just got a 1985 GS550E (-ES?) and idle issue

[Dybz]

thanks, wasn't sure about it wanted to double check. carbs are off and seem really clean from the outside. guess i'll look into rebuild kits for them. issue now is that the screws for the rubber boots on the head are lodged in there real tight. already took some metal off one of the screws and stopped right away since they all seem similarly tight. wd40 is safe around rubber right? might try spraying the screws down a bit.

[Mith]

An impact driver is the best way to remove those screws. They probably haven't been out in a while.

[JEEPRUSTY]

thanks, wasn't sure about it wanted to double check. carbs are off and seem really clean from the outside. guess i'll look into rebuild kits for them. issue now is that the screws for the rubber boots on the head are lodged in there real tight. already took some metal off one of the screws and stopped right away since they all seem similarly tight. wd40 is safe around rubber right? might try spraying the screws down a bit.

A pair of vise-grips, prefereably needle nose, along with a stout propelry fitting screw drive should get them out fine.
Awfully hard to get an impast driver in there esp on the nnermost screws.

Robert will sell you nice allen bolts to replace the original screws.

[Dybz]

is bikecliff's website down? was going to order some parts from links on his site, but can't seem to get it to load .

thanks for the info on how to approach the boots. my regular vise-grip pliers were too big, so had to run out and grab some needle nose like jeeprusty said, but they worked like a charm. one screw didn't want to come off, but with a bit of coaxing it came off eventually. going to take the valve cover off to check valves today if i have time, otherwise just going to order filters, orings, and those sorts of things whenever i can get on bikecliff's site. will post some pics later.

non-fuel related question: what is the metal box that is on the left side of the battery box? it seems to have been corroded/rusted out by acid from the battery or something and i would like to replace it but i can't seem to find the part # on any of the sites i have. it has two connections going into it... not sure how to describe it but i can point it out in pics when i get them up, but if anyone knows what i'm talking about help would be appreciated on where i can acquire a new one.

[cowboyup3371]

You might want to post a picture to be sure but I would suspect it could be your r/r.

[Dybz]

ok here we go. in the first pic, it's the little copperish metal box still attached to the battery box. screws/backside of the metal box are corroded and rusty so couldn't get them off. also turned out battery box itself was a bit beat up from PO.

[MelodicMetalGod]

ok here we go. in the first pic, it's the little copperish metal box still attached to the battery box. screws/backside of the metal box are corroded and rusty so couldn't get them off. also turned out battery box itself was a bit beat up from PO.

I cannot recall for certain, but I believe that's the signal relay. Consult the service manual to be sure (I don't have mine handy atm).

[cowboyup3371]

That's your ignitor - provides spark to the coils.

[MelodicMetalGod]

That's your ignitor - provides spark to the coils.

I'd listen to this guy...it's been a long time since I've had to work on my electrical system, so I'm likely rather rusty on that stuff.

[Dybz]

went through service manual and it is indeed the ignitor. bikebandit doesn't have it on their website, any idea where i can pick one up?

[cowboyup3371]

Post a thread in the Parts Wanted section as I'm sure someone will have an extra. Are you sure though it's malfunctioning? May just want to clean it up and repaint if it's okay.

[Dybz]

i'm pretty sure it's NOT malfunctioning, but the back is badly corroded. was just figuring if it wasn't too expensive i'ld just get a new one. i'll try to clean it up today and see what happens.

[Dybz]

nvm, found answer.

[Dybz]

went crazy last night/today and ordered/bought bunch of stuff so i can get the bike tuned up:

morgan vacuum gauge
carb cleaner
carb gaskets/orings
carb fuel drain screws (beat up by PO)
intake boot orings
intake boot allen head screws
new head oil lines (old ones appear to be leaking at metal connections)
orings/gaskets for valve cover (might as well replace when checking valves)
oil filter/orings/gaskets
oil
brake fluid
air filter

going to be a busy week when all this stuff comes in...

[Nessism]

went crazy last night/today and ordered/bought bunch of stuff so i can get the bike tuned up:

morgan vacuum gauge
carb cleaner
carb gaskets/orings
carb fuel drain screws (beat up by PO)
intake boot orings
intake boot allen head screws
new head oil lines (old ones appear to be leaking at metal connections)
orings/gaskets for valve cover (might as well replace when checking valves)
oil filter/orings/gaskets
oil
brake fluid
air filter

going to be a busy week when all this stuff comes in...

Nice job! Doing the job properly will serve you well in the long run.