81' XS 11 Special died today

[sambodie]

Need some suggestions for what to check first. I started up cold this afternoon from work and headed home. It was running weak, not missing but just not pulling strong as usual. I made it about a mile then it died. I check the kill switch, fuel, petcocks, choke all seemed correct. On trying to start it doesn't seem to be hitting at all. Where should I start trouble shooting?
Thanks in advance.

Sam

[Dragonrider]

Pull a spark plug ground it to the engine and crank her over.

Getting spark? If no then electrical . . . check the kill switch real good, fuse box, plugs to the EEC . . . ignition switch (had one fail, the main wire broke inside).

If you are getting spark, then did you try it on prime? Maybe your octopus is not opening (vaccuum operated fuel valve). Also check your tank vent for clog . . .

Some stuff to start on anyway.

[skids]

Re: 81' XS 11 Special died today

I have had batteries cause that symptom. The black box just gives up at something like 10.5 volts.

Originally posted by sambodie
Need some suggestions for what to check first. I started up cold this afternoon from work and headed home. It was running weak, not missing but just not pulling strong as usual. I made it about a mile then it died. I check the kill switch, fuel, petcocks, choke all seemed correct. On trying to start it doesn't seem to be hitting at all. Where should I start trouble shooting?
Thanks in advance.

Sam

[Robert Haller]

I would start with the battery as well.

[sambodie]

It's ALIVE!

Took about 30 min I found the wires at the vaccuum advance were bad, wiggled them and got it running. XS is home now about to replace the offending wires.
Thanks for all the help. What a wonderful welth of information here!