Fired it up for the first time in over a year, but...

[efjay_62]

Got my '79 GS750E running last night for the first time since purchase in April of last year. It actually started fairly easily, and didn't run too bad. Not perfect, but alright. The carbs haven't been synced yet and timing was just set static. On that note, I think I need to rebuild the petcock. Upon pouring fuel into the tank, I set it to prime for a minute, then switched back to "on". Got it fired up and it ran for a few minutes, then the engine slowed down and it died, and wouldn't restart for more than a second, like it ran out of gas. Primed the carbs again, and the same thing. Fired right back up, ran for a few minutes, then slowed down and died. Just for fun, I did it all over again today, and same thing. Makes me thinks the petcock isn't "pumping", probably at least partially due to sitting so long, and it's time for a rebuild kit?

TIA

P.S. Once she's 100% complete and dialed in, and I can officially call it "done" (which is very close), I will do a write up and post pics. I've been collecting them throughout this very over-stretched rehab project.

[Dave8338]

Try running it on prime.

[bonanzadave]

Try running it on prime.

After that check that the vac hose is not kinked or has holes in it.

[robertbarr]

This isn't quite perfect yet, but it's easier than typing the same reply again and again:

http://www.cycleorings.com/petcock.html

[efjay_62]

This isn't quite perfect yet, but it's easier than typing the same reply again and again:

http://www.cycleorings.com/petcock.html

Good read here. After reading this, part of me wonders if I put enough fuel in. I would estimate I only poured about a gallon or so in, not much over. But will definately perform these tests. Simple enough to do.

[efjay_62]

All right, everyone laugh at the rookie. Turns out, after reading the above link, that I just didn't put enough fuel in it to get it out of reserve. I went to the bike after work, flipped to petcock to the reserve side, fired it up, and away she purred, and purred, and purred, without dying. I'm pretty stoked. Finally, after a year and 3 months, I might get to take it for a it's first little hot lap tomorrow.

[robertbarr]

Cool. I'm glad someone got some use out of it! It sure beats wasting some precious riding season waiting for a part you might not have needed in the first place.

[Big T]

All right, everyone laugh at the rookie. Turns out, after reading the above link, that I just didn't put enough fuel in it to get it out of reserve. I went to the bike after work, flipped to petcock to the reserve side, fired it up, and away she purred, and purred, and purred, without dying. I'm pretty stoked. Finally, after a year and 3 months, I might get to take it for a it's first little hot lap tomorrow.

So now that you're on the road, come ride with your compatriots here in Oregon

[Larry D]

All right, everyone laugh at the rookie. Turns out, after reading the above link, that I just didn't put enough fuel in it to get it out of reserve. I went to the bike after work, flipped to petcock to the reserve side, fired it up, and away she purred, and purred, and purred, without dying. I'm pretty stoked. Finally, after a year and 3 months, I might get to take it for a it's first little hot lap tomorrow.

Don't worry about that. I was working on my bike once, started it up and was warming it up, all of a sudden it died.

I spent a half an hour messing with stuff before I figured out I ran it out of fuel........

[mighty13d]

I spent a half an hour messing with stuff before I figured out I ran it out of fuel........

Hasn't just about everyone done that? Not that i'm admitting to it... but I'm not exactly denying it either! lol