my buddy has a gs500 with problems bogging down. The carbs were cleaned, and it runs just doesn't seem to be getting enough fuel. We think its the petcock. Would it be bad to bypass the petcock, and simplify the fuel system? Just add an on off switch in the fuel line and only have one line and plug off the reserve part? If it doesn't help we could just put it back.
Have you tried running it on prime? That is a good way to check the vacuum operated petcock. Do a search, there is lots of info on this.
If it's just temporary your way sounds like a good way to troubleshoot the petcock too. There already is another on/off switch built in. It's a screw on the other petcock mounted to the bottom of the tank. You can shut off or turn on the fuel from there if you have to.
I wouldn't run it that way for anything other than testing out the petcock. If your carb float needle doesn't seat perfectly you'll eventually find a puddle of gas under your bike or in your airbox if you leave it this way...but it'll work for what you need it to do. At least that's my opinion. Oh, and congratulations on your first post.
its been tried on every setting. I just want to eleminate things, it is a fuel related problem for sure. MY buddy conected the carb overflow with the botom of the gas tank, it would leak gas when it rained, and water was in the carbs bowls, which i drained, and it cranked up, but it boggs down when riding in gear, could It be bad gas? Maybe it backed up into the tank or something. It revs fine in neutral
You don't still have it connected that way, do you? It shouldn't be. Both should vent to the ground (but you probably already knew that so sorry if it's repetative)
You might also want to check to see if your gas cap is venting. If air can't get in the top, fuel can't get out the bottom. It's pretty easy for the gas cap vent to get mucked up. The easy way to check that is to open the gas cap for a second when the bike is acting up (pull over and do it). It'll allow air in. If the problem clears up for a few minutes you found your problem.
There really is nothing to a GS500 fuel system. The cap and the petcock are really the only two problems that most people encounter.
the tank and the upper carb is no longer connected. The gas cap venting is a good idea, im just convinced its the petcock. The filter in the tank is clean.
update: we tried that and it didn't help. The bike is backfiring, and losing power. What could cause this?
try bypassing the valve if that work buy a new one if not you messed something up when cleaning the carbs.
Update: we cleaned the carbs again, and it seems fine. Gonna put some new brake pads and a new roter on the back wheel tomorow (they came with the bike). My buddy got the '04 for $1400, it was made into a streetfighter by the previous owner. I'm glad he got a good deal and didn't have to take it to the shop (the ones around my area are notoriously bad)