GS550L air box removal

[fissionchips]

Hi guys,

I have performed a forum-wide search before posting, but I still can't seem to find an answer. I'm sure it's going to turn out to be stupefyingly simple and I'll kick myself!

I am trying to fix up my '82 gs550L, the tank's off for a respraying, and I wanted to get the air filter out to give it a clean/replace it. I've loosened it off from the carb, but it seems to have no space to pull it all the way off. Will I need to remove the carb to get it out? Or is there just a knack to it? I don't want to damage it by forcing it.

While I am here, I'll just add that I am having problems with starting it up and with idling. It has been refusing to fire up on two cylinders - I pulled the sparks out and they were covered in a black soot-like substance, so I assume it's running way too rich. This made me suspect the carbs or/and the air filter. Adjusted the jet screws a little and it idled better, but the tickover was still stumbling. (best way I can think of describing it) Previously, whilst idling at the lights, I could hear the tickover gradually slowing down and then it would just die if I didn't give it a bit of throttle.

I guess I should pull the carbs anyway and clean them, but I'm new to this and worry I'll screw it up. I have seen the pictorial on carb cleaning on the site which looks excellent, so maybe I'll pluck the courage up soon.

Thanks for your time and any suggestions or help will be greatly, greatly appreciated!

Adam.

[Nessism]

The air filter is inside the airbox; remove the cover and the filter is right there. To remove the airbox you first need to remove the carbs. If you loosen up the airbox screws you should be able to move the airbox back by about 1 inch or so which will allow you to yank the carbs out. And yes, do a complete carb rebuild. The bike is old and the o-rings are going to be hard and possiably cracked, it's always best to start fresh.

Welcome and enjoy

[newgsman]

The air filter is inside the airbox; remove the cover and the filter is right there. To remove the airbox you first need to remove the carbs. If you loosen up the airbox screws you should be able to move the airbox back by about 1 inch or so which will allow you to yank the carbs out. And yes, do a complete carb rebuild. The bike is old and the o-rings are going to be hard and possiably cracked, it's always best to start fresh.

Welcome and enjoy

on my 85 gs550e i must remove the battery box to remove the air box. the upper frame is in the way to remove towards the carbs

[Nessism]

on my 85 gs550e i must remove the battery box to remove the air box. the upper frame is in the way to remove towards the carbs

That's a different model 550 from the one the OP has.

[newgsman]

That's a different model 550 from the one the OP has.

nice. just wanted to make sure. thanks Ed

[fissionchips]

Ok, fantastic, thank you for settling that for me. I feared that it would be the case that I'd have to remove the carbs first. That should force me to do a clean and rebuild as you suggest.

I seem to remember reading that it can be pretty tricky getting these GS's started again after a carb rebuild. Is there anything I should keep in mind before going ahead? Will I need to have the carbs rebalanced again afterwards?

Thanks again. This forum and site is superb!

Ads.

[mike_of_bbg]

As Ed pointed out already, if all you want to do is clean or replace the air filter there's no need to pull the whole airbox. Just pull off the seat and remove the two screws holding on the lid, and one more holding in the filter. Not only would you have to pull the carbs to remove the air box, but some electronics should be hanging off the right side and the bottom. But yes, you should remove the carbs, clean them, and replace all the internal o-rings. When you go to re-start it after the carb rebuild, just put it on prime for a minute before starting to ensure the fuel bowls are full.

[fissionchips]

Thanks, guys, appreciate your help. MIke, I see you have the same year and model. Have you noticed any particular quirks on this bike that I should look out for? I haven't had the bike that long, I'm just trying to learn as much about it as I can at the moment.

[jrod666999]

I also have a 550L, (not sure of the year, as I don't have the title yet, and didn't pay anything for it, Thanks Dad!) it hasn't been started for about 20 years, carbs are in need of cleaning. When I pull the carbs off is there something that I should put over the intake holes of the block to keep stuff from getting in the motor?

[jqueen]

Covering intake holes

It's not a bad idea to stuff them with rags. Might not be good if a cockroach or somebody got in there. Of course, it may smell like dinner..