'82 Suzuki Engine/Carb Issues..Help!

[cyclopath]

I have a 1982 Suzuki gs550 katana.
Today it started leaking gas out of a hose straight down onto the pavement.
I am brand new to this and know nothing about moto engines.
My friend thinks there is something wrong with the carb float bowls or that gas is getting into the air filter. Or the float/needle valves may be sticking..

Does anyone know a mechanic with experience with older bikes.
This one is 30 years old and has a pretty unique engine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I just bought the bike a week ago and I love her and just want her to be better again.

Thank you!!

 

[trumpet]

I have a 1982 Suzuki gs550 katana.
Today it started leaking gas out of a hose straight down onto the pavement.
I am brand new to this and know nothing about moto engines.
My friend thinks there is something wrong with the carb float bowls or that gas is getting into the air filter. Or the float/needle valves may be sticking..

Does anyone know a mechanic with experience with older bikes.
This one is 30 years old and has a pretty unique engine.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I just bought the bike a week ago and I love her and just want her to be better again.

Thank you!!

Those are nice bikes. I have great memories of riding them a long time back. It could be any of the reasons you describe above. These engines are pretty easy to work on. You should take it to Hayasa Motorsports in Oakland. Tyler is a great guy and I have had great experience with my 82 Suzuki 450. Good quality work and reasonable prices.Link to the Yelp Page for Hayasa

Good luck

 

[cyclopath]

I love it! I've been riding it everyday since I bought it last Friday. I'm new this but I try to be gentle and I don't know if it's something I did to hurt her or if the guy sold me a damaged bike.

Thank you! I will check that out tomorrow.

 

[cyclopath]

Another friend suggested draining all four carbs and then putting a pint of chevron techron fuel system cleaner in the tank to clean the carbs.

 

[trumpet]

Another friend suggested draining all four carbs and then putting a pint of chevron techron fuel system cleaner in the tank to clean the carbs.

Was the bike sitting for a while before you got it? It may be a sticky float.
People here have had mixed results with Techron. However, worth the $5 to try it.

Does it start to leak even when it is not started and just sitting?

 

[KazMan]

I wouldn't put the fuel system cleaner through it.

But it's very possible that either the needle valve(s) are worn or perhaps one of the floats has a hole in it.

I would recommend going to Hayasa's as well, they are down by Laney College.

 

[catch2otwo]

id skip the fuel system cleaner. If the carbs are dirty enough to give you real problems, fuel system cleaner is just a bandaid. Bring it to a competent shop and have them clean them. Then you wont have to worry about it for a few years. Dont forget to change out the fuel filter as well.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Fuel additives will not solve this problem.

 

[cyclopath]

as far as I know the bike was not sitting before I bought it last week. the previous owner said he rode it often. I have ridden it everyday since I bought it. it doesn't leak when it stopped.

 

[cyclopath]

I spoke with tyler at hayasa and he said my bike is not his favorite kind to work on because he has not been successful with them in the past. any other recommendations for local mechanics 4 a bike of my age? Thank you!

 

[Eagle1]

I spoke with tyler at hayasa and he said my bike is not his favorite kind to work on because he has not been successful with them in the past. any other recommendations for local mechanics 4 a bike of my age? Thank you!

doug's motorcycle service in san mateo i believe, they work on older bikes, its a bit of a drive and it might take a while.

 

[maxandgrinch]

Replace the fuel hoses?

If it is 'leaking gas out of a hose straight down onto the pavement,' it could be that the hoses are old and cracked and that is something you can do today with tools you probably already own.

Yes - everything said above makes sense as well, but start with cheap and they probably need to be replaced in any case.

I blame ethanol.

3 feet of X mm hose and new clamps = under $15. Gas into a cut knuckle = priceless.

Fuel system cleaners can loosen 30 years of 'patina,' and send it into the little tiny passages

 

[Stormdragon]

First thing I'd do is pull the tank and make sure the vacuum petcock, (you didn't leave it on Prime, did you?) isn't leaking, and that the hose going to the carbs isn't cracked. Then, you can start fussing with stuck floats and such.

 

[ST Guy]

I'd bet money on a sticking or bad float valve. On a bike that old, I'd replace all four. Also, replace ALL fuel lines and ALL vacuum lines. And when you remove the carbs to give them a THOROUGH cleaning, if the rubber boots that connect the carbs to the head are not soft and compliant, replace them as well. I had an '82 650 and by 1987, the boots were shot.

And check those carb slide diaphrams for holes and cracks. If you find even one tiny one, replace all four.

 

[ALANRIDER7]

Proper replacement parts may no longer be available.

 

[VP1]

How about you take a picture of exactly which hose is leaking. Until then everyone's just guessing..

 

[Ironbutt]

How about you take a picture of exactly which hose is leaking. Until then everyone's just guessing..

Typical old carb problem; the float needle rubbers are squared and hard and fuel leaks out the float over flow.

If you can't find parts--> Soaking them(needles) in brake fluid will revive the rubber for a bit, it makes them swell up. And then lapping the seats with fine lapping compound will also help immensely.

Of course I'm also suggesting that you spend the time and go through the carbs, checking and setting everything back to stock specs.