1979 Suzuki GS850 Cylinder problem

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thedoje · #1 Unread post by **thedoje** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 3:41 am

I just bought a lemon I'm thinking now. Haven't driven it much but just found out my far left cylinder is not firing. After start and parking it all my pipes are hot but that one is cold. It's also spitting oil and gas from what looks to be my front pipe and gaskets. Wondering if I should let it sit or if it's safe to drive.
I have little to no expertise with this but am eager to start learning, still young and a very quick learner. Anything I have to do I'd like to do it myself but lemme know if you think I should take it in or not Razz
All the sparks are pretty much brand new but I'm hoping that's where the problem is because I don't wanna drop a whole bunch of cash on a piece of trash.
I also tried calling the guy I bought it from and isn't it funny how the nicest people in the world can turn to "Donut Holes" in a second? Very Happy

#2 Unread post by **dr_bar** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 3:58 am

You know what they say, "Caveat emptor"...

Saddly, one rider screwing over another rider just doesn't seem right though, does it?

#3 Unread post by **jaskc78** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 4:09 am

that sucks, man. maybe take it to a shop and just see how much it'd cost to get it fixed. i know there was a good GS site linked here not long ago, if i come across it i'll try to repost it here for you or hopefully the person who posted it sees this and can point you in the right direction.

thedoje · #4 Unread post by **thedoje** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 5:21 am

dr_bar wrote:You know what they say, "Caveat emptor"...

Saddly, one rider screwing over another rider just doesn't seem right though, does it?

Lol a latin lesson.. thanks for quick replies guys. Think I'm okay to drive it a bit though?

#5 Unread post by **jaskc78** » Sat Jun 06, 2009 6:02 am

well, if it IS just a plug then you'll just be hurting the cylinder running all the gas and oil through it, not to mention having it all spitting out your exhaust all over the road, etc.

i'd get it checked ASAP and hopefully have a properly running bike to take out and learn on. and if you haven't done so yet, check to make sure all the plug wires are connected properly, etc. all the little things that have to work together to get a spark in a cylinder and it could be any of those things.

Lion_Lady · #6 Unread post by **Lion_Lady** » Sun Jun 07, 2009 3:51 am

You're probably out of luck. If you want to ride this bike, you're gonna have to find out what's wrong.

If its leaking gas/oil, you ought to replace all the gaskets on the bike. Rubber doesn't stay pliable for more than a few years, especially if the bike hasn't been run. And you're now seeing the evidence of this.

I'd say the tires are probably suspect as well. Tire failure could kill you.

Unfortunately, many shops simply will not service a bike as old as yours. You're hope is to find an independent mechanic willing to give it a look.

Good luck!

P