1982 GS850GL makeover project

[Guest]

Just purchased a used 1982 GS850GL about a month ago. It was ridable but ran poorly to about 4K rpm and then picked up strong. Also it backfired several times during declearation. With this I knew the carbs needed attention and probably the valves. It's all stock and all the pieces seemed to be there.

So I have started the carb cleaning process, tearing them down completely, doing the dipping process as well as valve clearance adjustments. Also airbox overhaul ( the airbox gaskets had all dried up and crumbled).

I had a 1982 GS850GL from 1990 to 1997 and loved it. I'm looking forward to getting this one back to prime and enjoying it.

[Dogma]

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you know your way around these things. Got pics?

[jsandidge]

Yes, Welcome. I love mine. Click the link in my signature and you'll see another one being brought back which is nearing completion now.

[BillH]

Make over

Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you know your way around these things. Got pics?

I've been reading the forum boards a lot ha. Especially the newbie mistakes posts. So right off hit the carbs and valves and airbox. I could tell the petcock had been changed by the previous owner at some point. There was an inline fuel filter between it and the carb.

Currently I just finished the dipping process on the carbs and now putting the little pieces back together. I had damaged one of the idle jets on one carb trying to remove it. It was stuck bad. So I have ordered all 4 idle jets waiting for them to arrive, 8 bucks a piece I think. Wouldn't you know I have lost one of the air jets. LOL I just knew I was going to drop something while doing it.

While waiting for carb parts I started the valve clearance procedure. They were all too tight. I was able to get some shims locally but still I needed 2ea 2.60 shims. I have contacted Ray and he is sending me those.

I will post some pictures a little later.

[BillH]

Yes, Welcome. I love mine. Click the link in my signature and you'll see another one being brought back which is nearing completion now.

Hey Drew, Wow yeah I saw your photos. You are doing a complete tear down. I may go that far later, at this point I was making mine a reliable rider that looked pretty good. Just a make over. Your doing a complete restoration. My hat is off to you.

By the way, I was in the Army with a guy named Drew that was from Norfolk and he was your age.

[jsandidge]

By the way, I was in the Army with a guy named Drew that was from Norfolk and he was your age.

That wouldn't have been me. I'm a Navy brat, but have never been in the military myself.

[BillH]

A few photos of my progress ...
One is what I think is a major milestone, I finally got all 4 intake boots off ... whew

Looks a little sad stripped down like that ....

IMG_2753.jpg

[BillH]

Looks a little sad stripped down like that ....IMG_2754.jpg

[BillH]

doing the valve clearance job tooIMG_2741.jpg

[BillH]

Update on progress
Installed new intake boots with new O Rings and hardware I got from cycleorings
Finished Valve clearance part, new gasket and some shims I got from Ray. Valves are in spec.IMG_2763.jpg

[BillH]

pic of valve cover reinstalled with new gasketsIMG_2762.jpg

[BillH]

Tried one of the seat covers from Pit Replica. I did take about 5 weeks before I got it, it comes from Thailand. So with that said, it's not as good material as the original cover. It's a thinner material and doesn't have the same sheen as the original. With that said it looks better than a torn seat. IMG_2767.jpg

[BillH]

there are metal snag hooks on the bottom of the seat pan. Mine were rusty, I hit them with some sandpaper and a small file and then shot them with black ruIMG_2768.jpgstoluem

[BillH]

Here is the seat cover installed. Looks better than a torn seat. Not sure how the cover will hold up with use. will try to follow up on a post with that.IMG_2769.jpg

[jsandidge]

Looks great. I'll be doing mine soon.