This 550 need to start...

[actamaran]

Hi GS aficionados,

I bought a 1981 GS550e 2 years ago for peanuts and so far it gave me a lot of awesome shed time and learning opportunities. But now I'm dying to ride it.

I've been reading this forum regularly and always found my answers without asking but now that it comes to the crunch I really need your collective help. here is the situation:

· I never heard this engine run;
· Engine wont start even with starter fluid and/or with a drop of fuel in the cylinder;
· Compression is good;
· It turns, races faster for a few seconds like it wants to but then nothing;
· I've got a good spark, Dyna S ignition statically set and new plugs, battery fully charged;
· I've got new intake boots but my carbs haven't been touched yet and need cleaning.
I’m just looking for a sign of life at the moment. If everything was setup right the starter fluid should have started it. But now I'm just left scratching my head.
I overhauled the engine a year ago so it is highly possible I will have stuffed timing. I’m not sure how to look for a problem at the cam level? Any tips?

From what I read about, it might be valves spacing as well? Any tips on how to find out?

Thanks in advance...

S

[Steve]

Plenty of references that are available with simple searches, but let's start with ... where are you? Someone might be near enough to help.

Cam timing is a simple matter of setting the crank to the proper marks (visible on the right end), then aligning the marks on the exhaust cam, counting chain links to the intake cam.

Valve clearances are also relatively simple, but tedious. Since you "overhauled" the engine, you should have set the clearances at that time. Valves NEED to be adjusted before you can expect it to run.

Carbs NEED to be cleaned. You say you have been reading the forum regularly, certainly you have seen MULTIPLE references to cleaning the carbs. PROPERLY. Do it right the first time, you will only have to do it once.

And do your bike a favor. GET RID OF THE STARTING FLUID.

.

[actamaran]

Thanks Steve,

Good advice thanks. I'm in Western Australia, Fremantle area if anywone is around? The carbs are on the bench ready to receive my o-ring kit. They will be cleaned.

Starter fluid was a desperate attempt to get the engine to start. Now that it hasn't worked I can only go back to troubleshooting but I have reached the limits of my knowledge to do it properly.

I was pretty sure the valves and cams where right in the first place so I'm not sure what I am looking for by going back to them?

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. actamaran,

Let me dump a TON of information on you and share some GS lovin'.

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Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", "Top 15 Tips For GS Happiness", the Carb Cleanup Series, and the Stator Papers. All of these tasks must be addressed in order to have a safe, reliable machine. This is what NOT to do: Top 10 Newbie Mistakes. 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. I will put you on my prayer list.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff