That same old pickup coil problem

[yuddy]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the forum and would like to get some advice.
I seem to be having the dreaded "pickup coil wire problem"
But I cant seem to find the break in any of the wires.
I tried all the methods explained in the threads, but no luck.

I did pull the carbs, gave em a good cleanin, and put some electrical tape over what I thought was possibly a tear in the wire sheathing and got about 2000 miles before it started acting up again.
This is really starting to bug me, Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Ed.

[Mike Hart]

Hi Ed

Could you describe the symptoms?

Since the problem went away for 2000 miles after you cleaned the carbs, it sounds more like carbs than pickup coils, but hard to say without knowing how it is the bike doesn't run right.

Intermittent? Constant? RPM range? Throttle position?

[yuddy]

Hi Mike,
Thanks for the response.
Well the problem is Intermittent, but when it happends it is constant untill I really twist the throttle, then it seems to fire on all four.
When it does happen, there is a strong smell of raw fuel.
It may last for 20 or 30 miles, Then as fast as it started, It's gone and im on all four again.
The wires leading to the pickup coils have no signs of repair, so I just assumed it was my best bet.
Now, I'm just not sure.
Before my last attempt at fixing the problem it did get progressively worse untill I just started tearing everything apart, including the carbs, when I put eveything back together it worked fine like I said for about 2000mi.

[crunchbird]

Sounds like a carb slide is sticking. (Or the needle has detached, clip come off or ??? Never heard of this but maybe.)

[oldfart]

Since you checked the pick-ups for broken lead wires, then it sounds alot like float level is off,....Will

[Mike Hart]

The pickup coil problem usually shows on throttle transitions, when the advance plate moves flexing the wires. But it does sound electrical (the strong smell of raw fuel).

Have you inspected your spark plug caps? If you have the wiring diagram, follow all igntion circuits to check for bad connections. Is your fuse box in good shape?

[yuddy]

Well,
Thanks for the responses guys.
Looks like some "garage" time is in my near future, I think I will start with the easy stuff, fuse block, ignition connections, wires & caps, replace the pickup coil wires(since chances are they will need it soon anyway), test the coils, then dive back into the carbs.
This bike sat most of its 23yr. (13,000mi) life untill I got a hold of it, so im probably better off checking it all and replacing the bad stuff, especially since I like to plan and take long trips.

I'll keep ya posted.
Ed.

[skids]

Yuddy, if the plugs have fouled with fluffy black and you burn it off at higher rpms, it might indicate that you are rich in the mid or low range rpms. Get it warmed-up, the carefully put in some clean plugs (ouch!) and get it to the problem rpms until it begins to miss again. Then, switch off the ignition and pull over to examine the plugs associated with the colder head pipes. If they are fouled black, they were firing and getting too much fuel. If they were ralatively clean but wet with fuel, they have no fire (spark). If they are clean and not wet at all, you might be having a vacuum control problem (leak in hose or weird back pressure). If your exhaust is shot, it can prevent normal carburator aspiration at certain rpm ranges and there will probably be no carb or electrical fix that will help it. (been there done that)