bike wont start just cranks

[justmount1]

ok so yeah its not my gs but need help with it all the same i have a kaw 440ltd 1981 that i just got done dipping carbs putting all back together new plugs new gas and all it does is crank when i bought it from my buddy and ran it home from the shop it started right up after a day wouldn't start so i figured bad gas since it sat in the shop for a year which led to dip the carbs and put fresh gas in it. then i figured i would also put fresh plugs in it and still wont fire up any suggestions?

[Steve]

OK, you "dipped" the carbs. Please elaborate.

When done properly, especially for carbs that have been sitting for a while, like yours, that "dip" should last about 24 hours. :shock:

I know the can says "15-30 minutes" or something like that, and that's what I tried on my first set of carbs. No improvement. Dipped them again, for about 2 hours each. Still no improvement. Dipped them a third time, this time overnight for each one. Have not had a bit of problem for the last 3 years.

Now for another classic problem concerning cold starts (or the lack thereof)...valve adjustment.
I don't think the 440 had hydraulic adjusters, so check the valve clearance. If it is a typical Kaw, clearance should be 0.006-0.010" on the intakes, 0.010-0.014" on the exhausts. Tight clearances, especially on the intakes, makes the bike very hard to start when cold.

.

[psyguy]

vacuum petcock?
set on prime to fill the carb bowls up?

[justmount1]

ok sorry guys kind of jumped the gun on this post. yes dipped over night yes vacuum and has fuel in bowls after further checking out no spark on either plugs so i am to the process of checking coils, wires, and caps next. hopefully it is just the caps

[andrewclaycomb]

While you're dicking with your coils, might as well do the coil relay mod and get a full 12 volts. Doesn't take long... unless you're me.

[KRISTI'SGS550]

I am in the same boat. I have tried everything. We must have those GS Gremlins everyone's talking about. Lets swap stories and see if we can get these girls started.

Cory

[psyguy]

no spark on either plugs so i am to the process of checking coils, wires, and caps next. hopefully it is just the caps

you do know that the sparkplugs themselves can go bad for no apparent reason (even when new)? :shock:
just something to keep in mind along your other checks

[justmount1]

ty psy yeah i have like 3 sets of plugs that i can try out bout to go check it out after i eat

[justmount1]

well thinking the coil or ignitor is bad so i am going back to working on the 550 get the carbs dipped and put it all back together while i save up some money to buy coil and wires and caps if that doesn't work hopefully it does but then i am limited down to the ignitor which would suck cost 500 bucks new wonder if i can find some stuff on fleabay

[psyguy]

well thinking the coil or ignitor is bad so i am going back to working on the 550 get the carbs dipped and put it all back together while i save up some money to buy coil and wires and caps if that doesn't work hopefully it does but then i am limited down to the ignitor which would suck cost 500 bucks new wonder if i can find some stuff on fleabay

not sure how old all of the above is on your bike, but i would reverse the order - new plug caps first - take 1/2 inch off of the wires and stick them on - does wonders if the caps have never been replaced

id also check that the coils are actually getting any power before replacing anything else

coils you can swap between bikes (me thinks) to confirm the problem first

[bwringer]

No one has ever actually purchased a Suzuki ignitor -- a Dyna electronic ignition is only about $130.

That's your worst case -- the problem is probably something else.

[justmount1]

ok so can i get a dyna ignitor for the kaw if that is my prob?

[justmount1]

well to keep u guys up to date on the kaw i found an igniter coil and wires for 17 bucks on fleabay that includes shipping. the guy says the bike had spark when he took the head off and found out that the pistons were fried so hopefully he is telling the truth will be shipped out tomorrow and hopefully will be on my bike by friday. i am hoping this will work as my voltage meter wasn't picking up anything last night on the coils. well with this stuff i am just replacing everything.so wish me luck i will keep ya guys posted and tuesday i don't have to work so the carbs to the 550 are going back in the dip again. i will keep u guys posted on how that bike turns out too since i still have not had that beast running right in the last year that i have had it. hopefully this year i will get it on the road running properly