I have a 1983 Suzuki GSX 550ES sometimes it will ride and run fine, however recently more often than not the bike will ride fine then after a while the engine just cuts out. There is no coughing or spluttering or warning of any kind, it just stops. I have found that if I lift the tank or just let the bike sit for a while it will start again. Then again after running for a while it may or may not cut out. I am under the impression it is a fuel problem of some kind. Does anyone have any ideas what it might be or how to fix it.

Many Thanks,
Jon
London

Jon, May 2008

Your problem sounds to me electrical,sounds like a coil is packing up once it is hot and if it cools down it starts to work.when the bike cuts out again try removing the sparkplugs and see if you are getting a spark.check the condition of the plugs.
Also
Have you checked the fuel tap is functioning properly? This being the engine vacuum switching it on and off to let the fuel flow,i came across this on a bike years ago but the bike was running very rich the small diaphram in the tap was stuck open.(Their should be a vacuum hose connected from the air intake of the bike to the tap)
Hope this helps

Debbi, May 2008

Hi Debbi

No the bike will not restart straight away, it turns over but will not fire. As to how long the bike has to be left before it restarts, the answer is ambiguous. Sometimes it starts after around 10 mins, sometimes it has to be left longer and coaxed by spraying Easy Start into the air intakes, sometimes it won't start unless the tank is lifted. I'm stumped!! Does that help you??!!

Jon

Jon, May 2008

When the bike cuts out will it not start right away?
If the bike has to be left before it starts how long does it need?

Debbi, May 2008