's had the bike for 5 years now and still hasn't even checked the clearances) and he thinks I'm blowing smoke.
Doing a complete valve job on his pitted valves will be fun.

[hjfisk]

I love how that's everyone's default advice on this site. Valves are nearly worshiped. I told my friend that got me into riding that he should adjust his valves (He's had the bike for 5 years now and still hasn't even checked the clearances) and he thinks I'm blowing smoke.
Doing a complete valve job on his pitted valves will be fun.

If you have been hanging around for a while , then you already know that there is a whole list of default advise . It is called the top ten Noob mistakes. Also your welcome package from. Bascliff is a great way to navigate your way through the list. Read it, live it and you and your bike will love it.