[photocodo]

OK, I know this is probably a total newbie mistake but I just made it, feel free to laugh at me if you like I needed to adjust my idle speed because it was high (3000rpm) and a friend told me to adjust the pilot screw, so thats what I did. I got it running (although not warmed up like I should have) and adjusted the pilot screw on the right carb counter clockwise... nothing happened. Then I tried going clockwise and nothing happened again. So I tried to put it back where I thought I had started from and left it for about an hr. When I came back, it started right up, then the RPMs slowly started to drop and then drop some more and that was the end of it. I havent been able to get it running since. Every so often if I pull the choke out, it will start but quickly (in about 10seconds) shuts off again. I have tried adjusting the pilot screw back to its original point but Im afraid that Im just making it worse. Does anyone have any suggestions for me. Is there a good way to diagnose whats going on? Or is this a common mistake with an easy fix? it seems like its all in the pilot screw since that is the only think that I adjusted. Could my carbs be out of sync since I only adjusted the pilot screw on the right side?



-photocodo

 

[Blue Fox]

The pilot screws are directly in front of the float bowls. Initial setting should be 2-1/2 turns out from lightly seated. Unless someone has removed the caps on these, or otherwise modified the bowl, they cannot be adjusted but 3/4 of a turn. I doubt that these are your current problem.



The idle speed adjustment is a black plastic knob between the carbs on the bottom. Normal idle is around 1100 RPM. It almost sounds like a PO has adjusted the idle very high to keep the bike running. It probably needs a GOOD carb cleaning. Not just a spray down, but removal of all the parts, soaking and cleaning. Ultrasonic cleaning works best, but you can get by without. I suggest getting Larry's carb book if you don't feel comfortable taking these apart.



Syncing may be necessary down the road, but it is probably not causing your problems either.

 

[Dash]

Do you have a full tank of gas?

 

[bandit]

as blue said,try and get your idle to 1100rpm.number 10 here

]

 

[PhotoDoctor]

Did you get the issue fixed. I just went through carbs as a new 1981 gl500 owner located in Tampa. It does appear they are very picky carbs and now this new to me bike is running great.

 

[Toehead]

I just finished going through the carbs on my dad's bike. The pine-sol trick works great. Just go slow, remember where everything goes, and you'll be good to go.



-Brendan