Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 01:02:47 AM
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 01:02:47 AM
Well, that on-again off-again fueling problem I had mentioned a few weeks ago reared its head again, stranding me for the better part of 20 minutes.... I killed my battery trying to get the bike started again (thankfully caltrans showed up and gave me a jumpstart, which got me right under way). >_<
I think my thanksgiving holiday is going to be spent replacing my fuel lines and vaccuum hoses. They look pretty old and brittle, I'm willing to bet I have a vacuum leak somewhere that's causing this.
My question: where can I get vacuum and fuel hoses in bulk? I'm happy to cut my own hose to length... I just need to know if each application needs its own diameter tube, etc, etc, etc. Can I get 10 feet of fuel hosing and just replace all the stuff on there, or does each section need its own specific kind of tubing?
Lastly... I've noticed lately that my clutch-side case cover has a fine sheen of oil on it, and I seem to be leaking a few drops. Nothing on the cylinders or the crankcase itself... just the clutch cover. Could the gasket have decided to go out on me? Are there any external oil lines in that area? Its getting kind of annoying, and its just one more thing that needs fixing. I swear, as soon as I make one fix, more problems show up. I've no problem with maintenance or repairs.... I just wish I could get it all taken care of at once... its enough to make a man want a Honda. >_<
I think my thanksgiving holiday is going to be spent replacing my fuel lines and vaccuum hoses. They look pretty old and brittle, I'm willing to bet I have a vacuum leak somewhere that's causing this.
My question: where can I get vacuum and fuel hoses in bulk? I'm happy to cut my own hose to length... I just need to know if each application needs its own diameter tube, etc, etc, etc. Can I get 10 feet of fuel hosing and just replace all the stuff on there, or does each section need its own specific kind of tubing?
Lastly... I've noticed lately that my clutch-side case cover has a fine sheen of oil on it, and I seem to be leaking a few drops. Nothing on the cylinders or the crankcase itself... just the clutch cover. Could the gasket have decided to go out on me? Are there any external oil lines in that area? Its getting kind of annoying, and its just one more thing that needs fixing. I swear, as soon as I make one fix, more problems show up. I've no problem with maintenance or repairs.... I just wish I could get it all taken care of at once... its enough to make a man want a Honda. >_<
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Ed89 on November 23, 2004, 01:23:34 AM
Post by: Ed89 on November 23, 2004, 01:23:34 AM
Regular fuel hose should be fine. You should be able to replace all fuel hoses with the same diameter hose. However, the vacuum hose is smaller diameter than the fuel hoses, so you have to get that separately.
When replacing, just make sure that there is no kink that could choke the flow. Since you are replacing the hoses, I would say do it right (and therefore do it only once) and make sure that all joints have clips to prevent leaks. Also, make the petcock-to-carb hose as short as possible (just a theory of mine on highway fuel starvation).
Just my $0.02.
Cheers,
e.
When replacing, just make sure that there is no kink that could choke the flow. Since you are replacing the hoses, I would say do it right (and therefore do it only once) and make sure that all joints have clips to prevent leaks. Also, make the petcock-to-carb hose as short as possible (just a theory of mine on highway fuel starvation).
Just my $0.02.
Cheers,
e.
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 02:18:11 AM
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 02:18:11 AM
ANy particular diameter to use for the vacuum system, or should the parts guy be able to tell me that?
I'm amazed that I'm not upset that the bike has these problems... I find it kind of fun. I just wish it wouldnt keep breaking down on the bloody Bay Bridge... no breakdown lane. >_<
I'm amazed that I'm not upset that the bike has these problems... I find it kind of fun. I just wish it wouldnt keep breaking down on the bloody Bay Bridge... no breakdown lane. >_<
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Kerry on November 23, 2004, 02:54:24 AM
Post by: Kerry on November 23, 2004, 02:54:24 AM
For more info, see the A question to the GURUS (http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=7256) thread.
Unfortunately, nobody ever piped up about a good size for the vacuum hose. (And the parts fiche don't list its diameter info like they do for the fuel hose.)
Bottom line: The parts guy could order you a vacuum hose, but I doubt he'll be able to tell you what size it is....
Unfortunately, nobody ever piped up about a good size for the vacuum hose. (And the parts fiche don't list its diameter info like they do for the fuel hose.)
Bottom line: The parts guy could order you a vacuum hose, but I doubt he'll be able to tell you what size it is....
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 03:37:32 AM
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 03:37:32 AM
Is it just the vacuum lines between the carbs, and from the carbs to the petcock, or are there more? Could I just take a hose off my bike and say 'hey, get me hose this size?'
Anyway, I really appreciate all the help.. I wish I had advice to offer people, but I'm really still just learning :
Now I just need to trace the source of the oil leak.... and fix my fork seals... and find out why my battery isnt holding a charge.... and clean my carbs.... oy vey.
