Easy carb removal?

[hwb120240]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum and the GS. I just picked up a '79 GS750L that had been in storage for the last 6 years. No Stabil or even draining of the tank. I have to take off the carbs to clean (possible rebuild) them. After the experience I had with my bike (85 Suzuki Madura GV1200GLF ) I thought I'd seek guidance before I frustrate myself.
Thanks for any help,
Wayne

[Rocketman]

I'm the furthest thing you could find from a competent mechanic, but I've learned so much on this site, that removing my carbs is now a snap. If yours is the same as my '82 GS850L, here's what I just did (several times):

(1) Removed gas tank (simple) after pulling fuel sending unit wire & gas line to carbs from tank.
(2) Two screws into frame hold in airbox, and a ground wire. 4 screw clamps hold airbox to rubber boots.
(3) Pull off rubber breather hose from top of carbs to airbox. Pulled airbox out of rubber boots, and removed from right side of frame.
(4) Unscrew and loosen 4 clamps holding carbs to engine.
(5) Pull off throttle linkage & choke linkage.
(6) Pull off carbs. Hope I didn't forget anything.

Really quite simple. If I can do it, I'm sure you can. So long as yours is the same as mine, its really easy.

[steely]

Yep, that is the procedure Rocketman. I have done it four times in the last three days, and will be doing it again at least once tonight.

[Rocketman]

Its getting to the point, where every night before bed, I disassemble carbs, brush my teeth and tuck myself in. Gotten to the point where I think I could do it with my eyes closed, although I'd rather not. Have to thank all these guys here for getting me to that point!

[t3rmin]

I think the best tip I heard on these forums was (after you've disconnected cables and hoses and loosened clamps on airbox and intakes) straddle the bike, grasp the carb rack, and twist toward or away from you (not sure which is best), and it'll pull out of the intake and airbox boots. After that just wiggle 'em up and out.

Taking them out is easy! Putting them back in is another story...

[hwb120240]

Thank you for the quick response and straightforward directions. I almost went "mad" trying to get the four off that V-4 of mine. Then of course I was told a few things the manual didn't say...and it was much easier.
Wayne

[retchidxs]

u will get good. something is always wrong with these bikes. i have been reading here. always something broken and needs fixing. its true just read.

[SqDancerLynn1]

u will get good. something is always wrong with these bikes. i have been reading here. always something broken and needs fixing. its true just read.

TOTALLY UNTRUE my 850 has been VERY reliable for the last 15K miles. It does need some service. Just ordered some fork seals this morning & a new tach cable. It will usually start within 1-2 seconds of hitting the starter button & I still have the original points ignition with 40K miles

[retchidxs]

hey thats funny. my bike is very reliable its only broken a little. im only kidding the guys i know are always workin on them too. but they are stuntas and the stuff they fix is mostly from stunts gone bad. some stuff never gets fixed if you can cover it in fake fur.

[hwb120240]

The way I see it is there were so many models and so many machines made that it would be unreasonable to think I would not hear some bad to go with the good. Maintenance is the key to a bikes longivity and many original owners as well as current just don't do PM. I'm sure that with regular oil changes. air filter replacement and occassional carb cleaning she'll do just fine!

[Rocketman]

When reinstalling carbs or airbox, I found that a little WD-40 sprayed on a rag, then wiped just inside the boots, helped everything slide together nicely.

[t3rmin]

Speaking to the "you'll be doing a lot of work because everything will break" concept, I have to say it's been true for my bike. Basically when I'm pulling parts off in order to get at a part I know needs fixing, the parts I pull off usually have to be fixed too! So far for me, it's a never-ending fixathon!

But my bike has obviously not been taken care of over the years. My father-in-law has a GS 750 he has owned for years which has been garaged and babied, and he's had to do very little in the line of repairs. Just depends on the bike, I suppose.

[t3rmin]

When reinstalling carbs or airbox, I found that a little WD-40 sprayed on a rag, then wiped just inside the boots, helped everything slide together nicely.

I, too, have found lubing up the boots helpful, but not 100% effective. Last time I had to lube 'em, have my wife sit on the front tire for balast, mount the bike, stand on the pegs, and haul the carbs back into the airbox while wiggling them up and down with a crowbar wedged between the frame crossbar and the inside of the airbox to keep it from collapsing. After all that I STILL couldn't get #3 in. So I made two hooks out of a coathanger, slid them under the boot lip on either side, and pulled on the hooks while pushing from inside with my hand.

That eventually got it on, but only after about an hour of intense frustration, dripping sweat, and muttered epithets.

[bgmart450]

Just depends on the bike, I suppose.

Not so much the bike as the owner/maintainer!

BTW having 2 carbs is the one advantage to owning such a small bike

[hwb120240]

A friend told me to soak the boots in transmission fluid for an hour or two before trying to reinstall: Helps them expand and slide over the barrels I guess. Do wipe them off before re-installing (nope, don't think anyone is stupid, just stating the obvious for the oblivious like me). It does work and has not damaged the boots on my Madura.