Have you ever seen this?

[mrhedges]

Ok, so I used to be on this forum. I had a gs550 that I could never quite get right but you guys were very helpful and cool. Then I bought a house and decided I couldn't have two "fixer uppers". Just last week I found another GS. This is a 850 shaft drive. I have always wanted to go on a motorcycle tour. This bike seems really clean and well maintained with a new stator and a clean title and it was cheap $750 because it flooded and died once it warmed up.

My friend came by yesterday and we pulled the carbs off. (much easier on the 850). Look what I found! These are the two outer boots from the airbox. Have you ever seen this?

Airfilterboot.jpg

They are both melted! The Diaphragm was frozen, which is why it was flooding. We cleaned the carbs anything else I should look for?

[JTGS850GL]

Yep, seen it a number of times. Usually due to back firing into the airbox and igniting. Replace all of the boots and do a complete strip and dip of the carbs. Don't forget to get them synced properly after the cleanup.

[bonanzadave]

Looks like the ill effects of the over use of spray carb cleaner or starting fluid.

[tkent02]

Seen a few like that. Congrats, you found a great deal because of a simple problem with an easy fix.

[steve murdoch]

What is the Aussie starter fluid called....Start ya Bastard?
Frozen diaphram and burnt manifolds are serious neglect. I would check the valve clearances as well.
Welcome back.

[mrhedges]

Thanks! what causes a frozen diaphragm?

[hjfisk]

Frozen diaphragm? Do You mean a seized slide? If yes it is a a very dirty and corroded carb

[phydeauxmutt]

Thanks! what causes a frozen diaphragm?

You bought the bike in New Orleans?

Any chance it's a "Katrina bike"?

[Nessism]

Some times the slides will become glued down inside the carb bore from gasoline varnish. If that's the case then heat up the carb body to soften the varnish and the slides will come out. Keep chemicals off the diaphragms as much as possible.

Regarding those melted boots, that's the first time I've seen the evidence. Like the others have said it's most likely the effects of spray ether.

[mrhedges]

It's from Maryland got a Maryland title and everything. The guy just moved here and couldn't find a job and sold the bike.

[mrhedges]

Thanks everyone. What is the part number for those boots? I am a bit confused at looking at the diagram