After lots of repair, (seemingly) no spark or starter functionality

[Redman]

.........
.................................................. ................................ Also, I got the electric start to work (didn't know I had Hopefully someone can chime in with some advice to speed up this process, ...

Maybe the clutch interlock switch (if a 79 850 has that, I know they did 80 and after). Those can be intermittent, can try wiggling the clutch lever when pulled in. CAn adjust it by loosing mounting screws and moving back and forth.

If kill switch was the problem, that would effect the starter and the ignition both. Are both on same circuit that is switched by the kill switch. Clutch switch would effect the starter only.

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[giganticflying]

I figured out it's not that. I just didn't realize I had to hold in the clutch while pressing the button. Works just fine and kill switch engages properly.

[81GS850]

You only have to hold the clutch in if the trans isn't in neutral.

[giganticflying]

Oh, the manual said to hold the clutch in to use the start button.

[Killer2600]

Oh, the manual said to hold the clutch in to use the start button.

The manual would be correct. Stock suzuki safety interlock works that way. My guess is 81GS850 has forgotten so many bypass the clutch switch interlock.

[Steve]

You only have to hold the clutch in if the trans isn't in neutral.

Nope, the Suzuki system wasn't that smart. You have to hold the clutch regardless of gear selection.

Unless you bypass the switch, of course, like many (most?) of us have done.

It's still a good idea to pull the clutch, but it won't be mandatory.

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[81GS850]

The manual would be correct. Stock suzuki safety interlock works that way. My guess is 81GS850 has forgotten so many bypass the clutch switch interlock.

Sorry, never been on a bike this old and being the bike is this old I'm sure the PO bypassed it at some point... My bad guys!

[giganticflying]

What are the benefits of bypassing the switch?

[koolaid_kid]

Benefits: It frees up your left hand, which can be important under certain situations.
Dangers: You had better be certain you are in neutral when you press the button.

[giganticflying]

Ok, made some progress! I was able to visually check for spark and they are all firing. With a little starting fluid (3/4 of a can) and some finagling I was able to get it to idle. But when I apply any throttle it kills the engine. I ran out of time today, but should I just need around with the fuel screws on the outside of the carbs? I'll make a post in the proper forum if needed.

[giganticflying]

It idles at around 1500 to 2000 with the choke off.

[OldVet66]

Throw that starter fluid away, there is enough ether in 3/4 of a can to completely wash any oil off the cylinder walls and rings and start scoring the cylinders. If the carburetors are cleaned properly, no vacuum leaks O-rings and boots replaced, spark, compression, valves and timing adjusted properly it starts without that trash you think is magic in a can.

[81GS850]

Throw that starter fluid away, there is enough ether in 3/4 of a can to completely wash any oil off the cylinder walls and rings and start scoring the cylinders. If the carburetors are cleaned properly, no vacuum leaks O-rings and boots replaced, spark, compression, valves and timing adjusted properly it starts without that trash you think is magic in a can.

Hey ether is all I run in my bikes


Seriously though, did not know about the washing of cylinders. But I would imagine you'd have to POUR ether down the cylinders. I'm saying just use it as a temporary source to diagnose if it's ignition or lack of fuel causing the no start.

[Redman]

Disabling clutch switch:
Benefit:
. can start bike with one hand.
. elimitate possible problem of the swtich causing you a problem

Determent:
if forget to have in netural the bike can learch forward and you probably only have one hand on bars, your reaction will be to hold on with that one hand which could turn the bars, so are likely to fall over. And that is just with the bike learching while starter cranking, also think about if engine actually started, although not likely.

I have had problem with clutch swtich. Would have to hold cultch and press the starter button and would hear nothing but me muttering about not having kickstarter, then wiggle the clutch lever and it would start. Adjust the swtich and better for a while, and then starts happeing again. SO replaced the swtich, are available, about $20.

...... But when I apply any throttle it kills the engine. .......

Runs only with choke on...? and dies when open throttle : carbs need cleaning.

Runs barley after warms up and can turn choke off slowly and dies when open throttle : carbs need cleaning.

[giganticflying]

The carbs just recently went through a full tear down, dip, and o-ring/gallery replacement. That was the first thing I did.