Really though, learning all this stuff on a 15 year old bike, and learning how to care for such a machine should create good habits for when I have a nicer bike. :) I dont think I want to get rid of my GS when I get my next bike... maybe I'll make a project out of it and overhaul the engine to learn how to do that. Call me a massochist, but I really want to rebuild a transmission. -_-
Anyway, I really appreciate all the help.. I wish I had advice to offer people, but I'm really still just learning :
Now I just need to trace the source of the oil leak.... and fix my fork seals... and find out why my battery isnt holding a charge.... and clean my carbs.... oy vey.
Really though, learning all this stuff on a 15 year old bike, and learning how to care for such a machine should create good habits for when I have a nicer bike. :) I dont think I want to get rid of my GS when I get my next bike... maybe I'll make a project out of it and overhaul the engine to learn how to do that. Call me a massochist, but I really want to rebuild a transmission. -_-
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Kerry on November 23, 2004, 04:01:28 AM
Post by: Kerry on November 23, 2004, 04:01:28 AM
Quote from: EisenfaustIs it just the vacuum lines between the carbs, and from the carbs to the petcock, or are there more? Could I just take a hose off my bike and say 'hey, get me hose this size?'First, I don't believe the hose between the carbs is technically a vacuum hose. At the risk of repeating myself once-too-often in a single 24-hour period, check out this diagram of the fuel system from the Haynes manual. Items 3 thru 6 are specific to California bikes - they don't exist on others. I think item 1 may even be non-existent on non-CA bikes, although there is a (separate?) drain from the area around the filler cap.
Second, if you're talking about ordering a specific hose from the dealer, you can walk in (or call) with an actual Suzuki part number rather than hoping that the parts guy finds the right part on his computer. For your '91, start on my GS500 Parts Fiche Catalogs page and click on the appropriate Ron Ayers (NOT BIKEBANDIT!) link. (Ron Ayers uses Suzuki part numbers, BikeBandit has their own numbering system.)
The two links on the '91 page that should interest you are
Good luck!
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 04:15:24 PM
Post by: Eisenfaust on November 23, 2004, 04:15:24 PM
Ok, I searched everywhere for OEM parts.... but picked up some 5/16 ID fuel line and some vacuum line at the dealership for about 6 bucks. Also got a new gasket for my clutch cover.
Anyway, the guy I talked to at the shop is a GS owner, and reccomended I do the Pingle Petcock install, and completely redo my fuel system that way. I'm fine with that, I just worry about my float bowls overflowing or something similar. Dont need to have gasoline falling on hot exhaust pipes.
I'm willing to take the time and effort to install the petcock... but is it a good idea? Also, where do the quick, disconnect fittings come into play? It looks like the pingle has a shutoff switch... is it just unreachable when installed on the bike? Couldnt I just install an inline fuel valve after the petcock in a reachable position? I understand the fun of having a quick disconnect, I just want a way to switch the fuel off when the bike isnt running that doesnt involve unplugging something..... it just seems... inelegant :lol: :lol:
Anyway, if it matters, I think I found a vacuum leak... one of the hoses coming out of the bottom of my carbs (that bridges the two together) has a big cracked hole in it. Thats first on my list-of-things-to-replace. -_-
Anyway, the guy I talked to at the shop is a GS owner, and reccomended I do the Pingle Petcock install, and completely redo my fuel system that way. I'm fine with that, I just worry about my float bowls overflowing or something similar. Dont need to have gasoline falling on hot exhaust pipes.
I'm willing to take the time and effort to install the petcock... but is it a good idea? Also, where do the quick, disconnect fittings come into play? It looks like the pingle has a shutoff switch... is it just unreachable when installed on the bike? Couldnt I just install an inline fuel valve after the petcock in a reachable position? I understand the fun of having a quick disconnect, I just want a way to switch the fuel off when the bike isnt running that doesnt involve unplugging something..... it just seems... inelegant :lol: :lol:
Anyway, if it matters, I think I found a vacuum leak... one of the hoses coming out of the bottom of my carbs (that bridges the two together) has a big cracked hole in it. Thats first on my list-of-things-to-replace. -_-
Title: Agh. Fuel problem strikes again!
Post by: Ed89 on November 24, 2004, 01:16:25 AM
Post by: Ed89 on November 24, 2004, 01:16:25 AM
Quote from: EisenfaustAnyway, if it matters, I think I found a vacuum leak... one of the hoses coming out of the bottom of my carbs (that bridges the two together) has a big cracked hole in it.
You mean #6 on Kerry's diagram? I don't think that has anything to do with vacuum operation. It is a CA thing I believe, and my CA carb has that hose connected to nowhere, i.e., open to the atmosphere. So I doubt having a big crack there will make much difference to the operation of the carb.
Cheers,
e.