Carb Rebuilld?

[gottaride]

So I have had some problems getting my bike to start recently and talked to the previous owner and he said a carb rebuild or clean was in order. So being new to bikes I wanted advice on a anything else I should look at doing while the bike was out of service. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[MelodicMetalGod]

My thoughts:

1) Get every manual for the bike that you can (Haynes, Clymer, Factory, Owners, etc.). Each will have something or better address something that the others don't.

2) Carbs are the primary attention getter (probably because they can quickly become clogged/dirty).

3) If you're up to it, many folks have indicated that adjusting the valves is another task that is of primary concern. If the valve clearances are out of spec, tuning can be difficult if not impossible.

Best of luck!

[SqDancerLynn1]

FIRST do not buy carb kits In most instances all you need is a set of O rings www.cycleorings.com & maybe carb bowl gaskets. The only time it is usually necessary to get the kits is if the mixture needle needs replacing. Their is a great carb clean up series in the GSR garage section

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

You should also check the charging circuit, start by cleaning the connections on the reg/rect & adding a ground wire from the (-) battery post to the mounting bolt of the reg/rect. I like to use a 10-12 gauge wire

[Nessism]

FIRST do not buy carb kits In most instances all you need is a set of O rings www.cycleorings.com & maybe carb bowl gaskets. The only time it is usually necessary to get the kits is if the mixture needle needs replacing. Their is a great carb clean up series in the GSR garage section

http://www.thegsresources.com/gs_carbrebuild.htm

You should also check the charging circuit, start by cleaning the connections on the reg/rect & adding a ground wire from the (-) battery post to the mounting bolt of the reg/rect. I like to use a 10-12 gauge wire

Don't forget the rubber carb boot O-rings (if so equipped). Mandatory replacement for old GS engines if they are originals.

[robertbarr]

... and it's generally helpful if you mention what kind of bike you have.

[BassCliff]

Hey howdy hey!

Mr. gottaride,

Let it be known that on this day you are hereby cordially and formally welcomed to the GSR Forum as a Junior Member in good standing with all the rights and privileges thereof. Please note that "good standing" implies pictures! :-D

It would be a good idea to perhaps put in your sig that you have a GS850GL, '81 is it? That way we would know instantly the model you are referring to.

Did you get your choke cable reconnected?

While your bike is down for carb rebuild you should clean all the electrical connections from the headlight bucket to the tail light, the fuse box connections, the ground connections, etc, removing rust and dabbing a little dielectric grease if you have any. A ground wire connection from the regulator/rectifier directly to the negative battery terminal is mandatory.

You should adjust your valves. There's a little tutorial here or you can download a PDF here.

When was the last time you changed all your fluids? Crankcase oil, secondary gear oil, and rear differential oil. Bled your brakes? Don't forget to completely replace your brake fluid periodically. Check the brake pads for wear.

Do you have your airbox all sealed up? New weather stripping around both side covers and the top of the air filter cage? Do you have a clean, very lightly oiled air filter installed?

I'm sure I've duplicated some and left out others. How about just getting her cleaned up real good too?

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[feelergaugephil]

PUT AN INLINE FUEL STOP SWITCH ON YOUR MAIN FUEL LINE, when not in use, turn it off, when you get ready to use your bike switch it on..........
LISTEN to my advice.
Phil.

[Nessism]

PUT AN INLINE FUEL STOP SWITCH ON YOUR MAIN FUEL LINE, when not in use, turn it off, when you get ready to use your bike switch it on..........
LISTEN to my advice.
Phil.

...or fix/replace the petcock and you don't have to worry about it for another 20 years.

[gottaride]

Thanks for all the help. I will update my info. For the record it is an 83 Gs850 GL. Thanks again.

Also, in reply to a couple of the suggestions/questions. I did get the choke hooked back up and there as already been a inline fuel switch installed. I will be making a check list of all the other suggestions and doing my best to get the bike up to date. Definitly going to take the time to get some of the rust off of her while she is being taken apart.

[gottaride]

Materials

Is there a specific weather stripping that works well or place to buy for sealing up my air filter? Also, are there any instructions on running a ground from my regulator/rectifier? Gauge wire ..... Thanks.