GS500 WON'T START, LUNCHBOX + SLIPON & REJET

[halffttime]

Okay guys, here's the deal.

The last time i got this bike to start was about 2 years ago. It's been sitting since.

So I just bought a new slip on delkevic exhaust that I've mounted on the bike. I dropped a k&n lunchbox filter in, because I was just so frustrated with the stock airbox being so damn bulky and what not. I've also rejetted the carbs to 147.5, 65, 20.

When I try to start it, it just keeps making this chugging noise, like it's trying to start but just won't get over that hump. When I have it on first and try to start it with the clutch held in, the rear wheel spins.

I'd like to have this bike in one piece and running already. I've spent so much money on mods and what not.

Any advice? Suggestions?

[halffttime]

if it's too much airflow, why do others with the same set up manage to run their bikes smoothly with no problems?

[user11235813]

Have you checked that you are getting a spark?

[Endopotential]

Your rear wheel spins when the clutch is in?

If the clutch isn't disengaging the gears, I'd guess that's why the bike isn't turning over.  Too much load for your poor little starter motor.

[qcbaker]

Your rear wheel spins when the clutch is in?

If the clutch isn't disengaging the gears, I'd guess that's why the bike isn't turning over.  Too much load for your poor little starter motor.

Yeah, the rear wheel shouldn't spin when you try to start the bike with the clutch held in. Check that the clutch cable is properly connected.

[halffttime]

Your rear wheel spins when the clutch is in?

If the clutch isn't disengaging the gears, I'd guess that's why the bike isn't turning over.  Too much load for your poor little starter motor.

Yeah, the rear wheel shouldn't spin when you try to start the bike with the clutch held in. Check that the clutch cable is properly connected.

yes. when i have it on the centre stand, and try to start the bike while it's on first gear... the rear wheel slowly spins with the clutch held in when i press the start button.

i'm pretty sure the clutch works fine. the reason being... when i have it in gear, i have to hold the clutch in to allow the rear wheel to move freely.

[qcbaker]

yes. when i have it on the centre stand, and try to start the bike while it's on first gear... the rear wheel slowly spins with the clutch held in when i press the start button.

i'm pretty sure the clutch works fine. the reason being... when i have it in gear, i have to hold the clutch in to allow the rear wheel to move freely.

If the rear wheel spins when you try to start the bike with the clutch held in, the clutch is not being fully engaged.

[The Buddha]

Rear wheel ghost rotation @ start up in neutral or clutch in is normal. Oil has friction and will send tiny amount to rear wheel.
Cool.
Buddha.

[The Buddha]

Ok you have fuel in the carbs ? Float level ? how about vacuum lines ? connected up and intact ?
Its likely one of those.
Cool.
Buddha.

[halffttime]

Ok you have fuel in the carbs ? Float level ? how about vacuum lines ? connected up and intact ?
Its likely one of those.
Cool.
Buddha.

I have fuel in the carbs, I know because it leaked like crazy when I put it, because i forgot to tighten up the drain screws. Float level? Sorry, how do I check for float levels? I'm fairly certain the vacuum lines are good.

These are the only things I can think of that may be a cause...

- not enough power, battery needs to be charged with trickle charger
- gas is not good (gas in tank has been in there for over a year and a half, still smells strong though)
- spark plugs aren't good
- too much airflow

I will get new spark plugs later and try them. In regards with "too much airflow", could the lunchbox be the culprit that's causing the bike to not start? I put in the rejet kit that Buddha sold me years ago, I thought that would balance the fuel/air mixture in the carbs... 147.5, 65, & 20 for a slip on muffler and lunchbox, does that sound about right?

[mr72]

Float level? Sorry, how do I check for float levels?

There's a write-up in the wiki. And it's all over the internet. Do 5 seconds of searching, you will find.

I'm fairly certain the vacuum lines are good.

You need to be absolutely certain. But I don't think a vacuum leak will cause it to not start. But it will cause it to not want to idle and run poorly and be very difficult to troubleshoot.

- not enough power, battery needs to be charged with trickle charger
- gas is not good (gas in tank has been in there for over a year and a half, still smells strong though)
- spark plugs aren't good
- too much airflow

All of these but the last one are likely to blame.

