Dies after running strong & crackling/popping from headers

[Smellii]

I'm assuming this is a carb issue but could use some validation from some experienced folk.

1982 GS850GL.
Valves adjusted professionally
Sealed airbox and new air filter w/oil
New oil and filter, secondary oil

My issue is it'll start and run fine and I'll ride for 45 minutes or so & go park it for a few hours. Get back on for another round and get just out of pushing distance and it will quit without warning when I decelerate for a stop light. Lights stay on, starter works but cant get it to fire up. Let it sit for a few hours and it starts right up and runs strong.

I'm not sure if this is related but I do get a crackling/popping from the headers especially on deceleration.

I ordered new o-rings (Thanks, Robert!) and gaskets for the carbs & will be dipping/cleaning them as soon as they come in but could I trouble you to tell me physically what is happening to cause this so I can make sure to address this when I open up my carbs?

[keman]

When you pull the carbs, make sure you clean out all the little passages and tiny little holes in the needle and jets. Also, inspect your floats for any kind of holes or damage. Could be as simple as a sticky float or inlet needle. A good thourough cleaning might solve the problem for you..

I found a nifty little tool that helps with cleaning. It's a dental pick brush, kinda like a little tiny bottle brush, that I got at the local drug store in the dental section. Get the type with the wire in the center of the brush, the all plastic type melt in the carb cleaner. You still need a wire to get into some of the needle holes.

[Smellii]

...a dental pick brush...

Good idea. Thanks for the tip.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Carbs should be properly (not necessarily "professionally") cleaned just to eliminate that from the equation. But your symptoms could be a number of things; fuel cap venting failure, thermally intermittent coils or igniter, loose connection in the ignition system somewhere, etc.

Do you have spark when it fails to start? Take an extra spark plug with you (so you don't have to take one out of the engine), connect a spark plug wire to the "external" plug and lay it on the head to ground it. Hit the start button. Do you see a spark?


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Steve]

"Valves adjusted 'professionally'."

I have to smile any time I hear that phrase, because "professionally" doesn't necessarily mean it got done well or properly.

It only means they got paid to do it.

.

[Smellii]

Noted..........................................

[BassCliff]

Hi,

Do you have spark when it fails to start? Take an extra spark plug with you (so you don't have to take one out of the engine), connect a spark plug wire to the "external" plug and lay it on the head to ground it. Hit the start button. Do you see a spark?



Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Smellii]

Just dropped the bike off to get my new tires put on it. $20 a piece! Woot! I'll test it when I get it back tomorrow. Thanks for the info.

Now off to pick up the carb synchronizer (with every adapter known to man) I got from craigslist for $40.