1980 gs1000gt JUST PURCHASED

[azr]

It really is best to buy the OEM one. I bought the ones from Z1 'once', the fuel tap and vacuum ports are pointing the wrong way, makes the fuel line a real PITA and it only lasted 2 years. For an extra $30 I could have had a factory one that would last another 30 yrs.

[A-train]

You probably have the fuel petcock without the lever, so check it not on "prime" it should be horizontal, (prime will fill the carbs and keep filling the crankcase if there is a stuck float.)

If you do buy a new petcock get a new rubber gasket and 2 new washers as they may need replacing and better to have those parts on hand when you do the job, it only takes about 30 minutes to complete.

There is quite a few basic things you can do yourself if you have some tools and the desire.
It can get expensive to take it to a shop and many shops don't like working on these bikes as the young mechanics have never seen these bikes, or they can't be bothered with them.

Good luck.

I have the same "dreaded 1980 petcock" - several of the guys on the site have warned me about it. Thankfully, mine hasn't failed yet.

Yes, make sure it's horizontal - you'll need a small flathead screwdriver to adjust if necessary. It says PRI on top. If you're vertical, your gas is a flowin'.

If you are leaking gas and not oil, it's possible that you smelled the leaked gas with your sniffer down there at the oil fill hole. A stuck float can and will leak gas onto the ground - happened regularly on my 550.

Post your location & maybe a local GS'er can give that pretty bike a once over for ya.

[SHEM]

pic

here it is

[SHEM]

anyone in Seattle?

I would definitely welcome any assistance as Im not "in the money" I barely could afford this beast at $1000

[A-train]

Not the dreaded 80 PC.

Something else going on.


When you get your mega welcome from the boss of this fine forum, take the time to do the catch up maintenance. That's a pretty bike, but it's also pretty old, and needs stuff.

Enjoy!

[SHEM]

thank you very much

[Kiwi Canuck]

here it is[ATTACH]22600[/ATTACH]

OK so you have the petcock with a lever, that's good.
It also looks like someone has had it apart a few times based on looking at the screws. (get yourself a good set of Vessel JIS Screw Drivers, you'll never regret it.)



It could also be a stuck needle jet causing the carb to flow fuel into the crank case.

Performing a proper cleaning on a set of carbs is a big job the first few times, but actually is quite doable with a few basic tools and following the guide.

A year ago I would have never considered rebuilding carbs, but now I've done it 3-4 times and it's actually pretty easy with the right tools.

http://www.mtsac.edu/~cliff/storage/gs/Mikuni_BS-CV_Carburetor_Rebuild_Tutorial.pdf

http://thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

And the mother of all info pages.

http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[SHEM]

gas in crankcase

Thanks. I moved to the drivetrain 4cyl. forum. I wasn't sure if that was more appropriate

[Big T]

Simple temp fix

Pull the vacuum line and cap the port on the carb where the line goes - you can get a cap at the auto parts store

Change the oil

When you ride the bike, turn the petcock to Prime. When you get there, turn it to run

Don't forget to turn it to Run when you get off the bike

[chuck hahn]

Or just stick a 6 MM bolt in the hose right under the tank,,,no fishing around then to try and cap it at the carbs. And he means ON not run.

[SHEM]

this sounds good

Please can you give more detailed steps as Ive never done this kind of fix

[SHEM]

I don't understand why I would turn the petcock to prime while riding. Also, What does capping the line actually do in this scenario?

[tom203]

I don't understand why I would turn the petcock to prime while riding. Also, What does capping the line actually do in this scenario?

Capping the vacuum line plugs the line and prevents fuel from dribbling/pouring down it! But this means you have to now put petcock in "PR" spot or no fuel will flow. BUT when you shut off bike, move lever back to "ON" to block fuel from flowing.

[SHEM]

Newbie blues

I'm sorry but I still don't understand why I need to do anything with the fuel line

[tkent02]

You don't. Your "on" position isn't shutting off the fuel. Different problem from when the "on" position isn't turning it on.