Hard time starting

[anthony806]

I have small problem with my GS650, since the day I bought it. Every time I try to start a cold engine it runs about 3 secs and it dies. After that I need starter fluid otherwise it wont start. When I get it started and let it warm up it idles and runs perfect. I assumed it was the carbs and I have cleaned it two times. I have disassembled and dipped the carbs on carb cleaner and let it sit for 40 mins. i have cleaned all the jets and I can see through every hole. still I have the same problem, it is frustrating and I need you guys help. I appreciate your feedback.

[Steve]

PUT THE STARTER FLUID BACK ON THE SHELF ,

then grab your feeler gauges and adjust your valves. Your bike will thank you for that.

.

[bwringer]

Agreed. Check your valve clearances.

However, starter fluid belongs in the trash, not on your shelf.

[tkent02]

Did you dip the float bowls too?

[DanTheMan]

Starter fluid is real good for putting holes in pistons and burning valves. I've only used it on oil burning/guzzling garbage engines that wouldn't start otherwise in cars that belonged in the demo derby. If you care about your engine don't use it. And hey, what the others said about vacuum line, petcock, etc., check 'em out!!!!

[chef1366]

Did you dip the float bowls too?

The brass choke tube that goes into the float bowl needs to be clear as with the port (jet) in the float bowl itself.

[BassCliff]

Greetings and Salutations!!

Hi Mr. anthony806,

I'm glad you found us. What year is your bike? How many miles? The carbs actually should be dipped for 24 hours or more, each, depending on how long it's been since they've been cleaned or how long they've been sitting with bad gas in them.

But the guys are right, adjusting the valve clearances is not an option. You'll burn valves if you don't. There's a pretty comprehensive guide on my website. In fact, you'll find lots of GS lovin' on my website. Here's how I say "Howdy!"...

Here is your very own magical, mystical, mythical, mind-expanding "mega-welcome". Please take notice of the "Top 10 Common Issues", the Carb Rebuild Series, and the Stator Papers. Now let me roll out the welcome mat for you...

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

[anthony806]

thanx guys for the feedback. It is a 1981 gs 650 with 18k miles. . And when i removed my carbs I was surprised, i didn’t see any sort of varnish on it. I am going to dip the crabs and bowls again, change the vacuum and adjust the valves and see the next step. Thanks a lot for the help.

[tatumjr]

Make sure to give some updates! I am having the same issues as well and am following every step you are.

Thanks!

[sachsaca]

It has been said you need to dip your carbs for many hours not minutes. I just left our local suz dealer, he runs an 850 and it took him 24 hours in dip for his carbs and puled them 2 times and said he cleaned them by hand a couple of hours each time. It can be time consuming but as he said, my bowls had gas left in them for 7 years and they had a hard glob of varnish in them but with a very good cleaning he just put it back together with all the factory parts and zoom off I went.
It does take time. Good luck and postapic