1986 Suzuki GS550ES Hard to start, stall, won't run smooth - Carbs rebuilt 3 times

[Corvette95]

Thanks, I just think I am over my head with the dual two barrel set up.

[BigD_83]

IIRC, that big hole is where the choke plungers attach

[Steve]

Yes, that is for the "choke" plungers. As stated, the pilot screws are on either side, directly over the outlet where all the air rushes through.

Have you seen my reply to your PM?

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[Corvette95]

[ATTACH=CONFIG]53773[/ATTACH]This is the extra set of carbs I was going to try to build before I messed with the one on the bike. The pilot screw doesnt look like the diagram on the GS Forum carb rebuild page. Shouldnt there be a flat head screw?

The two long hoses that come out of each carb in this picture that runs out off the picture....where do they terminate?

[Corvette95]

I see a few things wrong with your post. I have highlighted them.
1. Even though you may have bought it at a particular dealer, unless you have been going back there regularly, and know that they have a mechaninc there that actually knows how to work on it, that bike will be much older than most of the technicians (they are not mechanics any more) there.
2. Most "carb kits" contain parts of questionable quality. Better to use OEM Mikuni parts.
3. Frequent cranking (assuming it actually starts) without fully warming up the bike is doing more harm than good. There is a LOT of condensation that will form in the crankcase and the exhaust system unless you get it up to FULL operating temperature by going for at least a half-hour ride.

Normally we suggest that the best mechanic to work on your bike will be looking at you in the mirror every morning, but this might be an exception. I don't know the Huntsville area well enough to suggest anyone there, but I am only 6 1/2 hours up the road. I could even meet you around Elizabethtown, if that would make it easier.

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I am driving from Huntsville to ERIE,PA in the next couple of weeks. If you are on the way I may can drop my bike off?

[fbody_mike]

The two long hoses that come out of each carb in this picture that runs out off the picture....where do they terminate?

It's a vent so the end of the hose doesn't connect to anything. But it should be routed up along the frame rails and rest on top of air box. The idea is the air between the seat and the air box isn't that turbulent and will give the best for venting.

When I first got my 85 gs550e. This tubes were routed down like a drain hose to the swingarm. At very high speeds the engine would sputter out. Corrected the location and it goes autobahn speeds for as long as you can risk it.

[Steve]

I am driving from Huntsville to ERIE,PA in the next couple of weeks. If you are on the way I may can drop my bike off?

I am not DIRECTLY on the way, but it only adds less than 20 miles to your trip.

When will be be coming through? I am off work this coming week, so will be available pretty much all day, every day. After that, we will need to work around my work schedule.

Presumably, you are bringing the bike in a truck or on a trailer. If it's a trailer, you can leave it here, unless you need it in Erie.

How long before you come back through to pick up the bike?

I think you have my phone number (I do have yours), feel free to give me a text or a call. My phone goes into "do not disturb" mode after 10pm (9pm your time).

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[Corvette95]

I am not DIRECTLY on the way, but it only adds less than 20 miles to your trip.

When will be be coming through? I am off work this coming week, so will be available pretty much all day, every day. After that, we will need to work around my work schedule.

Presumably, you are bringing the bike in a truck or on a trailer. If it's a trailer, you can leave it here, unless you need it in Erie.

How long before you come back through to pick up the bike?

I think you have my phone number (I do have yours), feel free to give me a text or a call. My phone goes into "do not disturb" mode after 10pm (9pm your time).

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Sent you a PM. I could sent you the carbs if that would be easier?

[allojohn]

Sent you a PM. I could sent you the carbs if that would be easier?

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth.... drop the bike off with Steve.

[Steve]

Either way you want to do it.

Just give me a timeframe so I can be ready.

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[Corvette95]

So, I hate it when people post threads and never post the outcome. With that said.......Here is the update...... Got the carbs back from the GS Wisperer (Steve) in Ohio yesterday. Carbs looked great and he even recoated the gloss black and labeled the fuel and vacuum line he replaced. While the carbs were off, if you have been following my posts, I checked the electrical, ohm'd the coils. I firmed up the battery negative wiring, replaced the worn fuse box, replaced the fuse block, got a new used igniter, took the head cover off and adjusted the valves (they were all too tight) I went on the loose side of valve specs. Replaced the petcock with a NOS unit. Installed the carbs yesterday, hit the start button, fired right up but rpm's went through the roof, cut the bike off, adjusted the idle and throttle cable (several times actually) and got an idle around 1k rpm. Took it on a one block test ride yesterday. Runs great! I have more valve noise for sure, but I don't think it is excessive, I could readjust the valves but I think I should leave it alone, if you didn't hear it run before you wouldn't likely notice valve noise ( I will take opinions on tightening the valves or leave it be). I plan on a longer ride today but I will be changing oil first.

[BigD_83]

I find the valve sound on the 550es a little noisy compared to the setup on the 650G but I think of it as normal, thinking back on how they sounded 30 years ago (of course my memory couldn't be faulty)

[Steve]

Thanks for the report.

Sounds like it's a good thing I warned you to watch for idle speed. It's hard to pre-set it when on the bench.

Based on what you sent me via e-mail, I would actually consider re-adjusting the valves, but to loosen them up, rather than tighten them.

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[Corvette95]

I did adjust the valves, the were way too tight, now I have them in spec, they are a little noisier that before but they were so tight I couldnt get the thinnest feeler in it. They are at .09 now. Just got back from a longer ride...everything seems good.

Thanks for the report.

Sounds like it's a good thing I warned you to watch for idle speed. It's hard to pre-set it when on the bench.

Based on what you sent me via e-mail, I would actually consider re-adjusting the valves, but to loosen them up, rather than tighten them.

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[Steve]

I did adjust the valves, ... They are at .09 now.

Although they <are> in-spec, they are still on the tighter side of spec. Your valves should be between .08 and .13. Looser is better than tighter.

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