#3 and #4 dead

[don3381]

Recently bought a '81 GS 850 L as a project bike. Cleaned carbs, #1 and #2 start up fine #3 fires up intermittently, #4 is dead. Checked float height - OK, compression is OK, replaced plug caps. Bike has 'T' ingition system. Spark seems a little weak.

Any ideas?

[Steve]

What is a "T" ignition system?

How did you clean the carbs?

.

[almarconi]

Are the plugs for 3 and 4 wet with fuel?

If not, your pilot circuit is probably still plugged.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. don3381,

You'll find lots of GS850G lovin' on my website, the proper way to clean carbs, ignition troubleshooting, general maintenance,etc. Let's get started.

I just stopped by to welcome you to the forum in my own, special way.

If there's anything you'd like to know about the Suzuki GS model bikes, and most others actually, you've come to the right place. There's a lot of knowledge and experience here in the community. Come on in and let me say "HOoooowwwDY!"....

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[don3381]

As I understand the 1981 models had either a 'N' ignition with points or a 'T' ignition that is a solid state ignition. My bike is a 'T' and does not have points.

When I got it the carbs were totally stuck, couldn't twist the throttle at all. I broke them down completely although I left them on the rail and soaked the bodies in Simple Green for hours, cleaned them up the best I could and blew out all of the passages with carb cleaner. I soaked the jets and such in Gumout carb cleaner and used a small metal wire to ensure all small holes, etc were open.

One problem I have with the #4 carb is the fuel screw is stripped and does not turn sothe idle mixture could be off. I drilled it and tried using a screw extractor to remove it but ended up breaking the extractor off flush with the top of the screw so now I am not sure how I am going to get the screw out.

I also put in new plugs and they are wet.

Thanks for the welcome BassCliff - great site!

[Steve]

As I understand the 1981 models had either a 'N' ignition with points or a 'T' ignition that is a solid state ignition. My bike is a 'T' and does not have points.

You have slightly mis-understood some terminology.

Every model year has a suffix at the end of the model name. The 1979 models were "N", the 1980 models were "T", the 1981 models (like yours) were "X", the 1982 models were "Z", etc. You can see the full list in the Model Information Page found on the GSR Home Page.

Yes, the "N" bikes had points and the "T" bikes did not, but you do not have a "T" bike, you have an "X" bike. It is my understanding that all bikes in the GS line got electronic ignition for the 1980 model year, and, once the model changed to electronic ignition, there was no "some had it, some didn't", they ALL had it.

Officially, your bike is a GS 850GX, unless you have the L model, in which case it is a GS 850GLX.

EDIT: I just went back and re-read your last post about how you cleaned your carbs. It now appears that you need to go back and clean the carbs PROPERLY, which involves taking them off the rail, breaking them down COMPLETELY and dipping them in CARB CLEANER, not Simple Green. Reassemble with new o-rings from cycleorings.com. It is also possible that you might need a new #4 carb body, due to a botched effort to remove a stuck jet. But, before advertising for a new #4 carb body, make sure you are asking for the correct one, as they are all different. The cylinders are numbered from left to right, as you sit on the bike. That means that #1 is under your clutch hand, #4 is under your throttle hand. So, ... do you need a #4 or a #1?

.

[raistian77]

Got to completely tear down the cars and soak in real carb cleaner (gallon can of berrymans) for a LEAST a day. During my original strip and dip I soaked the carbs for a week. (my bike was packed with varnish and gum). I believe Z1 carries a carb rebuild kit that comes with new pilot and air pilot needles. Cant get em through a dealer they don't even acknowledge they exist.

[don3381]

I will break them down and re-clean as suggested. I will let you know the outcome. Thanks!