1991 dies sometimes starts

[bobtalkingbob]

1991 gs500 with 9k miles. It apparently has 04 carbs. It is a mother to get started. Practically starting fluid is the game. Once it does start it goes and can't get above 8k rpms. AS accelerating power sometimes stalls then kicks in. Really boggy. Then it dies. Can't start it again.

Longest ride so far: .5 hr with not a lot of power. Sometimes up to 70 mph. Then died. Went for .25 mile died..... .25 mile died won't start. Along this ride I noticed gas spitting out of the top of the engine. Like an idiot looking for a quick fix I put jb weld on.

Battery is on the charger and need some advice. Really bummed and pissed. Paid 700 total with a parts bike. Put A Days Work in. Plus 120 reg and plate.

so far: maybe...
carbs need cleaned and adjusted
Petcock needs cleaned or replaced
I put petcock on But ONE Tube Is U Shaped AND Goes From ONE Part Of Petcock TO THE other. Gas runs through it on reserve and prime.
Need new coil whatever that is

[The Buddha]

Well clean and check everything on the carbs.
Cool.
Buddha.

[yamahonkawazuki]

Well clean and check everything on the carbs.
Cool.
Buddha.

yup when you gotta break out the starting fluid, a carb cleaning is not far from being needed

[bobtalkingbob]

Cool. Thanks. I'll clean the carbs.

[Evil_Muppets]

Could it be that the carbs are flooding? If the fuel line is perma prime, and the floats are not set properly could the carbs be overfilling?

I'm in a similar situation where the PO of my bike removed the petcock and primary line and ran a single line from the Res to the carb. I'm waiting for a replacement petcock, lines and vacuum hose to come in to see if that makes a difference. Pretty sure mine is to do with the fuel/floats, as if I drain the float bowl, she starts fine and then idles out once it fills again. Maybe you're in the same boat?

[bobtalkingbob]

Everything looks really clean inside and good.

I read that if it's a direct line like yours sounds to be it will flood if you don't shut if off every time.

I'm cleaning mine and there seems to be a lot of cap offs so I'm going to look up a diagram on what should be capped and shouldn't.

[bobtalkingbob]

Also there is this electron part that bolts onto the arm that moves when the throttle is pulled. Looks like something should be plugged in but is not

[The Buddha]

Also there is this electron part that bolts onto the arm that moves when the throttle is pulled. Looks like something should be plugged in but is not

Electron part ? Man you can see part of an electron wow ...

OK OK electronic - Put a pic up, but it may be nothing, cos this bike has no real electronics related to the carbs.

Cool.
Buddha.

[bobtalkingbob]

The carbs are off an 0. Putting it back togethor and going to figure out a better wiring of it

[attachment deleted by admin]

[bobtalkingbob]

Top opening where there should be a T I'm leaving open
Bottom and second to bottom are connecting to petcock
White ones on top are connected to each other
Everything else capped off

Waiting for sun and will give update
Thanks

[attachment deleted by admin]

[The Buddha]

Bottom T is to fuel inlet form petcock.
Top T (missing in yours) can be left open, but if you drop the bike it will make a mess.
The Electronic plug - you have an 04+ bike ? If so find that corresponding thing and connect it.
If its a pre 02, ignore it, it dont do squat (that we know of).
Cool.
Buddha.

[bobtalkingbob]

Got it to start with starting fluid. Let it idle 5 min. Drove .4 miles. Died. Battery sounds weak.

Does that need a fuse in it? Between alternator and battery.

[attachment deleted by admin]

[bobtalkingbob]

Battery defiantly the issue. Going to test charging system. No more starting fluid. Petcock on prime and it fires right up. Now a huge knock but I'm not to worried.