Resto 98% complete Need your help for the last 2%. long post, have pics though!

[Big T]

Since you said the bike was running good before you had the airbox off, and moved the ground, it makes me think it is something simple.
Did you reinstall the airbox when trying to start it. These bikes can be VERY picky about the amount of airflow. If the airbox was still removed, lid was off, or boots not secured to carbs and clamps tight, that would cause it to be hard to start. Also, if you had the tank off, check your vacuum line that goes from #2 carb to tank petcock. If that line was left off, or had a split, it causes a huge vacuum leak on that cylinder, making the bike really hard to start (and it'll run like crap).
Also, if you have spark, and think it may be fuel related, try squirting a SMALL amount of starter fluid (ether) into each cylinder thru the spark plug holes, then see if she'll fire up for a second.
Good Luck.

Good idea, but it's the #3 carb on a VM carb bike.

+1 on the kill switch

[twinapache]

Good idea, but it's the #3 carb on a VM carb bike.

+1 on the kill switch

Oops. Yep, you're right. #3 carb. The CV carbs use #2.

[salty_monk]

Timing coming loose is definitely something to check....

Also try running on prime or suck a vacuum on the vacuum port & throw more gas on the floor to check operation of that

[Zooks]

.....................................She would just crank and crank but not catch. Every once in while she would attempt to catch, but only on the first few cranks after letting her sit for a minute, but not near enough to start her up................

This answers it for me. You have a carb issue. You may have fuel flowing but is it in the bowls, is it enough and is it getting to the cyclinders? In your other posts you mention fuel 'flow', not fuel 'supply' actually in the carb.

Pull the drain plug out of the bottom of the carb (connected to the petcock) and see how much comes out. Put a tin or large rag under it so you don't get fuel all over your nice bike. It should be a fair amount that comes out if the bowl is full. If not, pull the carbs, take the bowls off and check for a blockage. I'm guessing that the float is stuck.

That's why it 'almost fires' after a minute or two - a tiny amount of fuel is managing to trickle into the bowl past the blockage.



BTW - Top job on the rebuild. Nicely done.

[Nessism]

This answers it for me. You have a carb issue. You may have fuel flowing but is it in the bowls, is it enough and is it getting to the cyclinders? In your other posts you mention fuel 'flow', not fuel 'supply' actually in the carb.

Pull the drain plug out of the bottom of the carb (connected to the petcock) and see how much comes out. Put a tin or large rag under it so you don't get fuel all over your nice bike. It should be a fair amount that comes out if the bowl is full. If not, pull the carbs, take the bowls off and check for a blockage. I'm guessing that the float is stuck.

That's why it 'almost fires' after a minute or two - a tiny amount of fuel is managing to trickle into the bowl past the blockage.



BTW - Top job on the rebuild. Nicely done.

I'm with Zook, remove some drain screws on the carb float bowls and look for fuel inside. Pull a couple of plugs too, if they are dry you are not getting fuel into the engine.

Killer nice job you have done by the way. Another nice GS returned to service!

[zuki1000]

Things can quickly turn from a hobby into an obsession when you call of work strictly to work on your bike. BUT OH MAN WAS IT WORTH IT!!!

I started from the headlight and replaced every connector all the way back to the tailight. Cleaned the fuse box and rewired all my grounds. Replaced the plug caps, buttoned her all back up turned on the key and low and behold there was power, good power, lights were brigher then ever, blinkers blinked faster and without hesitation. So far so good, now its time to hit the starter button, pulled the choke, rubbed my lucky charm and pushed the button.............nothing!!! Just cranking, after a few choice explatives I took everyones advice and opened the bowl drains. Do i need to say it??? Ok, "you guys were right" no fuel. I removed the tank and noticed that due to me placing an in line fuel filter I had made the fuel line too long and the darn thing was kinked right in half. I trimmed enough away and fashioned a metal coil wrapping around the fuel line made out of the OEM rear brake line cover (to avoid any possible future kinkage). Primed it, hit the starter button and instant gratification!!!!!

So I just got back from another late night test ride, and oh man she runs like a champ, all I have to say is you better have a good grip on the handle bars when you give her the "go" command.

So I am off to get tags on Monday and look forward to starting my riding season and possibly turning from GS resources leach, to GS resources contributor. I will post pics when I get it 100% complete with badging and final polishing.

You guys are the best!!! Thanks again!

[Nessism]

Good news. Since you Por'ed the tank, you can ditch the filter - non value added and often a problem due to restriction.

Enjoy your bike and watch for the man in blue when you explore that throttle.

[Zooks]

YEEHAAA!!!!

Enjoy (and be careful).

[Baatfam]

This was a great thread....with a very happy ending...