GS 550 running away

[tkent02]

I just looked on a parts diagram, the 1980 550 engine had it, the 1981 did not.

Maybe they figured out it wasn't needed.

Enjoy the ride.

[gs550rebuildguy]

Multiple valve clearance methods

At long last musical shims is a done deal
Clymers is wrong saying do it on the heal pointing straight up in every instance
Top dead center methods are great if you dont have dyna ignition
So I opted for Basscliff

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/images/gs850valve_adjust.pdf

All are .08 and one is .06 gasket arrives tomorrow and next time I will order that reusable one from here 6000 miles from now.
I plan to ride to the dealer to vac sync the carbs as the tool there is $100 and cant reach my old neighbor who has it.
IF i cannot back the throttle all the way off and have the engine die now I will suspect the carbs are still not right even (soaked blown kitted poked out) with o rings all around incl intakes or not...stay tuned or get tuned right...

[hjfisk]

Do the intake pipes all look good ? Or is the rubber coating cracked where it covers the flange which bolts them to the head? could be leaking through them also. I have seen that alot .

[barnbiketom]

Do the intake pipes all look good ? Or is the rubber coating cracked where it covers the flange which bolts them to the head? could be leaking through them also. I have seen that alot .

+1 on intake pipes.. they will leak after running a bit.

[gs550rebuildguy]

Intake boots

Fisk at this point I want it to be leaking boots HA..

I agree with the idea the intake boots may be bad But I have had them off the bike twice and they a nice good looking rubber pliable and the PO had gooped them in the o ring area so I cleaned them and put in new o rings.
I have another engine and I know what you mean when they turn hard.
These are nothing like that.
If after the valve work this still does not check out I "may" goop them before I throw them away.
So far junked the pods bought the airbox and filter, kitted the carbs following to procedures on this site, new plugs, new dyna coils, o rings for carbs and intake, bench synced, verified cables for throttle and choke are perfect, new fuel and vac lines, tank is spotless and good fuel flow manually applying vacuum, all valves shimmed to .08 mm.... number two intake ha a .15 gap at first. Several others were at zero so the valve cover gasket comes tonight and gonna take a ride. I will say this.. if it is the boots.. visual inspection is not revealing anything.. nor did any leak testing with WD40 or starting fluid show a flaw. I think at this point I will consider getting new boots period ...due to unobservable anecdotal evidence and common sense.... not ready for the twelve gauge yet but the Ole Lady might be lol

[tkent02]

All are .08 and one is .06 gasket arrives tomorrow and next time I will order that reusable one from here 6000 miles from now.

The OEM gaskets can be reused many times. Grease it before installing, don't overtorque the bolts, they last a long time.

[gs550rebuildguy]

gasket

Do you mean the carb boots or the valve cover ones??
I could remove the carbs and grease the o rings
Have not heard that tip before...

[tkent02]

No, the paper valve cover gaskets. Probably get to use them 4-5 times before they leak.

Grease them every time so they don't stick and crumble when you take them off.

[gs550rebuildguy]

Well boyz

Took it out for a ride twice yesterday and still runs 4500 at idle
While it was cold it was great 1250 rpms and yes I can back it off until it dies on the idle set screw.
Let it warm up and back to the racing idle.
I will get the vacuum sync done and order boots if we cannot get this girl to settle down.
Its what the symptoms indicate but not the observable signs.
I agree I have a leak somewhere but not sure now of where to find it.
The Bike cruises good and really comes on at 4000 rpms.
Should I just buy the boots or is there a better way besides starting fluid WD40 or water to find a leak??
Id consider a smoke test
The valves really made a difference for running smooth though and a compression check will be done after I ride a little more but I have good hops for that...

[tkent02]

Once it's warmed up can you lower the idle with the idle speed screw or does it just stay up? Assuming you have vacuum synched the carbs, after it's hot and running faster is the synch the same or has it changed? Might tell you which cylinder has the leak. As a test you could slather the boots near the carburetors and in the O ring area with grease.

Should stop up any leaks at least for a little while.

[gs550rebuildguy]

Speed is constant once warm

It does not know the idle screw once warm. Of course I can make it even faster .
I like the grease idea. I will coat the o ring area and the carbs to.
Stupid question time... I noticed the metal flanges look like they want an o ring and since its a tight fit in there I shoved the carbs into the boots for all there worth is there a special sweet spot for the recessed groove on the carb flange?
I do not have a manometer and they have not been vac synced yet...debating buy one or pay dealer one time for now..
If that is all this is the whole time I will post a picture of the cow I gave birth to for all to see... he heh

[tkent02]

I do not have a manometer and they have not been vac synced yet...debating buy one or pay dealer one time for now..

Buy one, it needs to be redone every time you change anything, jetting, valve clearances, anything. Beside a shop won't do it right.

[gs550rebuildguy]

Good advice

The number two backfire is gone since the #2 intake valve had .15 clearance and all are now set to .08
Ill vac em tonight good reason to drop the boot replace ide for now
So grease the boots and sync the carbs it is...

[gs550rebuildguy]

Vacuum Synced now

Well I spent the money and the time and got a manometer and did sycn the carbs which was a little hard since the bike wont idle. I cinched up the hose clamps to the boots and one of the screws for the vac connection was missing a washer when I took it off however thats corrected.
It is literally like the carbs have an invisible kickstand effect. I got new choke cable so starting is very good. Even though the boots look new and are pliable I am down to not a lot left that it might be.
Is it possible when bench syncing or vac syncing to be out of middle range for the sync screws? Would that cause it to bottom out on one carb with the rest being held open? Reaching for ideas here....worth repeating the throttle cable was removed off to the side so it was not pulling.

[gs550rebuildguy]

650 Honda vid to the rescue

So I decided to try one more time to search vacuum leak detection methods.
I had not sprayed carb cleaner on the butterfly throttle seals
Getting new ones tuesday
90% sure berrimans soak or just missing...