Working on my GF's gs twin

[racing4cash]

Hi all, first time poster. I am in the process of getting my gf's 2010 gs500f running. A little background - she bought new and put 160 miles on it and parked it under a tree outside. I am fairly mechanical and race motocross and have several bikes, rmz450s. so i thought i could get this going for her. i removed the tank and fairings, got it pressure washed and fairly clean, Then took airbox off and pulled the carbs. I thought it was tight working on my mx bikes ha!!! anyways i plan on getting new battery, change oil and filter, new plugs, check misc lubes and fluids, and clean chain. plan to take the carbs to shop to have them disassembled and rebuilt. the biggest problem was the gas that had sat in the tank, it was nasty. i am hoping to flush and use ball bearings and remove as much filth and rust as possible. then use inline filters to catch remaining after reassembly. does this sound like i am on the right track to you guys? anythings i have over looked? i was hoping to avoid having to get a new tank, but it was bad, any advise? i definatly see that a shop manul is in my future for reassembly, lots of confusing vacc lines and such. thanks in advance for all advise and direction. i could supply pics if any one needs them. thanks again..........

                                                                                                                Racing4cash

[Big Rich]

Don't be too intimidated about pulling the carbs yourself - a shop will probably charge an arm and a leg to clean them. As far as the gas tank goes, you might try filling it to the top with vinegar first. It is acidic enough that it can work wonders. Just remember to take the petcock off the tank (no point of messing it up while cleaning). Some duct tape and a small plate made of plastic can be used to cover the hole.

[JAS6377]

There are quite a few people on here that will advise against an in line fuel filter. As the system is gravity fed, a filter can cause the bike to run lean due to fuel starvation. As long as you use fuel stabilizer and keep it oiled up, it should fine.

As far as the tank, I'm not quite sure. I haven't had any major issues with mine, but it only sits idle for at most 3 months during winter. Even then, I still crank it over every now and then. I just can't stay away from it lol. Anyway, if you want to avoid buying a new tank, you could try the electrolysis method, then coat the inside with an anti-rusting agent (I think it's POR-15?).

Edit: Or vinegar. Rich knows more than I do lol.

[Big Rich]

Haha.......nope. Listen to Jas. He is the "Mr Smarty Pants".



Edit: Regarding the inline filter....... there is already a filter on the petcock. If you clean the tank and want to run an external filter, take the petcock filter off for the first couple tankfuls. And make sure the external filter you get is made for gravity fed engines (like a lawn mower). Be forewarned though: external filters can be clogged pretty easily, which can lead to fuel starvation (usually at higher / sustained rpm's at first).

[Suzuki Stevo]

"Automotive" Inline Filters are bad.....M'Kay



This Fram Automotive Inline Filter starved my riding lawnmower so bad it couldn't get out of it's own way 

[JAS6377]

Haha.......nope. Listen to Jas. He is the "Mr Smarty Pants".

 

[GS500F2004]

Your GF bought a brand new bike, rode it for less than 200 miles, and left it under a tree for 3 years?

[fetor56]

The money that was going to be spent on the carbs would be better spent on a descent 2nd hand tank,NO inline filters.The carbs,etc, do yourself then you'll know it's done properly....ppl here are happy to help anyway possible.
I'm betting your GF would show her gratitude multiple multiple times thereafter. 

[empyrean]

Your GF bought a brand new bike, rode it for less than 200 miles, and left it under a tree for 3 years?

Between shoulder surgery, an AC separation, L5 slip, moving out of state, and paying for two houses, I was left with little to find a way to bring her home. Finally moved to a house with a garage, and got a nice raise. I tried to ride her regularly until I got injured and then moved.

[the mole]

The bike is repairable, I hope you are too!

[empyrean]

Nothing a little Martial Medicine, chiropractics, and a good orthopedic surgeon hasn't fixed. I'm just glad that I have her home and someone willing to help me out and show me what to do.

[Big Rich]

Yikes! Hopefully you are back to 100% soon if not already.

Luckily, the Twins site has such a dedicated base of GS owners (I don't even have a 500, but somehow I haven't been kicked off yet!). But there isn't a problem you can run into that somebody here hasn't heard of.

Good luck with the project!

[GS500F2004]

Your GF bought a brand new bike, rode it for less than 200 miles, and left it under a tree for 3 years?

Between shoulder surgery, an AC separation, L5 slip, moving out of state, and paying for two houses, I was left with little to find a way to bring her home. Finally moved to a house with a garage, and got a nice raise. I tried to ride her regularly until I got injured and then moved.

Roger. Hope it all goes well enough to be able to ride again.

[ohgood]

Pine Sol works great I mean really great

[Big Rich]

Ohgood - isn't it the original Pinesol? None of the newer kinds? Thought I've heard that somewhere.......

[ohgood]

Ohgood - isn't it the original Pinesol? None of the newer kinds? Thought I've heard that somewhere.......

Yes, just plain old Pine Sol

[racing4cash]

Update, I have the tank with about 3 gallons of vinegar and some screws soaking and I shake it hard everytime I walk by it. From what I saw on youtube, it should work well. The only issue I see is that when  I empty it out the recessed filler neck will make it dificult for the rust chunks fo come out. But I should be able to make it work, and will flush with another round of fresh vinegar. I started to disassemble the carbs last night and bought a impact screwdriver for the stubborn screws on the bowl, it worked great. However, the jets look nasty. I dont know if they will be salvageable. I will post some pics, but I have a feeling several internal parts will need to be replaced. any suggestions will be appreciated again, thanks.

[racing4cash]

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