My GS850G tipped over in the mud, now runs bad.

[Guest]

Hey everyone,

I parked my 1980 GS850G on what i thought was solid dirt on its side stand and sure enough it tipped over when the mud below gave way. It could have been on its side for 15 minutes or so behind I found it. It ran great before this happened.

I opened one side of the airbox to let things air out. Gas was leaking quite a bit. I let it sit for about 45 minutes before trying to start it. It gave me trouble starting. Once started, i have to crack the throttle or it will die and won't idle at all. I went for a little ride down the street and the bike had no power at all and it would backfire every once in a while.

Any thoughts on what is going on and what I should do?

Thank you

[azr]

You're probably not firing on all four cylinders. Probably just a couple of float needles stuck? what ever it is it can't be too much I wouldn't think. Maybe pull your spark plugs and see if any are soaking wet, may need to let them dry out. I'd pull your oil filler cap and make sure no fuel went all the way through to the oil. I'm sure lots of others will chime in on what the problem could possibly be as well.

[AdamC]

Thanks for the reply,

It smells very rich when running, like fuel is not being burned off.

I pulled one of the plugs from the cylinder closest to the ground when it was down, and it seemed to be dry.

also, Merry Christmas to everyone!

[Dave8338]

Most likely, your air filter is saturated with fuel and is causing the bike to run rich. Also, check the oil for hints of fuel smell. If it has any smell of fuel, change out the oil and filter.

Welcome to the forum.

[chuck hahn]

Dave beat me to it....remove the filter and see if its soaked. let it dry out if it is and it will be fine.

[AdamC]

I just tried starting it after a day of having it sit. Unfortunately it did not go well.

The air filter is dry of gasoline and oiled appropriately.

All the same problems seem to persist as before

I pulled one of the spark plugs and it seemed wet with gas.

Any more ideas or suggestions?

I might have to take it into someone...I am in the middle of moving and don't have the time or place to start taking things apart right now.

[tkent02]

Do all four spark plugs have spark?

[AdamC]

I believe so, the engine is smooth when it is running except for the intermittent back fire.

[tkent02]

I opened one side of the airbox to let things air out. Gas was leaking quite a bit. I let it sit for about 45 minutes before trying to start it.

You did close the airbox back up, didn't you?
It won't run for **** with it opened.

[AdamC]

Yes, the airbox is all closed up and tight. I am lost.

[tkent02]

Could be one or more of the carburetor floats got out of alignment or stuck or something. The carbs are super easy to pull on that model, take a look inside. Easier yet, check the fuel level while it's running. Even easier, give each float bowl a good whack as it's idling, see if something changes.

Coud also be some sludge from the bottom of the float bowl got dislodged and found it's way into some pilot jet or some other tiny orifice.