'78 gs550, trying to get it running after 14 years

[taterntot101]

Before rambling on about this build, a little history. My brother got this bike in the mid '90's. The owner before him was going to use it for parts, and had stripped the front wheel and aftermarket exhaust off of it. My brother replaced the exhaust with stock, and put a new front tire on it. He only rode it a couple of times, as it would kill the battery in no time (sound common?). I got it 3 years ago, took the carbs off, and found he had left gas in the carbs and they solidified. It has sat since. I took them back off today to start working on it. I got ahead of myself and took the bowls off before seperating the carbs, so they are getting cleaned first, put back on temporary, seperate the carbs, then back off as I clean each carb. A couple of questions to begin with. Since the bike had aftermarket exhaust and k & n pods on it (they are going away in favor of the stock airbox), what are the chances that the jets have been swapped out, too? I haven't soaked them yet, and can't read the number on them. Should I just plan to replace them (better safe than sorry)? I also found that the pilot fuel screws don't have a broken tip (I've only taken 1 out so far), but none of them match the factory notch in the housing. When I'm ready to put them back in, should I go the 1 turn out as it says in the vm writeup, or go somewhere around 1 turn, but line the slot up with the notch? Pictures are on the way soon. Thanks in advance

[taterntot101]

[Nessism]

1 turn is good. Don't worry about that notch.

Maybe after soaking the jets you will be able to read the numbers. An eye loop or similar is very useful for that purpose. If you can't read the numbers I'd replace the jets to make sure they match what the book says. Basscliff should have a real Suzuki manual for you to use as reference.

Just for kicks, please check the Newbie Mistakes thread linked in my signature so you can increase your awareness of some common pitfalls

God luck

[taterntot101]

Thanks, appriciate that. I guess I still haven't firgured out the picture thing, gonna have to try again

[Nessism]

Thanks, appriciate that. I guess I still haven't firgured out the picture thing, gonna have to try again

If you go back and read Basscliff's Mega Welcome (he provided the link in one of your previous threads), within you will find instructions on how to link high resolution photos into your threads here. Tons of other great info too.

Good luck

[cowboyup3371]

Your picture didn't show up the first time due to the header. Here it is again

[JimmyR]

Did you mean eye loupe? :-)

Sorry - used to use one daily in my work.

[Nessism]

Did you mean eye loupe? :-)

Sorry - used to use one daily in my work.

Yes, make that loupe.

[taterntot101]

I'm trying not to spread my posts all over the place, so I'll try here with this question first. Looking at the carb spec sheet, I'm certain I have the wrong jets in my bike, but can use a little input on this. The main jet in it now is a 97.5. according to the chart, the '78 550L used a #80. Mine isn't an L, it's a 550 (pre 550E). The 550E used a #92.5, but there is no listing for a basic 550. I'm taking suggestions, leave it as is, go to a 92.5, or go to a #80. The bike used to have aftermarket pipes and k&n pods on it, so oversized jets were expected (the reason I took a close look at them). I'm going back to stock with it to simplify trying to get it running. Thanks in advance

[cowboyup3371]

Have you downloaded the service manual from Basscliff's site for this bike yet? If not do so quickly. On page 19, it states the jet sizes for the VM22SS is an 80 for the main jet and a 15 for the pilot jet 1, 50 for pilot jet 2. I don't know the differences between the two pilot jets (one might be for air) but that gives you the place to start from.

[taterntot101]

I didn't go to the manual, I went directly to the carb spec sheet on his site for every model and every year. Next to the GS550 e, x, it doesn't show a year next to it, but the 550L is for '77-'79. The L shows a 80, the E,X shows a 92.5. Looks like another trip to the dealership is in order.

[Nessism]

Look up the specs in the service manual. Looks like 80 main jets for sure.

There are various places to order jets including Z1 Enterprises. Might be a good time to check your valve adjustment and order shims at the same time.

[hampshirehog]

I don't know the differences between the two pilot jets (one might be for air) but that gives you the place to start from.

The 550 VM22s have 2 pilot jets in line for some reason - they're both fuel jets. The sizes listed - 80 mains and pilots of 15 and 50 - are correct as standard for all years of 550 fitted with VM carbs

[taterntot101]

Nessism, thanks for the pointers, much appriciated. I'll get to the valves and shims once I can get it to run. The issues with the carbs are first. I was able to find a stock airbox for it, the jets will go back to stock, too. I already got the o rings for the intake to head boots, and have the T's and connectors from the carbs soaking in fuel to soften them up. There is so much to absorb between the search section here, the newbie mistakes section and BassCliffs site, they are all making this project a lot easier than expected.... Now if only I could understand how to post pics.... Thanks again!

[cowboyup3371]

Tater, read the tutorial on Basscliff's site about posting pictures.

You really want to do the valve adjustment BEFORE starting the bike and DURING your carb dip. This way, everything is known good when you do start it and you won't be chasing your tail. It isn't hard and honestly, you will save yourself trouble if it doesn't start correctly because the valves are too tight. Not to mention prevent any other issues like burnt valves.