I have no compression in cylender 1.

[Guest]

Hi my name is mitchell i have posted a couple different times, i do apologize. I am looking to get some help on my 1982 gs850l. If someone could help me im in the pittsburgh area of Pennsylvania, i would greatly appriciate any help i could get. Thanks

[Flyboy]

Welcome to the nuthouse, here you will find all the GS information you could ever wish to digest, the guys here know these bikes inside out and have years of experience working on them and keeping them in top shape.
They are more than willing to share there knowledge and know how, take heed and listen to the advise they give and you are on your way to GS happiness.
One thing you have to realise, owning a classic motorcycle means that you have to be able to work on your classic motorcycle, there is always a heap of maintenance that needs to be done and the best person to do it is you.
If you don't know how, but are willing to listen and learn, that is good, it is no train smash, you will get there, besides you will get to know your bike intimately.
If you don't know and are not interested in learning then better to get rid of it and buy something newer, those are the cold hard facts.

So firstly, do you have any mechanical ability, are you able to work on the bike yourself?

Secondly, do you have a workshop manual for your bike? If not I suggest you go and download one here

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

While you are there, browse around and you will see a list of all the maintenance items that need doing to make sure your bike is reliable and safe, it is a gold mine of GS information.

Thirdly, no matter what the shop told you, shops, like PO's lie, we don't believe a word they say, and neither should you.

Now let us see if we can address the problem;
Does the bike start and run?
First thing, do you have compression numbers, have you done a compression test, if not, that is the place to start.
Let us see what the actual numbers say, they tell the story, and give us a picture of what is going on, what you may call no compression, may be low compression.
Remember to keep the throttle wide open when doing the compression test.
We take it from there.
You have been advised by numerous members to check your valve clearances, tale heed, but we will get to that, get us those numbers first.

[Steve]

Have you checked your valve clearances, as suggested in your previous thread?

.

[tkent02]

I think the "shop" checked them, which leads me to worry about it. They are in the business of selling newer bikes, not prolonging the useulness of old ones. Misadjust a couple shims, voila, no compression, sell the kid a rebuild. Oh, that $2,400 rebuild is too much, just buy a new bike! Sign right here, it won't cost you nothin until next year!

Woo hooo! It's fast!

And another great old motorcycle bites the dust.

[Zavallo62]

Hi guys, thanks for all the advice so far. I have no clue how to check valve vlearance, or do a compression test. I was told by the bike i may need a new piston and ring in cylendar 1 only. I will not be going back to that shop tho, they tore me a new one. I am not very mechanically inclined, but very willing to learn.

[Killer2600]

Hi guys, thanks for all the advice so far. I have no clue how to check valve vlearance, or do a compression test. I was told by the bike i may need a new piston and ring in cylendar 1 only. I will not be going back to that shop tho, they tore me a new one. I am not very mechanically inclined, but very willing to learn.

Pick up some tools and a service manual for your bike and dive in. Professional motorcycle techs are expensive for newer bikes and more expensive for old bikes. Any good shop you go to will "tear you a new one" so it's better to DIY an old bike and warranty a new one

[Zavallo62]

I have both but i do not know how to check my compression or trouble shoot my problem.

[cowboyup3371]

Instructions for doing everything can be found in the service manual and other how to guides found on Basscliff's site - http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff

[Zavallo62]

Ok i am going to tear it apart when i get home can i see anything from the sprak plug hole before i tear it apart?

[tkent02]

Check the compression yourself. Then check the valve clearance.

Easy stuff.

[Zavallo62]

are there any instructional videos on how to do that?

[tkent02]

have you looked at Cliff's site yet?

Everything is there.

[storm 64]

Mr. Vavallo where are you located? Someone might be able to swing on by and help you...

[Flyboy]

Here you go.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uj8YDwlILwY

[storm 64]

Never mind I see your in the Pittsburgh aria... I might be able to help.