running on 1 and 4

[skids]

So, you have spark all around but are still having issues with firing all cylinders? You need spark, fuel, compression. Apparently you HAD compression when you started the bike, turned it off to get helmet, but then it was missing on one or more cylinders. I can tell you that starting with choke is OK, but depending on the tune of the carbs, you can foul one or more plugs very quickly. I suggest trying starting the engine, minimize the full choke position by bringing rpms up a little with the throttle, and push the choke in half way while controlling throttle or even all the way off (in) if the bike can keep running while throttling. If that does not work, it could be that the fuel supply is clogged or if plug(s) are getting fuel fouled. If fuel fouled (look at the plugs) either the floats are leaking causing a flooded condition, or the synch (equalizing the throttle plates for vacuum at idle) is way out of wack. The other possibility is that the idle mixture screws are way off. For that, I would suggest that you check the good running cylinders for the number of turns out from a LIGHTLY seated position and adjust the bably running carbs to those. Normal is 1.5 turns out for 78 and 79's and something like 2.5 turns out for 80 and 81's. Be careful as it is easy to screw them in too tight and break off the tips into the orifice holes. Check to see if that has already happened, because it is possible to run the engine on choke and then impossible to run an idle with the choke off. Clogging fuel supply can be at the petcock towers (usually rust), fuel filters if you have them (recommended) or within the carb inputs of the fuel valves on the tiny screens (if they have them) where usually bits of the rubber hose can make them clogged. The needles in the fuel valves can stick causing too much fuel level. Later model carbs can leak around the fuel valve orings (flooding). Any model carb can have sticking float/pivots (flooding). I guess I would try and run the bike and check those plugs for fuel fouling or lack of fuel. Sorry for the long drawn-out description, but I have brought a few bikes back to life after they were neglected by the previous owners...

[skids]

PS, I have forgotten more than I ever knew... LOL :-D

[bikerphil]

From what you are saying, you have no fire on the #2-3 coil.

Two things I would try...

1. Unplug the 4 wire connector at the TCI and in the connector plug, check for around 720 ohms with a multimeter. you should have 2 pairs of wires @ 720 ohms, just keep trying different combinations. If you have 2 pairs that check ok, then there is no problem with P/U coils and wires. If test fails, the problem is in that harness or the P/U coils themselves.

2. I would remove the TCI from the bike and put on workbench. Remove the cover and look for broken solder joints inside where the connector plugs are. If you find 1 or more, carefully resolder.

[earl G]

phil, i did the ohms test got 730 on one side and about 634 on other. black box inside looked new. tc gave a test to check coils, by chaging wires on coils.

i have spark on all plugs.

thanks

[JeffH]

GREAT .........

Been following your troubles.
Hope it runs trouble free again.
A beautiful bike. We traveled lots of miles together.

Jeff

[BA80]

That one pick up with 634 is a little low. I had a set on a bike that read around 650 each and it wouldn't start when it was cold.

If you have spark on all plugs I can see no reason it won't hit on all cyls. 2& 3 a separated by fuel supply. I'm pretty certain your issue is in the ignition. I'm confident it's in the pick ups.

Wish you weren't so damn far away.

[earl G]

skids, i have spark on 1234. when i saw that hmmmm. got spark, plugs smell of gas i think i am missing air.

carbs were never touched on this bike.
must be time for a rebuild.
so i will check air filter and box see if mice opened a hotel, bike is outside in a carport plastic walls for winter and cover.
after air box will take carbs off and look for problems.
i have spark that is a beginning not a start.

[earl G]

fuel supply i was thinking one petcock did 1/2 and other did 3/4

[earl G]

yes we did jeff. this bike been good to me lots of miles and great places. but things wear out. missed one rally this year not two.

[earl G]

yes one side very low and i think that was for 1/4 . when i set plug on head, to test coils one had great spark, 2/3 coil, other ok spark.

so i will look for new pick ups.
check fuel lines filters
this is good thanks everybody

may be this was not coils. have to put the old ones back on and test with spark plugs for spark

[earl G]

on black box i took lid off and look at the back of board. how do i get it all of the way out. saw one screw and two or three small nuts. ??

[BA80]

on black box i took lid off and look at the back of board. how do i get it all of the way out. saw one screw and two or three small nuts. ??

Correct. That's why I said 2 & 3 are SEPARATED by fuel supply. 2 & 3 however DO run off the same pick up and the same ignition coil.

From your pick up readings I'd say you have a shorted pick up coil. It might start hitting on the other 2 cyls when they heat up and have greater resistance.

[earl G]

thanks greg all this helps alot to sovle this problem. and get back on the road

[BA80]

thanks greg all this helps alot to sovle this problem. and get back on the road

LOL.....I meant to quote #23.

[skids]

I wouldn't bother opening the black box. If you are getting spark on all 4 it is working. You smelled fuel? Plugs fuel fouled? I am surprised that you haven't yet been into the airbox to check things out!