Rotted Carbs?

[jschatte]

I am looking at buying a 1981 GS650 (shaftdrive) but it does not run. the owner says it has good compression, but the gas tank and carbs are rotted out. Is it worth the trouble to get this running? What all would i need to get this engine running again?

Thanks alot,
Josh

[koolaid_kid]

The carbs can be rebuilt for less than $50 (by yourself), but the tank will probably have to be de-rusted and then some type of coating applied. If the tank is rusted through you may have to replace it.
Then you will also have to check the ignition and the valves. After that, the charging system and wiring harness will have to be checked out and repaired as necessary. Flush the brake systems, check the tires (which may be too old to be safe), and you should be GTG.
And welcome to the forum, btw.

[Nessism]

It will take a lot of work, but it's easily doable. Do you enjoy wrenching, and are you willing to learn?

[jschatte]

I thought I could do it with a rebuild kit, but the owner suggested that they be replaced as he figures the jets are corroded as well. It has been sitting a few years. As for the gas tank and such, that is no big deal. I am actually going to be removing this engine and putting it in a dune buggy. So yes you can say I enjoy wrenching haha. The 340 sled engine I currently have in there does not run very great or have alot of power. Pics if you guys are interested:

http://schattenkirk.com/images/Go%20Cart/go_cart.htm

So where could I find a rebuild kit for the carbs?

Thanks for the super quick replies!

[Nessism]

cycleorings.com for carb kits

[koolaid_kid]

Jets seldom corrode. go to cycleorings.com and get the oring set for about $15 delivered. Get a set of fuel bowl gaskets from Z1Enterprises. That bike also has an oring between the boot and the head, so get those from cycleorings as well. Find the instructions on BassCliff's site, get some carb dip, and go to town.
Sorry, Nessism, you beat me to it.

[jschatte]

Wow Basscliffs site is awesome! any information I would need to know. I guess i have a bike to go purchase !

[Nessism]

The 340 sled engine I currently have in there does not run very great or have alot of power. Pics if you guys are interested:

http://schattenkirk.com/images/Go%20Cart/go_cart.htm

I'd look for a bigger engine! GS1000 or bust!

[jschatte]

I think the 650 will be more than enough. 73hp/40lbft torque is perfect for that chassis. If I wanted to go faster I would use the '06 GSXR 750 engine I have sitting in my shed .

[gtsg01]

The 650 shaft engine will be more work than it's worth! There is no practical way to convert it to drive the sprocket that is on your axle.

Unless you are planning on turning the motor sideways in the chassis, I would look for a chain drive engine.

[jschatte]

The 650 shaft engine will be more work than it's worth! There is no practical way to convert it to drive the sprocket that is on your axle.

Unless you are planning on turning the motor sideways in the chassis, I would look for a chain drive engine.

You got to think outside the box

The shaft will be removed and a automotive differential will be mounted under the engine. From there two sprockets will have the corresponding four holes machined in each, throw on a chain and its good to go.

I attached a picture of the same setup someone else has build.
This gives the advantage of a diff which imo are not used enough in buggies.

[koolaid_kid]

That looks spiffy. $50 for the carb build should get you going. Of course you still will have to do the standard engine-related stuff like the charging system and ignition system, but you will have a new wiring harness so you won't have that headache.
Keep us posted, best of luck.

[jschatte]

I did check out those links you posted, but all I saw was o-rings? The previous owner went ahead and took some of the jets out, So I will need new jets, and I would prefer just to redo all of them. Would jets be included in this $50 kit your referring to?

Just a side note, I have been on at least a dozen forums. You guys not only reply super fast, but every reply in this thread has been super helpful. Thanks again! Definitely the best forum I have been on.

[7981GS]

Wouldn't a liquid cooled engine work better?
Or are you planning on a large fan forced cooled oil cooler?

Daniel

[koolaid_kid]

I did check out those links you posted, but all I saw was o-rings? The previous owner went ahead and took some of the jets out, So I will need new jets, and I would prefer just to redo all of them. Would jets be included in this $50 kit your referring to?

Just a side note, I have been on at least a dozen forums. You guys not only reply super fast, but every reply in this thread has been super helpful. Thanks again! Definitely the best forum I have been on.

Well, that is why he is called cycleorings, all he sells is the o-rings. Here's the deal: If you have complete carbs (you don't) all you have to do is clean them, replace the orings and go. That is the $50 price.
Since you have a different case, you need to re-assess. The "rebuild kits" contain replacement jets, but most consider them inferior. (I have not used them myself, so this is second-hand information.) So you have 3 choices:
1) Purchase the aftermarket rebuild kits and hope for the best. IIRC, that is ~$100. You will still have to do the $50 rebuild. Since your intake and exhaust will be non-stock, you will need extra sets of pilot and main jets. The issue with this is that the OEM jets you purchase will be slightly different, so switching from the aftermarket jet to an OEM jet will cause a hiccup in your tuning. Clearly with your skills you can overcome it, but I prefer to remove as many hiccups as possible at the onset.
2) Replace the missing jets with OEM jets. I purchased OEM pilots for $2 each from Z1Enterprises, but you may or may not be able to find all of the jets he tossed.
3) Purchase a used set of carbs from fleabay or similar and do the $50 rebuild. This would also give you some spare parts, something to consider.
All will require extra jets for tuning.