bugger - what to check first??

[SiP]

Went for a good blast with my buddy about three weeks back then went on vacation so she's not been ridden since. Thought she was running a bit rough when I put her away but put it down to the heat.
Started her up to move her out of the garage and she's running rougher than a bag of nails. Idles not bad, not smooth like I she has but OK however as soon as you open the throttle she bangs and pops and stalled a couple of times.

So..... what do I do first?

[bikerphil]

bangs and pops

It sounds like all 4 carbs aren't getting fuel. I'd try opening each bowl drain and see if they have fuel. You can also tap on each bowl with a ratchet handle in case of a stuck float. Also, try some Seafoam.

[ClarkGriswald]

Just a thought before ya take stuff apart, might wanna try tapping on each of the float bowls with a wooden handle of something or plastic screwdriver handle.. mabye ya got a float/needle sticking. Worth a shot.

[prometheus578]

Went for a good blast with my buddy about three weeks back then went on vacation so she's not been ridden since.

I need a buddy like that. Does she have a sister?

This may sound stupid... same thing happened to me.
Try putting some fuel in the tank.
(You're on reserve.. bike is slanted to the left, as is the fuel in the tank, right side starves)

[tarzan]

Maybe even a kinked fuel line?

[SiP]

Tapped away like a demon and checked the fuel lines - no change

[chrisso]

Plugs??

[wa407mpp]

water

[Cbass182]

Exact same thing happened to me, one of the vacuum lines that goes from the carb boots (If I remember right) to the petcock was torn on the end, so only two carbs were getting fuel...thing ran like crap, backfired, popped, stalled, you name it...it would run and drive...but barely.

I cut the end of the line off going to the petcock where it tore, popped it back on the petcock, replaced two spark plugs, and away i went...

-Chris-

[chrisso]

Mone was running really rough a while back-drained float bowls...lots of rust in the fuel, coming from badly rusting tank; fixed it with Kreem Tank sealant( which I highly recommend)

[SiP]

Ok, pulled the plugs pic attached and also checked compression,
Carbs were very recently professionally rebuilt by a good guy from this forum, tank has been stripped acid bathed and sealed.
Didin't check spark yet though.
Compression:
1: 80psi
2: 95psi
3: 90psi
4: 80psi

[SiP]

by the way plug from cyl 1 on left.

http://www.photodump.com/Anonymous/IMG_3568.html

http://www.photodump.com/Anonymous/IMG_3572.html

[bikerphil]

compression

Sip, those readings look a little low. Did you hold the throttle wide open when testing? Otherwise, not enough air can get into the cylinders for a proper reading. Compression should be @ 142 psi.

[SiP]

no and thank you - I'll do that again.

[prometheus578]

First off, you need new plugs!
That could be half your problem.
Then need to figure out why they fouled.
Then, go bother your neighbor and borrow HIS compression guage.
Your reading are consistant, but too low.
Your guage could be off.(I don't want to discuss the alternative, which would be valves.. but that wouldn't explain the fouled plugs)