Diagnostic help: can't figure out what my spark plugs are telling me.

[gpounce32768]

I have my carbs set so I need enrichener when starting cold (ie, more than a few hours since last running). If you don't need enrichener in that condition you may find you're running a bit rich, but I expect the plugs will tell you that. If the gear position/neutral sensor is dirty, so not making a good contact- or your battery voltage low- then it wouldn't suprise me if something like the neutral light would have difficulty. I mounted a cheapie amazon voltmeter on the bike to keep an eye on the charging. The alternator needs engine rpm over 2k to really develop 14v.

 

[avemachina]

That's a good point--I might as well pop the sensor off and clean it. It is just brass touching a little steel pip, but who knows, contamination could've caused the conductivity to change just enough to cause issues.

I'll charge the battery up a bit too. I've got a voltmeter/USB port thingy wired in, but it does act goofy from time to time, so I'll check with a multimeter next time I get a chance. The weather's been absolutely hideous lately (41F, but wind chill makes it 21F thanks to blowing dust) so work has slowed a little on getting everything buttoned up.

 

[GuyS]

Regarding your running issues, how are you sealing the carb boots to engine? Is yours a gasket style or O ring style?

 

[avemachina]

They're gasket style, the fiber kind.

 

[GuyS]

I ask because mine are the O ring type. They were flattened out and not making a proper seal. Is suspect because past replacement used nitrile (burn-d) O rings that are not intended for the temperatures the cylinder gets. This would cause a vacuum leak and make it impossible to sync the carbs.