Question on carb and exhaust compatability

[bp6987]

I am a cycle newbie and am currently looking for my first bike. I found a used GS550L that I'm interested in. The guy that has it told me he has to pull and clean the carbs every couple hundred miles because they keep fouling. He says that if he pulls the carbs, the bike will run good for a couple hundred miles then the engine won't idle. He has to keep it up around 1500 or 2000 r's or it will kill and may or may not restart. He had the exhaust replaced and was told by the shop that replaced it that it would be fine. He has been told by other people that the carbs need to be rejetted for the new exhaust. He didn't know what kind of exhaust was on the bike now. Also said the jets in the carbs were preset and can't be adjusted or replaced. He has had the carbs apart and I have no idea if he knows what he's doing. Can the different exhaust cause to much or not enough backpressure to mess with the carbs? Is there something else to look at with the carbs? Any help or info is appreciated.

[Steve]

First of all,


Please get that bike and rescue it from a lifetime of misery.

First of all, he is probably not cleaning the parts of the carbs that are dirty. If there is that much crud coming into the carbs, fix it at the source, which is the gas tank. Clean the tank, you will eliminate problems at the carbs. Then, clean the carbs properly, re-assemble them with new o-rings (from cycleorings.com) and be done with it.

Yes, different exhaust can affect the jetting needs in the carbs. None of the carbs that came on GS bikes are "preset and can't be adjusted". Sure, there were some tamper-resistant covers on some, but they can be removed to make the adjustment.

Get the bike, we'll help you make it right.

Oh, since it's not running "right", don't pay what he's asking for it, offer considerably less.

.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. bp6987,

Yes, if it's not running you should get it cheap. If you read everything in the next couple of links, and listen to the experienced folks here, you will be able to save that motorcycle and enjoy a lifetime of two-wheeled pleasure.

I just stopped by to welcome you back to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[bp6987]

Hey guys,
Thanks for the replies and info. The welcome and links are very much appreciated. I will try to contact him and see if he still has it. I'll keep you posted. Thanks again.

[bp6987]

Got the bike

Hi again guys,
Got ahold of him and bought the bike for $400. Brought it home and checked the tank. I pulled it and there doesn't seem to be anything in it. The guy has been chasing a fuel system problem for awhile looking at the bike. The tank has been boiled and coated. The coating inside is bright green and looks ok. (I guess) It has a new fuel filter and all the lines from the shut of valve to the carbs have been replaced. I put fuel in the tank and it was flowing through the filter. I cranked it for about 30 seconds total cranking for 3 or 4 seconds and waiting 30 seconds or so. I did get it to start and run twice but only for 2 or 3 seconds and when it did start, it ran right up to between 2 and 3,000 rpms and quit. I checked the screws in the bottom of the floats and did have fuel at all 4.
Is there something I should try or am I better off just pulling the carbs right away?
Is the coating in the tank normal and ok? I do have pics of the inside of the tank.

[blowerbike]

what year is your mystery suzuki?

[bp6987]

It's a 1982

[blowerbike]

the carb gods can help you now