choke

[jpk928]

Hello. I recently purchased a 81 gs550 and every now and then I have a prob starting it. I always use the choke and I'm wondering if I don't need to use the choke every time or less of it because of the hot weather here...been in the 90's pretty much every day. Any suggestions are appreciated.

[chef1366]

You may need less choke.
Play around with the setting on it. You'll find the sweet spot.
Is the valve clearance in spec?

[Ghostgs1]

Hello. I recently purchased a 81 gs550 and every now and then I have a prob starting it. I always use the choke and I'm wondering if I don't need to use the choke every time or less of it because of the hot weather here...been in the 90's pretty much every day. Any suggestions are appreciated.

If you need the choke even when the engine is hot, you probably need to clean the carbs and may want to check the valves clearances as well. Basscliff's site has an excellent pictorial for rebuilding the carbs as well as a write up on valve adjustment I believe. Ray

[Steve]

Good suggestions so far, but also be sure you are using the "choke" correctly.

When using the "choke", do NOT play with the throttle. In fact, do not even touch the grip.

The "choke" system is actually an enrichener, not a plate that physically chokes the intake, like cars used to do. If you open the throttle at all, you will eliminate the high vacuum that it takes to draw fuel and air through the enrichment ("choke") system.

.

[nejeff]

You may have a lean condition caused by poor carb boots or boot o-rings and the choke compensates for it. If they are leaking they are sucking in too much air and need the extra gas that choke provides. Mine is same way but I'll be putting on the new boots/rings this week

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

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[tom203]

Hello. I recently purchased a 81 gs550 and every now and then I have a prob starting it. I always use the choke and I'm wondering if I don't need to use the choke every time or less of it because of the hot weather here...been in the 90's pretty much every day. Any suggestions are appreciated.

During a "cold start", does it start right up with "choke" and after warm up, idle happily at 1200 rpm? Try using partial "choke" during warm starts and see if it comes to life easier.

[jpk928]

thanks for all of the suggestions... I appreciate it.