xs that won't start

[grizly6969]

I finally get spark and it still won't start. It will backfire through the exhaust one time then back through the carbs the next time. The exhaust gets extremly hot but still won't start. I have tried cleaning the carbs, adjusting the timing under the left side cover, cleaned the plugs, and adjusting the timing chain. I'm at a loss as to where to go next. It dosen't crank real well but does crank over with the help of a large batt. charger. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
I am leaving until Sunday night but will be back to try again.
Thanks
Grizly

[trbig]

Have you checked the compression?


Tod

[John]

Have you checked the cam timing? Did you clean the small orifice that is in the bowl it self? That is where the choke circuit get it's fuel from.

[grizly6969]

I will check compression and cam timing as soon as I get home. Yes I cleaned the small orfice in the bowl.
Been fighting this bike on and off for 6 years, getting tired of the fight.
thanks again
grizly

[ScottsXS]

im not trying to be a stick in the mud....but are the plug wires in the correct order sounds like its trying to fire at the wrong time?? just a suggestion as you said the exhaust is getting hot, and you need a large battery to force the motor to crank against the combustion. cause if it fires during the compression stroke it can stop the starter dead in its tracks and incorrect fireing order would also cause back firing through carbs/exhaust

[trbig]

Offer up some beer and food and I'm sure you can get someone or several to come get a fresh set of eyes and ideas on it. Compression, spark, and fuel and you'll start getting little explosions! lol.

Tod

[DGXSER]

Whats up with Indiana and Green??!!! In one state you have so many frickin Green places I can never keep them all straight. Greensburg, Greenfield, Greencastle, Green...........It's like Forest GUmp and shrimp I tell you.

Actually, I have project in Greencastle, (the one about half way out 70 toward Illinois from Indy, right?). I will probably be over that way in a week or two.

[rpgoerlich]

If Cam Timing is spot on, might make sure the ignition coils are hooked up to the the right connectors. Sounds like they may be reversed.

[grizly6969]

still confused

Alright, cam timing is right on, compression is running between 135 and 137. Tried reversing the wires on the coil, didn't do any good.
Any one got any dinamite??

[dbeardslee]

Have you tested your electrics with a DMM? I'd start by running some diagnostics on the pickup and ignition coils to make sure they're in spec. Also, over time the electrical connections can corrode and rob you of the voltage required to fire the coils. To clean them well you really need to pull the wires out of the connectors and hit them with a wire brush or a small file. Be careful - some of those connectors are easy to break. There are three or four connectors behind the fuse block mounting bracket that are often negelected. Pay particular attention to any connectors that have the red/wht wire, and don't forget the handlebar kill switch (careful taking it apart - there are two small springs and a tiny ball-bearing that can really fly in there) and the ignition switch connector inside the headlight bucket. It's a PITA to go through them all but it pays off.

[grizly6969]

already went through all the wiring on the bike triing to get spark. I don't know what a DMM is so I assume that I don't have one. thanks for all the great ideas

[dbeardslee]

Griz - DMM = Digital Multimeter. Even an inexpensive model can give you the info you need. Just going from what you've described I suspect ignition coils or pickup coils as potential culprets, which is why I suggest you test them.

[thewiz]

I feel like ....

I sound like a broken record, I have said this soooo many times .... hopefully it's new to you, Griz .... but feel free to lift the needle off the record if you want.

But I couldn't see in this thread where you'd checked the pick up coil wires. Take a look at the TECH TIPS section under repairs, electrical. There are several good write ups there. Might be worth your time to check them out.

[grizly6969]

I have checked the pickup coil wires, put new coils, new ignition box on the rear fender, checked the wiring, cleaned the wiring plugs and spark plugs.

[thewiz]

Bummer, Griz ...

was hopin we could sharp shoot it.

I just re read the original post ... soooo .... is it mostly about having trouble cranking or is more that it cranks fast enough once there is enough voltage on it, and then simply will not catch? Or both? It takes roughly 10 1/5 volts at the TCI to fire the plugs. Would think the big charger is puttin' plenty-o-volts, though.

backfire through the exhaust one time then back through the carbs the next time. The exhaust gets extremly hot but still won't start

'
I had one behave like the above quote when I .... uhhh ... filled it from the wrong can with DIESEL. Oh $hit, what a mess that was. Do you have new gas in there, sir?