1980 GS 1000 - I'm in over my head

[Roadrash 1000]

The old man is taking it back for my $100 fixing. ha ha I got lucky. So I won't be crying on here for a while till something goes wrong. When I'm rolling down the road wide open and someone passes me I'll know it you Dave. Ha Ha Take it easy guys.

[Dink]

Talking of dirt & rust in the carbs is it a good idea to put a cheap disposable fuel filter in the fuel line? (asking for myself as much as you, sorry!!)

Dan

NOTE!!! it is VITALLY important you do not use an automotive fuel filter!!!
You MUST use a specific to mototcycles one or a lawnmower one.
All automotive fuel filters are designed to work pressurised; admittedly low pressure, 3-5 psi, so they will starve your bike for fuel. Motorcycles work on gravity feed fuel systems, so there is no pressure(above atmospherical).

Dink

[salty_monk]

Ok thanks. But it is a good idea?

Dan

[bonanzadave]

Ok thanks. But it is a good idea?

Dan

It would be a bandaide. Some petcocks have a filter screen around them already. My tank and petcock position would make it hard to get one installed. I guess if theres no way to gaurentee all the rust is out of your tank, Why not. Do like Dink says... use a MC or lawnmower in line filter and make sure any extra fuel or vac lines you incorporate dont get kinked when you put the tank on.

And John, If I do see you on the side of the road Ill be the first to stop.

[djp420]

GS1000G Blues eh?

First off I hope Im not too late. I bought the same bike nearly 3 years ago and I use it everyday in Manhattan. Its the best thing I've ever owned. Your trouble sound like electrical crap. Since the bike is nearly 27 years old this process would do it a favor and it doesn't cost more than a few bucks and it it should take you around 3 hours to do it.

I'm not big on Clymer books but I did get a shop manual on ebay. I might even go out and make a copy of mine for you for whatever kinko's charges plus shipping (USPS). However, this procedure requires:

2 dental probes. One pointed and one flat.
1 small tube of dielectrical grease (bought at any auto store).
and some WD40 for cleaning connectors.

Now what you would want to do is remove the gas tank but don't forget to disconnect the battery first. We don't want you to blow up! All throughout the chassis there are several electrical connectors. Take them apart (but dont break them cause you need to reconnect them), with your dental probes scape out as much crap as you can if its real stubborn shoot it with a touch of WD40. Then apply to all contacts the dielectrical grease. If you do every connector you will be making sure there is zero water within the shields and you will find if there are any burned out contacts.

I did this to both my GS1000 and a BMW bike. My buddy has a shop nearby and one of his customers had a BMW that would shut down after being on for about 15 minutes. Enough time for condensation to create steam creating a short circuit. So my buddy called me b/c I am an electronics geek and thought I could help.

What happens is and especially in BMW's the contacts are all water tight until they age. Water seeps over time but cant escape tripping both negative and positive connections or making enough build up to where the contacts cant connect.

Good luck and keep me posted!!!

Damian

[Roadrash 1000]

Hey Damian, Thanks for offering to go out of your way and make me a copy of your shop manual. But I got one off ebay in CD form last week. I found out the old man is a retired teacher. On Friday I'm running it over so he can work on it in his porch. ha ha

[themess]

2 dental probes. One pointed and one flat.
1 small tube of dielectrical grease (bought at any auto store).
and some WD40 for cleaning connectors.

Why WD40 and not a purpose-made electrical contact clearner such as GC Bath?

[Roadrash 1000]

just like Chef1366 said

The old man figured it out right away. He fixed the bad conection at one of the wires and the problem was at the fuse box. I thought I cleaned it good but I guess not. ha ha He took it apart and said it need some fixing and cleaning. I asked if he had a chance to start it and he is like everybody on this site. He talks about patience. ha ha I'm learning. My job is to clean the tank and when he gets back from Mexico again he'll look at the carbs next. I just wanted to let Chef1366 know that he was right, good call.

[Billyboy]

Good stuff John!

[Roadrash 1000]

Hey Bill, thanks again for the artical. Ya I was lucky to buy the bike from such a cool old guy. He totally bailed me out. The bad part is I think $100 for his work is to cheap. He likes his beer so I'll have to give him a 10 case bonus. ha ha