Replace the gas. Drain the carbs of the old gas. Charge the battery. Change the plugs. If it's been sitting 1+ years with fuel in the carbs then you probably need to AT LEAST run some B12 or Seafoam through with the next fresh tank of gas but I am willing to bet you really need to tear the carbs down (again) and clean them thoroughly, maybe even replace the pilot jets, which in your bike are very small and easily clogged.

Too much air is not going to cause the bike to not start when it's on choke. A clogged pilot jet will, bad plugs will, bad gas will and will also make the carbs worse, etc. Start at the start, do the basics for a long-time-sitting bike.

[Endopotential]

Here's how to check your float level height.  http://www.gstwin.com/float_height_check.htm

I think it's possible to mix your jet size and install them into the wrong port.  If you just played with your carbs, I'd double check that.

I'm also running the 20 / 65 / 147.5 with airbox and exhaust per Buddha's recommendation, and that works fine.

[mr72]

I'm also running the 20 / 65 / 147.5 with airbox and exhaust per Buddha's recommendation, and that works fine.

Yeah but the OP has a lunchbox, those jets will probably will run lean on the main jet but that won't affect starting. That'll just affect running when he finally gets it to start.

[halffttime]

Here's how to check your float level height.  http://www.gstwin.com/float_height_check.htm

I think it's possible to mix your jet size and install them into the wrong port.  If you just played with your carbs, I'd double check that.

I'm also running the 20 / 65 / 147.5 with airbox and exhaust per Buddha's recommendation, and that works fine.

what airbox and exhaust are you running it with?

[The Buddha]

@Halfftime - 147.5 is right for lunch box and pipe.
@endopotential - 147.5 is too rich for Air box and pipe. Didn't you buy jets from me a few months ago - did I misunderstand your setup and send you wrong jets ?? you should be @ 135 with K&N in airbox or 132.5 with stock filter.

@halfftime - You have some issue, and as it is right now, its something other than the jets. If it starts up but runs like crap, yea jets or carbs in general, but if you started with a good running bike with stock setup, the K&N, pipe and 147.5/20 setup will leave you with a nearly perfect running bike.

Old gas, bad plugs other clogged fuel passages could be your next diagnostic steps.

Cool.
Buddha.

[Endopotential]

Hi Buddha,

This is what I built up  http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=70953.0   

Sorry, I meant lunchbox instead of airbox.  Too many boxes in this world...

K&N lunchbox and random Chinese exhaust.   I did get the 147.5 from you

Seems to run OK on the top end, doesn't seem to bog down past 50-60mph.  Then again, haven't ridden many other well tuned GS500's so not sure what I'm missing out on.

PM me if I should switch things up?

[user11235813]

"Have you checked that you are getting a spark?"

Still no answer to that.

take out a plug reattach the lead, ground the side of the plug on the engine fins and turn her over. Is there a good spark?

[halffttime]

"Have you checked that you are getting a spark?"

Still no answer to that.

take out a plug reattach the lead, ground the side of the plug on the engine fins and turn her over. Is there a good spark?

Yes, i am getting a spark. I even got shocked doing it lol. To make sure, i even bought new spark plugs. Same deal, bike doesn't start. Also, I put in the stock airbox, still no go. The only thing I can think of right now is either bad fuel, or the battery needs to be charged. I will try again tomorrow.

This is really getting on my nerves. Grrr... 

[The Buddha]

@ endo - you're fine it sounds like. You're getting to 9500 or so in 6th right ? That and no glitches anywhere, and easy starting and good warm up time = good jetting.
@halfftime - You have a battery that spins the motor nice and fast, the battery is fine. The gas OTOH - I'd get new gas, 1.5 yrs is long enough to have it turn back into a dinosaur.
Cool.
Buddha.

[W201028]

"I'd get new gas, 1.5 yrs is long enough to have it turn back into a dinosaur."

Thats funny buddha, best joke I ever heard about old gas. Youre right too, Ive had ethanol gas go bad in less than a year without stabilizer. One time I thought the gas in my chainsaw had turned to kerosene, but it turned out I had just been drunk and premixed kerosene.

Change the fuel out dude, and put some damn lucas in before you park it again.