Sudden loss of 1 cylinder

[danjp1]

Hey all,

I purchased my first 79 XS1100 last summer and it ran very well. No problems, all summer. This year it ran fine for a while, but 5 days ago it started running oddly. It was real bogged down below 3K and then took off just fine above 3K. Today I started it up and felt the pipes after it ran a few seconds. I think one cylinder isn't firing at all, as the outside right pipe is totally cold to the touch while the others damn near burned my fingers off. I pulled the plug and it is just fine... all new plugs 6 months ago. Any ideas?

I appreciate any help!!!

[The Lorax]

Check and make sure you are getting fuel into the carb, and from the carb to the engine. sounds like something is clogged in your pilot circuit. may be time to pull the carbs and find out what exactly is going on. I'm sure however that another with infinitely more carburetor knowledge than I can direct you better than I. I am no carb guru, but I know what a lack of fuel to one of four cylinders sounds like. hope this is somewhat helpful. have a nice day and ride safe.

[ross]

hey there danjp1....first off....get yourself a laser thermometer and save the fingers.....that sh*t gets hot.....secondly...pull the plug on the suspect cylinder.....whatz it look like....it sounds like carb time, but make sure b4 u just go crazy.....also check 2 make sure you don't have bad spark 2 that cylinder...if not sure, let us know & we can talk ya thru it...if not, next thing you know 3 months have past and the SWMBO isn't talking 2 ya....good luck and welcome 2 the family....ross

[danjp1]

Awesome - thanks for the suggestions! Especially the laser thermo... I pulled all the plugs and they look fine. I replaced them about 100 miles ago, all four. I'll try messing with the carbs and see if I can find something wrong there...