Carb Help

[Face]

Good morning all! I've been perusing this forum for some years now, but I'm now frustrated and slowly giving up on fixing my problem.

I bought my 1997 GS500E back in spring of 2007. Honestly one of the best purchases I ever made. Rode it religiously for 2 years as a daily driver. Then it became a weekend thing for year. Then my brother drove it as a daily driver for a year. Then it got parked due to idling issues. The idling has never been perfect, but it ran well enough.

When we parked the bike it would not stay running. We've cleaned out the carbs and we've rebuilt the carbs. We've looked at possible vacuum leaks, petcock issues and general fuel problems. Ultimately I keep going back to the carbs. Something is awry and I'm tired of messing with it.

I'm obviously not doing something right, so I could use some help. I've read some threads regarding the issue and tried some of the suggestions. Perhaps some gurus can list typical problems with idling and/or only running for a few seconds and I'll run down the list once more. Or if there is anyone in the Charlotte NC area that would be willing to assist, that would be much appreciated.

My apologies that the information given is kind of vague, this has been a problem for almost 2 years now and I try something new ever couple of months, get discouraged with poor results and the cycle starts over again. If you need additional information to be able to assist, feel free to ask and I'll get it.

Thanks so much for any feedback!

[BockinBboy]

Just a few questions on the general info to fill in some gaps...

When cleaning the carbs, did you physically clean out the jets (specifically the pilots), such as run a thin wire through it so you can see through it? 

Have you checked float height? Quick and easy using the U-tube method if you haven't

Synced the Carbs?

Checked valve clearances?

- Bboy

[Calpantera]

Did you sync the carbs after rebuilding them?
Does it run fine other than the idle issue?

[jestercinti]

Start with valves and float height.

Valves will cause idle issues and stalling when you approach a stop such as coming to a stop sign or stop light.  I have a 2009 that I waited until 9000 miles or so to adjust the valves.  Exhaust so tight that tin foil would not fit underneath them.  Adjusted, and it runs like a top.

That said, float height can cause similar issues.

Check and adjust both, and I think you'll have a brand new running bike.