Screwy Idle

[ScottieGS700E]

My bike idled low so I turned up the idle screw on the carb. If I turn up the idle screw to where I want it, the bike idles great until I crack the throttle. Then all of a sudden when the tack comes down it idles at 3 grand for a while, and after a couple of minutes comes back down to idle. I can also get it to come back down to idle if I put a little bit of load on it with the clutch. I can turn the idle screw back down just a little bit, but it idles too low and it occationally stalls. Anyone know what my problem might be?

[chuckycheese]

Lean

Well, it doesn't sound like the throttle cable is the problem so I think you're running really lean. Has this been occurring for awhile or did it start all at once?

[ScottieGS700E]

I just bought the bike and I had to; clean the tank, replace the petcock, and clean the carbs to get it running...

[Griffin]

The same thing started happening with my GS700 about ten years ago. It took me eight years to figure out what it was (because I found this website). In my case, I had the exact same symptoms, and it was due to vacuum leaks caused by the intake boot O-rings deteriorating.

They were a real pain to change. The phillips head screws wouldn't come out, and there isn't room to get an impact in there with the stock, non- removable airbox in place.

I ended up pulling the engine, using an impact to extract the phillips screws, then replaced them with Allen head screws before reinstalling.

The bike ran and idled much better after I did that.

[ScottieGS700E]

wow.. thank you.. i couldn't ask for more, i love this website. where exactly is the "intake boot O-rings"? inside the rubber boot that connects the airbox to the carbs? doesn't the rubber just seal itself?

[Griffin]

The intake O-Rings are part #24 on this schematic, and are $1.19 each from Bikebandit.com. While you're at it, check the rubber boots themselves for cracks. If they have any cracks, or are no longer soft and pliable, replace them as well.

[ScottieGS700E]

Thank You!!!!!!!!!!!!!!