'82 Suzuki GS550L - Lost Power on Freeway, won't start

amazon200 · 06-24-2012, 08:59 PM

I ride a 1982 Suzuki GS550L. Two summers ago on a warm, humid day I rode it about 25 miles at freeway speed, stopped at a store for 20 minutes or so, then was riding back home. I was going uphill on the freeway and the bike started losing power, like it was running out of gas. There was plenty of gas though, and it kept losing power as I geared down and pulled to the side of the freeway, where the engine died. I waited by the side of the road for about 20 minutes, thinking perhaps is was vapor locked. I tried to start it but it wouldn't. Pushed it to the top of the hill and tried rolling and popping it. It started when I popped it, and I rode home. I rode the rest of that summer with no problem. Then in May (one month ago), I was riding on the freeway (55-65 mph), started going up a hill (not very steep) and the same thing happened. Lost power like running out of gas, even though there was plenty. Pulled to the side of the road, engine died. I waited 10 minutes or so but the bike wouldn't start. Tried rolling down the hill and popping it, but this time it wouldn't start. I left it for about two hours while I went to get a trailer. When I got back I tried starting it and rolling/popping it. Nothing. Trailered it home and checked plugs and wires. Won't start at all now. Online research thus far suggests possibly bad rectifier, coil pack, or carb problems, but can't figure out how to narrow it down.

Not sure where to go to diagnose and repair the bike. Help?

Dodsfall · 06-24-2012, 09:07 PM

Here are a few diagnostics that may help find the problem:

Make sure you have spark at the plugs.

Take out the spark plugs and check their condition. This can tell you if the fuel mixture is wrong or the plugs are worn out.

Check to be sure you are getting fuel to the carbs.

Do a compression test to make sure the valves are sealing.

Jeffsg605 · 06-27-2012, 10:22 AM

I agree with Dodsfall. When you're moving at high speeds, the engine is working harder since there is more of a load on it. Also make sure your carbs, fuel line, air filters, etc. are clean so air and fuel can get by.

06-24-2012, 08:59 PM	#1
amazon200 Newbie Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 4	'82 Suzuki GS550L - Lost Power on Freeway, won't start I ride a 1982 Suzuki GS550L. Two summers ago on a warm, humid day I rode it about 25 miles at freeway speed, stopped at a store for 20 minutes or so, then was riding back home. I was going uphill on the freeway and the bike started losing power, like it was running out of gas. There was plenty of gas though, and it kept losing power as I geared down and pulled to the side of the freeway, where the engine died. I waited by the side of the road for about 20 minutes, thinking perhaps is was vapor locked. I tried to start it but it wouldn't. Pushed it to the top of the hill and tried rolling and popping it. It started when I popped it, and I rode home. I rode the rest of that summer with no problem. Then in May (one month ago), I was riding on the freeway (55-65 mph), started going up a hill (not very steep) and the same thing happened. Lost power like running out of gas, even though there was plenty. Pulled to the side of the road, engine died. I waited 10 minutes or so but the bike wouldn't start. Tried rolling down the hill and popping it, but this time it wouldn't start. I left it for about two hours while I went to get a trailer. When I got back I tried starting it and rolling/popping it. Nothing. Trailered it home and checked plugs and wires. Won't start at all now. Online research thus far suggests possibly bad rectifier, coil pack, or carb problems, but can't figure out how to narrow it down. Not sure where to go to diagnose and repair the bike. Help?

06-24-2012, 09:07 PM	#2
Dodsfall Administrator Join Date: May 2008 Location: Illinois, USA Posts: 15,969	Here are a few diagnostics that may help find the problem: Make sure you have spark at the plugs. Take out the spark plugs and check their condition. This can tell you if the fuel mixture is wrong or the plugs are worn out. Check to be sure you are getting fuel to the carbs. Do a compression test to make sure the valves are sealing. __________________ 2008 XL1200R To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

06-27-2012, 10:22 AM	#3
Jeffsg605 Verified Join Date: Jun 2012 Posts: 26	I agree with Dodsfall. When you're moving at high speeds, the engine is working harder since there is more of a load on it. Also make sure your carbs, fuel line, air filters, etc. are clean so air and fuel can get by.