2004 Suzuki GS500 wont start

[robfriedenberger]

Addiasguy hit the nail on the head


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[Bob_signy]

1. There is gas in the tank, and its set on reserve when attempting to start
2. Fuel does come out (I loosened screw on float bowl)
3. All fuel lines are connected
4. Yes I have placed PRIME on for short time, then turned off and attempted to start
5. There are 3 lines that run from the Petcock- 2 going to the tank and 1 going to what looks like the carb. When removing the hose going to the carb, should I turn the fuel switch off underneath the gas tank first? And then turn the petcock to PRIME and then switch the fuel back on?

[adidasguy]

You need to be on prime for a minute or two to fill up the carbs. For now, put on PRIME to try to start in case there is a vacuum problem.

When disconnecting fuel line between frame petcock and carbs, setting to ON or RES is fine as the vacuum is off (motor not running) so no fuel will flow.

There really are 4 lines to the frame petcock. One small line is the vacuum line which goes to the left carb (89-00), or off of a T from the right carb (2004+). Is it connected?

Did you check the float levels with a clear U tube?
If in PRIME and you connect a hose to a carb drain, do you get continuous flow of gas when you open the carb drain screw? More than what would fill up the carbs? (Like an 8 oz juice glass worth of gas)

[robfriedenberger]

2004 the vac line should be connected to the carb.

As stated set it to prime and crank it for a while, if you got nothing its time to get cleaning. It sounds worse than it is.....I don't like to think about it but pulling the tank is the worst part about the whole thing. If you played with carbs before it can be done in an hour or less , if your not used to it take a few hours. The jets are tiny thus can be clogged with a few grains of sand.

[adidasguy]

Correct - the petcock is connected to the right carb on 2004+. My bad there.

[Bob_signy]

Everything seemed to be connected.

I placed prime on for a few mins and attempted to start it. It only seemed to start for 1 second when I sprayed more starter fluid.

I placed prime on and then connected a hose I purchased from the carb drain/bowl to a container and there was a continuous flow of fuel. So what would be my next step? Seems like fuel is flowing to the carb and no issues before the carb.

[robfriedenberger]

From all the information you have gathered. You need to clean the jets most likely old gas clogged the jets, you will need to pull the carb, remove the bowls and soak the jets in carb cleaner. There is a sticky with the carb parts but a service manual is also a good source.


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[Bob_signy]

Is this a difficult task- to clean jets? I have never done this before and have no idea how to do this. Should I try to do this myself or take it in?

[The Buddha]

Is this a difficult task- to clean jets? I have never done this before and have no idea how to do this. Should I try to do this myself or take it in?

Naaa its pretty easy. Much like with a chick ... open and poke everything you see.
Cool.
Buddha.

[robfriedenberger]

Naaa its pretty easy. Much like with a chick ... open and poke everything you see.

Thanks for the laugh!

Your just going to clean the jets, they are tiny (brass colored) passage ways in the carb that the gas fumes flow though. This is an easy job just take your time, if you can see light though the jets when held up to light they are clean if not soak them in carb clearer or use a wire off a a wire brush and poke though it carefully.

Check this link out....
http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=56601.0

[robfriedenberger]

Also check this out

[Bob_signy]

Figured out the problem. Had nothing to do with the carb at all.

I brought the motorcycle in the house to warm up for a few hours AND it started! So the true problem is the 17degree weather, not the bike lol.

Thank you for your help.

[radodrill]

Figured out the problem. Had nothing to do with the carb at all.

I brought the motorcycle in the house to warm up for a few hours AND it started! So the true problem is the 17degree weather, not the bike lol.

Could be a lean pilot circuit or that the plugs don't like the cold; with full choke mine starts in the 20-25 F range without much trouble.

[robfriedenberger]

.....Some thing is still up.....If it starts when its warm I'd say a can of seafoam is in your near future. I've started my bike in ~10 or lower, it might take a bit of love to start it but it should fire right up.

Run some seafoam in the next few tanks and keep and eye out for any trouble.

[Bob_signy]

Hey Guys.

I am planning on getting my bike ready for spring. I was going to clean out the carb and change the oil, check brake fluid and maybe let my bike run out all the old gas (and replace with new before riding).

Is there anything else I should check or flush?