All the signs of tight valves, except the tight valves part.

[SlimKlim]

The bike is reluctant to start and needs to be choked and babied even in the 100* weather this week. The idle likes to move around from time to time, I've got a little lean surge even though I cleaned out the pilot jets, and a few other symptoms that would make you think I need to adjust my valves. Putting together the motor I checked the valves and they were too tight. Made a note of it, put it back together just to ride it some.

Took it apart last night, double checked the clearances before I popped them out. In spec. .....K. Obviously I measured them wrong the first time, I checked and double checked and they are  most definately in spec right now.

I thinking its either the exhaust leak (new gaskets in the mail), or the carbs needing to be more thoroughly cleaned (idle circuit and stuff), and needing to be synced and have the air fuel adjusted properly. Maybe its both. The exhaust leak is obviously the first thing to fix, hopefully my gaskets and wrap will be here before the weekend so I can do it. Then I'll turn my attention to the other possible culprits.

Just thought I'd post up to see if anyone else had this experience and if I should check anything else while im trying to tune 'er up.

[burning1]

Check your compression. It's pretty damn simple on the GS, and will tell you if you have any engine problems worth considering.

Generally, I do the following tests:

1. Cold / Dry
2. Cold / Wet
3. Hot / Dry
4. Hot / Wet

Usually, your compression should increase by 20lbs or so hot. If your compression doesn't increase, or falls, it's a sign that your valves are leaking. Likewise, if you have low compression and oil doesn't improve it significantly, it's a sign of valve trouble. Conversely, if you have low dry compression, and high wet compression, it points to a problem with your rings.

[joshr08]

Are your plugs white?  to me it sounds like your air/fuel mix maybe off.  did you pull the a/f screws and clean that passage as well?   

[SlimKlim]

Check your compression. It's pretty damn simple on the GS, and will tell you if you have any engine problems worth considering.

Generally, I do the following tests:

1. Cold / Dry
2. Cold / Wet
3. Hot / Dry
4. Hot / Wet

Usually, your compression should increase by 20lbs or so hot. If your compression doesn't increase, or falls, it's a sign that your valves are leaking. Likewise, if you have low compression and oil doesn't improve it significantly, it's a sign of valve trouble. Conversely, if you have low dry compression, and high wet compression, it points to a problem with your rings.

Well I just rebuilt the top end replacing the head and rings. When the head was off I put fluid in the compression chamber and let it sit on the valves and they didn't leak, so i think they are in pretty good shape. I haven't rechecked the compression with the new head, I'll have to borrow a gauge again. The rings are brand new, granted I've been a little naughty about breaking them in properly, but I seriously doubt brand new rings could fail.

Are your plugs white?  to me it sounds like your air/fuel mix maybe off.  did you pull the a/f screws and clean that passage as well?   

I did not, duly noted. I have those fancy over priced finger adjustable ones on the way, I'm thinking I'll take the carbs apart, take all the rubber out and soak them in cleaner for a while.