Pilot screws, spark plugs, one cylinder, and lack of experience....

[JojoDVM]

Well, looks like Im in the market for a new bike...

mechanic thinks its a ring issue...parts and labor Im looking at about $1K...Im thinking its better to cut my losses now and start over....

[flrbrddrggr]

Well, looks like Im in the market for a new bike...

mechanic thinks its a ring issue...parts and labor Im looking at about $1K...Im thinking its better to cut my losses now and start over....

Time for a 900 !!!

(At least you know how to take the seat off.)

-Dwain

[jimboy61]

Im sorry Jojo...good luck.

[JojoDVM]

Well...I just got a call back on a second opinion and he votes a jet is plugged...says the carb will still try to send fuel in....it just pulls it from elsewhere and ends up with too much...hence the sooty plug...says these motors ane dang near indestructable and wouldnt suspect a ring issue...based on the spark plug, Im inclined to believe him....

Lets hope he is right....I really kinda like this old beast...

However, I could really kinda like a 900 too...its my bank account that isnt so fond of the idea....

[flrbrddrggr]

However, I could really kinda like a 900 too...its my bank account that isnt so fond of the idea....

I hear ya! Hope you're back on the road soon.

-Dwain

[RussW]

Don't rule out an ignition problem with that cylinder just because you see a spark at that plug. A weak ignition can fire when the plug is removed, yet not have enough current to fire the plug under compression. I think you have two separate coils, one could be bad. Switch them if you can, and see if the problem changes cylinder.

[JojoDVM]

Don't rule out an ignition problem with that cylinder just because you see a spark at that plug. A weak ignition can fire when the plug is removed, yet not have enough current to fire the plug under compression. I think you have two separate coils, one could be bad. Switch them if you can, and see if the problem changes cylinder.

Indeed...there are two seperate coils...I'll see about a switcheroo in the morning...

[MFolks]

If you have them, replace the sparkplug caps. Most screw onto the ignition wires. Heat,vibration and age cause them to fail, and if your sparkplug wires are replaceable, do them too.

[JojoDVM]

I know at least one side of he ignition system is functioning...I will swap sides, and if that fixes that cylinder I'll figure out the culprit by process of elimination...I dont want to buy any parts I dont necessarily have to....

[JojoDVM]

Well, after a long and arduous battle with the carburetors....

I have 2 cylinders again.....

a completely plugged pilot jet and and seriously outta wack float level and we're back in business....

Im happy to report I did it all myself and am no longer terrified of the inner workings of a carb...we spent lots of time together and got very personal....Im also glad there are 2 and one was good....without the comparative anatomy I would have been up a creek....

Id also like to mention that all my JIS screws are now good ol' american flatheads thanks to a hacksaw...so much for aesthetics at this point...I just want to ride it...when its not 105 degrees out (or I have a garage), I'll pull it out again and make it look pretty...

a heavy dose of seafoam to finish clearing out the carb and especially the carbon nastiness that became that cylinder....and then its on like donkey kong!!!!!!!!

[flrbrddrggr]

Good job, JoJo. You are now ahead of most of the folk on this forum with your new-found knowledge of carbs.

Now you have to make yourself available for carb consultations!

-Dwain

[JojoDVM]

Well, I certainly still reign FAR from a carb guru....

But I'll be first in line to be the cheerleader for those attempting to take them on....cause they really arent as intimidating as they appear....

[rfb92345]

Good for you