GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: facepants on May 06, 2007, 07:44:28 PM

Title: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: facepants on May 06, 2007, 07:44:28 PM
With the bike running, I pull the left spark plug wire out and it kills the bike.

Plug it back in, start it up, then pull the right spart plug wire out and it kills the bike.

Is this indicative of some kind of problem?  Should the bike be able to run on one cylinder?
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: makenzie71 on May 06, 2007, 08:42:57 PM
depends on about four billion different things.  A healthy bike should be able to run, but it'll run like crap.
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: gsJack on May 06, 2007, 08:45:15 PM
Yes, the GS  will start and run on one cylinder, I just got over a damp weather one cylinder problem. The hills are a real challange getting a GS home on one cylinder.
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: spc on May 06, 2007, 09:28:31 PM
Mine chugs right along on one cylinder-either side :dunno_white:
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: facepants on May 06, 2007, 09:32:02 PM
Damn... I wonder what it could mean.

I cant really tell if my bike is running right or not.  It's my only means of transportation so I'm paranoid that it's gonna die on me some time and I'll be screwed.
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: spc on May 06, 2007, 09:34:45 PM
What's your idle at???  If I pull a plug and then lower the idle it dies :dunno_white:  ( dont ask how I found out,  I got a little inquisitive after my rejet :laugh: :laugh: )

An ultra lean condition might do it too :dunno_white:

There's really too many factors to diagnose the problem without knowing of any other symptoms
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: facepants on May 06, 2007, 09:42:52 PM
Idle is at 1200 or so...

I do kind of suspect that it might be lean.  When I blip the throttle to 1/4 turn, it takes a little while to get back to idle.

It also died on me twice since I got it back from the shop.  Twice out of about 20 rides.  Once while i was going 40mph with the throttle open and once with the throttle closed and clutch in coming to a stop.  Other than that it's been fine.
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: NiceGuysFinishLast on May 06, 2007, 09:51:05 PM
Check for leaks around the boots where the airbox mates to the carbs, common place for cracked rubber and leaks, thus a lean condition.

Now you got me wanting to go outside and start my bike, then pull a plug wire.. :laugh:
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: facepants on May 06, 2007, 09:53:57 PM
Quote from: NiceGuysFinishLast on May 06, 2007, 09:51:05 PM
Check for leaks around the boots where the airbox mates to the carbs, common place for cracked rubber and leaks, thus a lean condition.

Now you got me wanting to go outside and start my bike, then pull a plug wire.. :laugh:

How does that work again?   You spray wd40 there and if rpms increase, then its leaking?  Or is that something else?

Thanks
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: makenzie71 on May 06, 2007, 10:49:13 PM
If it causes a change then there's a leak...not just speeds up.
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: Egaeus on May 07, 2007, 09:51:13 AM
Don't use WD-40! 

That being said, get some starting fluid. As far as vacuum leak testing, it does exactly what the WD-40 does (seals small leaks) and has the added benefit of evaporating almost immediately and not leaving WD-40 all over your bike. 
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: facepants on May 07, 2007, 11:52:04 AM
Thanks.. I suppose thats something I can pick up from kragen?
Title: Re: Should it be able to run on one cylinder?
Post by: Egaeus on May 07, 2007, 11:56:56 AM
You can pick up starting fluid at Wal-Mart, much less an auto parts store.