1979 GS550E ignition or carb problems?

[Anonymous]

Great site, I just signed up. I have a 79 GS550E, and some of the other topics here sound familiar, but I wonder if the solutions are the same for my bike as the other models? :?
Starts great, Idle's good, but the bike doesn't want to accelerate very much after 3500RPM. The bike starts sputting and "farting" (sorry, hubby's terms), and seems to lose power. SOMETIMES it seems to only be running on 2 cylinders, other times all four.
Any suggestions?

[earlfor]

Re: 1979 GS550E ignition or carb problems?

Yep. :-) :-) Most likely your points are worn out , so besides getting a lousy spark, you ignition timing is off too. I have a 79 750 with points ignition, so Ive been there. :-) Does your bike have the single screw mount Nippondensco points?

Earl

Great site, I just signed up. I have a 79 GS550E, and some of the other topics here sound familiar, but I wonder if the solutions are the same for my bike as the other models? :?
Starts great, Idle's good, but the bike doesn't want to accelerate very much after 3500RPM. The bike starts sputting and "farting" (sorry, hubby's terms), and seems to lose power. SOMETIMES it seems to only be running on 2 cylinders, other times all four.
Any suggestions?

[Anonymous]

Nope, I just figured out that there are two different kinds of points, mine are the dual screw. My husband feels it's the points as well, strongly enough that he ordered points. The dealer didn't ask which ones (and we didn't know there were two different ones) and we got the wrong ones. Now the fight begins. The dealer said "you ordered them, you have to take them" (or the friend's credit card gets billed) and "you can't return electronic parts" (even though they aren't opened). Hubby took them home (at twice the price we were quoted) just in case they might fit, and they don't.

[Anonymous]

Just an update, we called a suzi dealer in another province that hubby used to deal with. We were sent the wrong parts. Hopefully the dealer here will realize that we did not ask for specific part numbers and take these ones back. $180.00 for points and condensers?!?!?!?

wish me luck

[Anonymous]

You.....paid.....$180.... for ....points....and....condensers?????????

Wow!
Get them here for about $25 ($34CAD) plus shipping:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/points_and_ignitions.htm

If you're ok with spending $180 though, get the Dyna-S conversion.

One thing though. Check the advance mechanism behind the points plate. It kinda sounds like it's not working properly.

[earlfor]

That is criminal. A set of points for your bike is $7.00. You need a right set and a left set, so $14 for points. Condensers are about $3 each, so another 6 bucks. Total would be $20 U.S. plus shipping. You can order them online from cycle recycle for that price any day of the year.

I would put a stop payment on the credit card charge at my bank.

Earl

Just an update, we called a suzi dealer in another province that hubby used to deal with. We were sent the wrong parts. Hopefully the dealer here will realize that we did not ask for specific part numbers and take these ones back. $180.00 for points and condensers?!?!?!?

wish me luck

[AOD]

gosh that's criminal alright.

i have a used, but working set of points in my trunk. they're from a 79 GS550E just like yours. i was having ignition problems due to a bad coil or a bad point or condesor, so i dont know if they will help, but i'd be willing to send them your way. the points are in good shape, one of the screws might have to be drilled out or hit with a gun to remove it. i'm sure hubby can figure it out .

let me know if you need it. i can't see you paying that much for parts.

if you want to buy some new parts: http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/poi..._ignitions.htm has them cheap.

best of luck!

~Adam

[Anonymous]

All I can say is you guys (and girls) are beautiful. I am getting answers to my questions and offers of help that are making things much better. We had so many bike problems when we woke up this morning, and now...well let's just say we don't.

Many many, many thanks to all of you. If you ever come to PEI, send me a message (or Atlantic Canada)

Ann

[Anonymous]

You.....paid.....$180.... for ....points....and....condensers?????????

Wow!
Get them here for about $25 ($34CAD) plus shipping:

http://www.crc2onlinecatalog.com/points_and_ignitions.htm

If you're ok with spending $180 though, get the Dyna-S conversion.

One thing though. Check the advance mechanism behind the points plate. It kinda sounds like it's not working properly.

I know, I know, I got RIPPED OFF big time. On a good note, the suzi dealer in another province was schocked too. Hopefully Suzuki Canada will be easier to deal with than the *%&$($ that runs the local dealership.
As for the advance mechanism, Hubby checked it out already (thanks for the suggestion tho) and it seems fine. Anyone wants to see the whole story, let me know and I'll post a copy of the email I sent to Suzuki Canada's customer care email addy.

Ann

[SqDancerLynn1]

Everbody is so quick to condem points, but they are very reliable Just need minor service every 5-7 K miles. Unlike electronic ign they can be reset and adjusted on the road, electronic you call a tow truck. I set mine with a fealer gauge and then do a final check with a dwell meter and timing light. Have the carbs been cleaned receintly? What shape is the air filter in??

[Anonymous]

Everbody is so quick to condem points, but they are very reliable Just need minor service every 5-7 K miles. Unlike electronic ign they can be reset and adjusted on the road, electronic you call a tow truck. I set mine with a fealer gauge and then do a final check with a dwell meter and timing light. Have the carbs been cleaned receintly? What shape is the air filter in??

Sorry, but O know the points are bad on mine. (read rotted right out almost), I posted the question wondering if the problems I was/am having could be symptoms of something else that I would have to replace, grasping at straws I guess. (BTW I would not call a tow truck on PEI, only one company has proper equipment to tow a bike, and they know it and use it to their advantage just info)

This is my 1st year biking (got my license in June) and my 1st bike, but hubby has had his current bike for 14+ years and does all the servicing himself (wtg hubby )

Carbs were cleaned, used the feeler guage to try and set the rotten points, went about 2 kms ok and then had same problem. Filed the points, set them again, went about 15-20 kms and same crap.
Gave in and ordered the parts, see my post bad experience - anyone else for the rest.

[Anonymous]

oops, sorry forgot to mention that my post "bad experience - anyone else" is in general topic.

[SqDancerLynn1]

I have a used set of points for a GS850 I think they are the same if you need them

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone for your help and advice.

[W1ngman6]

Ann,
If I were you, I'd print off this discussion. Bring it down to the dealer you bought the parts from, and pleasantly ask why the price difference. I'd do it on a rainy saturday afternoon when there are all kinds of people in the shop. I wouldn't be rude, just smile and ask matter of factly.

If there is a reason for the price...like the wrong points are 5 times the price, he will tell you. If his motive is greed, he will squirm. Keep asking him questions about the deal he made you. 9 times out of 10 people cave in and make the deal "right".

I noticed that you are Ann without an "e". Do you happen to have red hair? We were visiting your fine province a year ago. My daughter is a beautiful red head. (Dad's opinion) People were stopping her on the street and asking to take her picture...

Wingman