81 GS850G airbox

[Guest]

I am in the process of cleaning the airbox and have a question about the tube that comes out of the front/top of the airbox and connects to the top of the engine. The tube had a lot of gunk in it that I cleaned out with a rag and Q-tips. What does this tube do and is it safe to blindly clean deep into it. Inside the top of the airbox where it appears this tube ends has a little flat box with a narrow slit on each side. Is it safe to poke in these slits to clean or does anyone have a safer method. I have found this site to be a tremendous help for my lack of mechanical ability. Thanks for any help.

[Nessism]

That is your crankcase breather. It needs to be open so you are to be commended for cleaning it out.

Based on your post here it makes me wonder if you have ever done a valve adjustment before. The breather cover needs to come off to get the valve cove off on the 850. Just a friendly reminder on how important valve adjustments are.

Have fun,

[49er]

As above, it's important that it's clear. That elongated tract inside the box rusts and closes on the steel boxes. I believe the 81 models are still steel. You can clear them by forcing welding wire through them and blowing away the loose material, with compressed air.

I'm sure there are many 78 - 81 GS's running around with blocked breathers. They are the ones that suddenly start smoking and leaking oil where ever there are external seals (tacho drive, cam chain tensioner, etc).

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. ardbeglily,

I've got some 850 lovin' for you!

Let me roll out the welcome mat...

Please click here for your mega-welcome, chock full of tips, suggestions, links to vendors, and other information. Then feel free to visit my little BikeCliff website where I've been collecting the wisdom of this generous community. Don't forget, we like pictures! Not you, your bike!

Thanks for joining us. Keep us informed.

Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[ardbeglily]

thanks

Many thanks to all you guys, as I said before the site is a wealth of information, especially BikeCliff's site. I had a feeling that box was important and will now diligently clean it. I promise to have the valves checked as soon as I get it running. Thanks again.

[Steve]

. I promise to have the valves checked as soon as I get it running.

Actually, you are more likely to get it running if you adjust the valves FIRST.

The valves tighten up on these bikes, and tight valves are NOT good. It is far better to check them first, then start the bike.

Other things that should be done when trying to resurrect these old bikes include a thorough cleaning of the carbs and a check of all the electrical connectors (there really aren't that many) before even pushing the starter button.

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