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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: etam on January 20, 2005, 09:12:25 AM

Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 09:12:25 AM
sigh... tried to start the bike and warm up before changing oil.. but won't start now, last rode on Dec10.  Battery is a little weak (but headlight still on).. but still read 12.3V.  Jump start with car.. it cranks but doesn't start... -10 celius in garage.  Guess oil is too thick now? what should I do now? wait until warmer day and try to start again? or just change oil without warming up engine?
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: scratch on January 20, 2005, 11:16:35 AM
Pull the battery and charge it, or at least see if it'll hold a charge; check electrolyte level. Maybe use a engine warming blanket? Gas tank full of gas? With stabilizer in it?

You may have to remove and clean the carbs.
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 11:59:09 AM
battery was still good (12.3V)... but charging on slow charger now.

gas tank is half full

I brought fuel stabilizer.. but instruction says I need to run it for 5 mins... guess I need to get it to start first.

thanks!

Ernest
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Frost on January 20, 2005, 12:09:47 PM
it's better to fill the tank up all the way and add stabilizer than just leave it...at lesat the gas will be good when you start it up in spring and that the tank won't rust...

we'll be riding very soon...end of Feb is usu. good enough to bring the bike out...
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 12:14:35 PM
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Stephen072774 on January 20, 2005, 12:40:49 PM
check your plugs, and make sure there good and clean.  You might try starter fluid (spray) in the air filter.  That'll wake her up.
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Rema1000 on January 20, 2005, 01:18:22 PM
Quote from: etambI brought fuel stabilizer.. but instruction says I need to run it for 5 mins.

I assume that's to empty-out the float bowls, and refill with "stabilized" fuel.  You can do the same thing without starting the bike:  Stabilize the fuel in the tank; then drain the float bowls into a jar for a minute.  After flushing the float bowl with a cup of stabized fuel from the tank, close the drain screw.  Then dump the contents of the jar back into the tank.

If you start the bike, be sure to run the motor until the exhaust is good and hot (if you spritz the can with a mist of water, it should steam off).
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 01:33:06 PM
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Kerry on January 20, 2005, 01:37:36 PM
Yeah - they try to make it easy on the owners who don't know where the float bowl drains are....  :roll:

I have the exact same type of bottle.  (Only the stuff is reddish.  :) )

(http://ace.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pACE2-1253882reg.jpg)

If your fuel tank isn't full yet you can do what I did:
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: JetSwing on January 20, 2005, 02:07:37 PM
no one ever mention to put the petock on prime when starting the bike that's been sitting around for a while...
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Frost on January 20, 2005, 02:13:02 PM
it's -20 celcius here in toronto...it's impossible to bring a bike out even for 5 min...everything is iced up...

just buy a cherry can fill it up...
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 02:17:50 PM
Yeah.. just hope it is not so cold next week and I can get it start... or I need to start dis-assemble the float boat and/or clean carb before I can put in fuel stabilizer.

Thanks all for the suggestions!

Ernest
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Frost on January 20, 2005, 02:20:39 PM
you should have done last thursday when it was 17 degrees!!!!!!!!!
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 20, 2005, 02:35:06 PM
Quote from: Frostyou should have done last thursday when it was 17 degrees!!!!!!!!!
True.. I am soooo lazy.. and I have to pay for it now!
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Kerry on January 20, 2005, 02:36:49 PM
Quote from: KerryToss your bottle of stabilizer into the tank bag and ride to the gas station.
Sorry - I forgot that the bike won't start!  :oops:
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: JetSwing on January 20, 2005, 02:44:33 PM
Quote from: Kerry
Quote from: KerryToss your bottle of stabilizer into the tank bag and ride to the gas station.
Sorry - I forgot that the bike won't start!  :oops:
hahaha...never seen someone quote himself  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:
good one kerry  :thumb:  btw, i got the rotor you sent me...thanks! the box was big enought to fit my gs... :roll:
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 30, 2005, 01:18:37 PM
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Frost on January 30, 2005, 02:13:10 PM
no point in winterizing it now...you should be out riding!!!!!
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: davipu on January 30, 2005, 04:13:13 PM
I was, I did a easy 35 miles. for some reason my clutch was slipping above 85  :dunno:   that and the new leather pants were sliding on the freshly armorall'd seat, not a very comfortable feeling.
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: etam on January 30, 2005, 04:17:06 PM
Quote from: Frostno point in winterizing it now...you should be out riding!!!!!

I want to.. if I can do oil change.. snap those stupid oil filter stud/bolt :(
Title: is it too late to winterize the GS?
Post by: Frost on January 30, 2005, 04:24:05 PM
ouch...i snapped them once...just go to candian tire and buy the proper screw...