Newbie help

[Guest]

First time rider, bought a 1982 GS650L last summer. She rode great, and I stored her over the winter. Unfortunately, my naïveté caused some problems as I listened to the previous owner who had told me to use "pri" on the petcock for storage.

Needless to say, the tank was empty last week when I tried to start her, and an oil change produced a mix of gas and oil drained out.

What kind of problems might I have caused by my stupidity? I'm assuming I'll need to take the carbs apart, but what should I be looking for in terms of damage I'll need to repair?

thanks in advance for any and all advice

[dorkburger]

Mainly you cost yourself an oil and filter change, plus a tank of gas. If the carbs and petcock had no previous problems, you might be ok.
Prime position means the petcock is always open, and if left there with the engine off eventually gravity will overcome the carb needles, fill the carbs, leak into the cylinder, then on to the oilpan.... "On" or "reserve" positions open the petcock when it recipes vauuum from the engine, and closes it when the vacuum goes away (engine off)

Change the oil and filter, put gas in and try it. Many here have done it, but not usually all winter....

[Burque73]

Yep, done that! Luckily trying to start the engine didn't damage anything. It could though. In my case too an oil and filter change was about it. Oh, cleaned the air box out and re-oiled the filter.

[dorkburger]

Ive laid in bed at night and suddenly had to make a run to the garage to check a few times.....

[Sam 78 GS750]

You didn't start the bike, so you should be good. Like others have said, just an oil/filter change and fill up your gas tank.