Which way to turn idle knob?

[Guest]

I have a GS850G, it currently will stall if the throttle is let off, even if warmed up. Bike seems to run good the rest of the time.

I'm thinking this could be quickly corrected using the idle adjust knob, the one in the middle of the carbs. (picture attached of what I'm talking about). A couple of questions....

1. Is this the correct knob to adjust the engine idle?
2. Which way to turn to increase the idle speed? (clockwise or counter-clockwise)
3. Is there a good starting point? eg turn all the way clockwise, then back out 3 1/2 turns or something?
4. What's a good amount to adjust? 1/4 turn? 1/2 turn?

Thanks!

[trevor]

Yes that is the knob. I think it's clockwise to turn idle speed up but it take much to figure that out.. Lol... I like my idle speed to be at just below 1000rpm...
let us know if that was the issue.
cheers

[Who Dat?]

1. Yes.
2. Clockwise.
3. Since the carbs are on the bike, turn until it's right. If the carbs were off and you could see the other end of that adjuster, I would say "back off until it's not touching, then turn it until it barely touches, then two more turns.
4. Depends on how far it's 'out'. 1/8 turn might take it from 1000 to 1300 or so, meaning that once it's close, it won't take much.

Have you done all the required maintenance on it? Valve adjustment? Carb clean/refurb? Electricals checked?

[Brendan W]

Works in the conventional sense. Clockwise advances the screw and opens the throttles. Maybe it has lost contact with the throttles. Keep winding it in until something starts to move.
Have the carbs been apart recently ?

[weekendrider2015]

Have you done all the required maintenance on it? Valve adjustment? Carb clean/refurb? Electricals checked?

Electrical is good, been over that system.
Bike has been well maintained from the previous owner, but carbs may need a cleaning/adjust. Values should be good based on what he said. He's a co-worker not a random craigslist buy.

I'll try the screw adjust first, and get out on a decent length ride and see how it is after.

[OldVet66]

What year is that bike?

[weekendrider2015]

So didn't seem to have any joy with that. The idle didn't come up in speed, also it backfired a couple of times. I'm guessing next step is to clean the carbs?


The bike is a 1983

[OldVet66]

I'm guessing next step is to clean the carbs

It usually is, but adjust the valves first and inspect the carburetor boots carefully. You can get O-rings from Robert Barr at (http://www.cycleorings.com/) very reasonably (don't forget the boot O-rings) and dipping the carburetors (not the diaphragms) for 24hrs. is required. You will need gaskets and that is hopefully it (Z1 Enterprises). Carburetor dip from Napa will do a good job, I'm not sure what is available or legal where you are but I believe the Napa carburetor dip is a little more environmentally friendly than some. You can get a shop manual for your bike here: http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[weekendrider2015]

It usually is, but adjust the valves first and inspect the carburetor boots carefully. You can get O-rings from Robert Barr at (http://www.cycleorings.com/) very reasonably (don't forget the boot O-rings) and dipping the carburetors (not the diaphragms) for 24hrs. is required. You will need gaskets and that is hopefully it (Z1 Enterprises). Carburetor dip from Napa will do a good job, I'm not sure what is available or legal where you are but I believe the Napa carburetor dip is a little more environmentally friendly than some. You can get a shop manual for your bike here: http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

Thanks for the link to the manual (found that last week, great resources) I'm in Canada but we have Napa and Carquest so I'll see what they carry.

Lucky for me the bike is a friend's who I was storing for the winter in the garage. My bike had no issues when I brought it out. unlucky for him and me it's still going to be in the garage for a while longer.