Hard to start

[Guest]

I have a '77 GS550 that I bought about a month ago, and it has a tendency to be hard to start.

I've replaced the O-rings in the intake boots and in the carburetor, cleaned all jets and set the ratio screws to as close to 'factory' as possible. It has a stock exhaust, carbs, air filter, etc.

Has new plugs and the points have been gapped.
Usually will only start with choke on, even when hot, but will take 10 seconds of turning over to finally start. On top of having a flat spot before 5-6k.

Are there any points/condensors readily available such as an automotive interchange? Or any on the internet? I would like to replace it with an electronic ignition, but at the moment the cheapest I can find is $120.

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

[roeme]

I suppose you did check wether the carbs get enough fuel? Petclock clean?

Because the symptoms you describe I do get on my running 550 when the tank is nearing reserve; as the carburetors get unevenly fuel-starved.

I don't think this is an ignition issue; but if you don't trust it and you're not dead set on replacing it (or at least not right away), I'd first check the charging system before spending the money.

My 550 cold-starts only with choke, but even with a dead battery and a unhealthy charging system I got enough spark to get it running in 2-3 kicks.

[ProfessorMoto]

I haven't checked my inline fuel filter when using the vacuum ON, I usually leave it on prime because it's not tagged yet so it runs twice a week, and by then the fuel bowls have run dry.

I'll dig into the petcock later today, thanks for the advice!

[Nessism]

Have you gone down the list of preventive maintenance tasks in the factory Suzuki service manual and made sure everything is up to date? Valve adjustment?

BTW, you might want to check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature to make sure you are not overlooking anything.