Starting Problem

[garrette59]

I recently got this 1978 2E from a guy that mentioned he used to daily drive it about 10 years ago until it stopped working. Said the points had been replaced, chain is new, and replaced the tube fuses with modern fuses.

The problem I’m getting is that the bike will not start. I’ve checked compression with about 145psi on both cylinders after kicking maybe 20-25 times. I adjusted the timing points with a light rig connected to the points and positive on the battery to time it when the light turns on at the dash next to firing position on each cylinder. I’ve also cleaned the carbs and bench tested the needle diaphragm and float to ensure they are working properly without leaks, and as far as I can tell they do. Fourthly, I adjusted the valve lash according to the manual.

Checking around the forums, not sure I’ve seen anything is directly related to my issue, but wanted to ask the group to see if I can get any suggestions. This is my first bike project, so any tips help.

 

[tstidham]

Are you getting any spark at the plugs? Fuel, air and spark and it should fire. Fuel can be substituted with a blast or three of brake cleaner sprayed down the carb throats. I assume you have a known good battery. Does it do anything? Cough or pop?

 

[garrette59]

Are you getting any spark at the plugs? Fuel, air and spark and it should fire. Fuel can be substituted with a blast or three of brake cleaner sprayed down the carb throats. I assume you have a known good battery. Does it do anything? Cough or pop?

I checked and had spark a couple weeks ago at both plugs. Last week I tried kicking it, and after a few kicks I got a loud pop but no start. This happened a second time the same day, but I haven’t heard it since. Battery is new and charged each time I try starting it. I’ve also attempted using starter fluid with no luck.

Another thing I’m noticing is the kick lever seems to only catch about halfway through the turn—not sure if this would prevent starting though. For timing, is there a duration that the points should stay open during spark? I’m just wondering if I’ve timed it properly.

Thanks!

 

[garrette59]

Update—

I’ve adjusted the ignition timing for the third time and feel much more confident it’s correct this time. I do have spark & compression still, but still not getting the engine to start even with starting fluid. I set valve lash a few weeks ago and now I’m wondering if I did that wrong and if it would cause my not starting problem?

So that’ll be the first thing I check when I get back to it!

 

[tstidham]

If the valve lash was adjusted so wrong, it caused starting issues, you'd probably have seen a drop in compression. Do you have compression values? Before my top end rebuild, my bike started with 90 psi in one cylinder and 115 in the other. After the rebuild (new to me head and rering) I had 140 in both.

 

[garrette59]

If the valve lash was adjusted so wrong, it caused starting issues, you'd probably have seen a drop in compression. Do you have compression values? Before my top end rebuild, my bike started with 90 psi in one cylinder and 115 in the other. After the rebuild (new to me head and rering) I had 140 in both.

I did readjust the valve lash, rotated out the pilot jets about one full turn, and adjusted the timing one last time and it started! Sounded great, just need to replace the camshaft oil seal and a handful of other cosmetic issues and I’ll be on the road! (Fingers crossed)