nightmare up date

finaly got time to work on my bike today,found that #1 &2 cly isn't getting fuel, not sure why. will take carbs boff when i get the time.

First, how did you discover that these cylinders were not getting fuel?

Instead of removing the carbs, check the fuel bowls to see if they are recieving fuel. Turn the fuel off at the petcock, then drain each bowl into a small jar. They should all have about a half-cup of gas at least.

If the cylinders were just not firing at idle, try increasing the idle. If the cylinders start to fire, you may need hook up a vacuum manometer for further diagnosis/sync.

Were the carbs cleaned? If so, did you visually verify the flow of fuel through the pilot system by spraying through bottom and looking into bore to see all the holes squirt cleaner?

??? More info will make it easier to help...

im sorry i didn't give enuff info , after i got the bike to run itook the vacume plug off shot carb cleaner in the port and the cly. started hitting.this is a two part story i have already cleaned the carbs,this is why my trouble began.i have checked my flot lvel andmade sure i hade fule flow to all carbs before i even tryed to start the thing.now im going to take the carbs off and appart again, with hopes i will find something.never know a little dirt can cause big problems. thanks for the reply i am truly thankfull to everyone who has offerd advise on this subject.

Well... clean the carbs properly, and you will know that they are fine.

Like I said, with carbs completely dissasembled, shoot carb cleaner through the pilot jet hole while looking down the bore. If the passages are clean, the cleaner will squirt out of all the small openings in the bore (except the large needle hole). Make sure every part is like new clean before re-installing it.

Use clean fuel line.

Use a new fuel filter.

Clean the fuel tank and throw in some fresh gas.

Then go form there...

Compression?

i hade my carbs done this is why i am at a loss, with this problem i haven't the tools to do this work ,and i wish i could get the compression but once agin no tool for the job. just called the guy who did my carbs today he told me that my jets are to big s this is why i am having doubts about his mechanical abilitys. i only have one good hand and so doing work that requires alot of dexterity is kinda hard to do mechanic work any more .automobiles and trucks are totaly differe and not as technical as inline 4s after my accident i sold most if not all my tools so now i am regretting this .

I'm sorry to hear this.

Maybe you should turn over the bike to a professional/shop who knows the vintage stuff. All the maintenence alone on the bike requires numerous specialty tools, not to mention troubleshooting a non-firing cylinder.

You did say you got the bike to run though...
Were the header pipes getting hot? You can test by misting some water onto the header to see if it sizzles off after a minute of idling.

Are you absolutely sure there are no air leaks? Everything must be properly clamped and installed tight with airbox/filter for bike to run/idle properly.

Best of luck.

i am sure that everything is tight i put new boots andspring clamps on when i put the carb back on ,the pipes on the #1 and2 cly are cold i could put my hand on them ,after i found the cold pipe i sprayed some carb cleaner in the vac.port and that cold cyl started to heat up. today i took the carbs off the bike. i need to go get some tools before i go any farther ,but i did find a e clip missing on the #1 carb i also must get one on the carb,i have plans to take a shopping trip for tools and parts monday. thanks for the advise. i will post as soon as i make any progress. p.s. there is no qualified shops in my area,i feel safer doing this my self.

allen6634 wrote:

i am sure that everything is tight i put new boots andspring clamps on when i put the carb back on ,the pipes on the #1 and2 cly are cold i could put my hand on them ,after i found the cold pipe i sprayed some carb cleaner in the vac.port and that cold cyl started to heat up. today i took the carbs off the bike. i need to go get some tools before i go any farther ,but i did find a e clip missing on the #1 carb i also must get one on the carb,i have plans to take a shopping trip for tools and parts monday. thanks for the advise. i will post as soon as i make any progress. p.s. there is no qualified shops in my area,i feel safer doing this my self.

Probly better off doing yourself. I have trust issues with the speedy shops, if ya know what I mean

Don't forget to use the spray test on the carbs! Saves many headaches.

i hate to ask , but what is the spray test?

allen6634 wrote:

i hate to ask , but what is the spray test?

Thinking this refers to the testing for air leaks by spraying WD40, carb cleaner, brake cleaner, or propane gas (unlit) about carb holders, clamps, vacuum plugs, etc., and any other suspect areas, while engine is running, to determine whether outside air is being ingested into the fuel mixture being drawn from the carbs into the combustion chamber.

If there's a leak, it's usually evidenced by a change in rpm and/or smoke emitted from the exhaust.

Good Fortune!