1982 Suzuki GS850L Ignition Woes

[Tofuball]

Maybe the Dr. can confirm or deny this, but to go from 12 V to .56 sounds like a short in the wiring somewhere. This is different than low voltage which is the usual reason for the coil relay. The issue is, the relay may be hooked up to the same wire that is shorting out, and you may find the relay doesn't operate. I think you are going to have to find out where the coil wire is shorting out.

I agree. I'm having a horrid time trying to find a wiring diagram though.

[flyingace]

I agree. I'm having a horrid time trying to find a wiring diagram though.

Get a repair manual for your bike. I have a Haynes, but others prefer Clymer or the orig. shop manual. They are invaluable and will have the wiring diagrams you need.

[Nessism]

Basscliff has a wiring diagram. Didn't you get his mega welcome? He must be slipping. Do a search and you will find what you need.

[waterman]

Is your name Navin R. Johnson?

These are defective oil cans.

What a reference, haven't seen that movie for years.

Sorry for thread jack, could not resist Steve Martin reference.

Please carry on.

[Tofuball]

Basscliff has a wiring diagram. Didn't you get his mega welcome? He must be slipping. Do a search and you will find what you need.

What diagram on his site is compatible with my bike? He doesn't have 82 850 listed that I can see.

Is the black/white wire supposed to be ground or positive?

I jiggled the harness and now the coils get voltage but the starter button, horn, and turn signals stopped working.

Where can a new harness be bought for $150?

[Matchless]

This is not the exact year model, but it should be right for the ignition side and just about everything else give it a try. Download open and zoom.

[Nessism]

What diagram on his site is compatible with my bike? He doesn't have 82 850 listed that I can see.

Is the black/white wire supposed to be ground or positive?

I jiggled the harness and now the coils get voltage but the starter button, horn, and turn signals stopped working.

Where can a new harness be bought for $150?

BassCliff has the factory GS850 service manual which has wiring diagrams inside. Manual covers all years, including 1982. You downloaded the service manual didn't you?

[Tofuball]

BassCliff has the factory GS850 service manual which has wiring diagrams inside. Manual covers all years, including 1982. You downloaded the service manual didn't you?

Oo, I thought because it wasn't 1982 it wouldn't work. I'm on it then!

[Tofuball]

BassCliff has the factory GS850 service manual which has wiring diagrams inside. Manual covers all years, including 1982. You downloaded the service manual didn't you?

Allright, the wiring diagram doesn't match up exactly, but it was close enough.

I removed and rebuilt the harness, it was total junk. Two connectors are still fried but not critically important (shift display and illumination).

The orange-yellow wire that provides power was cut by the previous owner. Half the grounds, were not :P

I'll try to test it tomorrow.

One Q tho: What does the solid white wire go to? The diagram says the headlight, but that's not true.

Thank you all for your help!

[Matchless]

One Q tho: What does the solid white wire go to? The diagram says the headlight, but that's not true.

The headlight has 3 wires black/white which is negative 12 Volt and ground. then you have a yellow for the high beam and the high beam light. The wite is the low beam. Both yellow and white then go to the dimmer switch from the bulb.
This is like this in most bikes, maybe yours has changed, but I doubt it.

[Nessism]

Allright, the wiring diagram doesn't match up exactly, but it was close enough.

BassCliff has both a stand alone wiring diagram for the early GS850 and a full GS850 factory service manual - which includes all the service manual supplements (including one for the GZ model (1982)). Each supplement has it's own wiring diagram, assuming the wiring changed from the pervious year. I checked this manual and there IS a 1982 specific wiring diagram. You can't get more specific that this.

[Tofuball]

You guys are correct. I misread, the white wire went to the ignition.

I put the harness back in . . . and the coils have power, the starter works, turn signals work, horn still has low voltage tho (meh)

Even after charging it, the battery only had enough power to turn the engine over three times, it was dead from sitting for so long though!

So after a new battery, it's time to see if this runs!