Need help finding the right manual/instructions for my carbs

[Guest]

I recently bought a 1978 GS750E that was not running. I was able to get it to turn over and idle (very rough with many backfires). My first stop is to remove the carbs and clean. I've bought new gaskets for top and bowls from Z1 and new o-rings. I have the carbs off the bike, but this is where it's getting weird. My first note, is that I am absolutely new and have not done this before, so forgive my ignorance if everything looks like it should.

The bike has no airbox and one of the velocity stacks has a hole in it and is wrapped in tape. When I pulled the carbs out, there are no hoses connected to the bottom of the bowls, nor do they exist anywhere on the bike (I've watched a few videos online, all of which have a hose running from each carb, otherwise I would not have know they were even supposed to be there). I've been following the guide for VM carbs, is that correct? The instructions say remove the rail to separate the carbs, but I can't find a rail at all. I see the rail in the videos I've watched, but I don't have anything like that on mine.

Please tell me this will all be ok and I didn't just waste $800

[tom203]

In your case - VM carbs- the rail is the mounting plate that all 4 carbs bolt to.
Have you seen this tutorial?

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

no airbox is a problem-,you'll need one or a good set of pod filters and some rejetting.
how's the overall condition of this non runner ( hint, post pics) ? Put your location in your signature - might be a member nearby.

[Nickel]

Have you seen this tutorial?

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

Thanks tom. Yes that's the tutorial I was following. The bike has velocity stacks which I plan to replace with K&N style pods. Is that a bad idea? Is there a rejetting tutorial or formula I can follow when switching to these?

I'll also update my sig, thanks for the recommendation!

[Nickel]

Overall condition is mostly decent. I was told it has 20k miles on it, but I'm thinking the guy I bought it from only had it a few months and realized he was in over his head. Luckily, I haven't realized that yet so I'm still here.

Know issues are the starter switch is not working, I was told the charging system was not working, and wiring harness is questionable. There is no hi/lo switch or indicator light switch, and the gauges are gone. I'm hoping the previous owner did not simply snip them off of the harness. Also when I went to remove the battery, there was an extension wire connected by an alligator clip as the battery looked like it was in backward and the wires didn't reach as they should.

Clean title tho!

I just want to get it running bulletproof before I go all cosmetic on it. I'm also huge so I know I'll need new shocks/springs.

[78550GS]

You're going to go through a lot less headaches if you find a stock exhaust for it.

If you follow the carb link well, you should be on the road to GS happiness. I would be worried about the wiring, but there's an answer for that too. Download a manual. You should be able to find a wiring diagram in color there.

Looks like a fun project.

[chuck hahn]

I would be interested in the stacks if you decide to swap them out.

[Nickel]

I am definitely swapping them out and will let you know once it's running. I do like the look of the exhaust so I'd like to figure out the formula to make them work, along with pod filters. I figured out the instructions a bit better and have gotten them all apart and opened. #2 and #4 are dirty. No idea what that means yet, but I'll research. Also, the heights on the pilot air screws are all different. Should they match?