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So I get back to Incubus today, the problem child in waiting. I started it yesterday just to show off for my visiting sons, and as is like to happen with a delinquent, Incubus started, but didn't fire on No. 4. Figures. Way to show off....
So today I figure its got to be the carbs, since they have only been cleaned once and everybody know XS11 carbs have to be cleaned an infinite number of times before gas will even make it into the float bowls, much less the cylinders. Before I pull the carbs, though, I figure I should check the spark. I put an extra plug in the number 4 cap, ground it and crank the bike and I get a spark like fireworks on Chinese new year. It startles me it is so bright. Just in case, I think, I should pull the plug in the bike to see what it looks like so I know if it's getting fuel, or getting too much fuel or whatever.
I pull the plug and look at the tip. Definitely fuel getting to it. And the prong is touching the electrode just like it is supposed to... wait a minute. Now, I'm not Adrian Monk, but I think I know a clue when I see one. Isn't there supposed to be a gap there? Small, but definitely a gap...
So I throw caution to the wind. I don't even get out the manual, I just go ahead and put a gap in it. I reinstall the plug and fire the bike back up. Yup, firing on number 4 now. Get on a for a short ride. It's accelerates much better now, I notice. Four cylinders is definitely an improvement. Smooth, much less back firing. Better power. I should have tried this earlier.
I get about four blocks from home and it stalls. Won't start again. What the hell. A little more investigation...
I am making great strides with this bike, but I still haven't gotten it to the point where it will run without gas. Soon, I hope. Fortunately it is autumn in Austin, so the temperature is only about 95 today and the walk home and back with the gas can wasn't too unpleasant.
A four-cylinder engine runs better on four cylinders and needs gasoline to work properly. Whaddaya know. I guess I'll never stop learning...
Patrick
So
So today I figure its got to be the carbs, since they have only been cleaned once and everybody know XS11 carbs have to be cleaned an infinite number of times before gas will even make it into the float bowls, much less the cylinders. Before I pull the carbs, though, I figure I should check the spark. I put an extra plug in the number 4 cap, ground it and crank the bike and I get a spark like fireworks on Chinese new year. It startles me it is so bright. Just in case, I think, I should pull the plug in the bike to see what it looks like so I know if it's getting fuel, or getting too much fuel or whatever.
I pull the plug and look at the tip. Definitely fuel getting to it. And the prong is touching the electrode just like it is supposed to... wait a minute. Now, I'm not Adrian Monk, but I think I know a clue when I see one. Isn't there supposed to be a gap there? Small, but definitely a gap...
So I throw caution to the wind. I don't even get out the manual, I just go ahead and put a gap in it. I reinstall the plug and fire the bike back up. Yup, firing on number 4 now. Get on a for a short ride. It's accelerates much better now, I notice. Four cylinders is definitely an improvement. Smooth, much less back firing. Better power. I should have tried this earlier.
I get about four blocks from home and it stalls. Won't start again. What the hell. A little more investigation...
I am making great strides with this bike, but I still haven't gotten it to the point where it will run without gas. Soon, I hope. Fortunately it is autumn in Austin, so the temperature is only about 95 today and the walk home and back with the gas can wasn't too unpleasant.
A four-cylinder engine runs better on four cylinders and needs gasoline to work properly. Whaddaya know. I guess I'll never stop learning...
Patrick
So
. And yes it was sorta late, around midnight. To hear it re-told now though it had to have been 3 or 4 in the morning, up hill both ways. LOL. It is nice to have good friends that will come help your dumb azz.
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