Q: I was wondering if you guys could help me with a query regarding my old two-stroke bike? It’s a Suzuki GT550 three-cylinder, which I believe to be from 1977/78.
It’s only covered 56,000km during its life and normally it runs fine. But recently, for some reason, it’s just stopped firing on the middle cylinder.
I put in new spark plugs, which made no difference, so I decided to look inside the points/timing cover. It seems to have some sort of aftermarket system in there because it no longer has a points ignition, which I understand was the standard set up.
So could you please tell me which direction I should be going next, surely it can’t be a big problem because this engine is basically simple compared to today’s stuff?
Corbus Smitt Welkom
A: You didn’t mention if there were a spark, so I’d check that out first by just swapping around the coils, if there isn’t. The carbs can also cause problems, so it might pay to clean them out and check the internals, if you haven’t already? It could also be the internal (labyrinth) seals that separate the cylinders inside the crankcase.
But I would say it’s more than likely the ignition system you’ve described. I would just replace the whole unit because parts are cheap for this bike and you’ll still be able to get genuine parts from your Suzuki dealer in SA.
I did a quick search on the net and found a complete ignition replacement (new), for a mere $15. It was on www.genuinemotorcycleparts.com - so try that out, and they have many more parts for your bike as well, if you need them?
Q: I was wondering if you guys could help me with a query regarding my old two-stroke bike? It’s a Suzuki GT550 three-cylinder, which I believe to be from 1977/78.
