getting going

[kcsphil1]

SInce we don't seem to have the general repair forum anymore :veryangry I'll ask the question here: Any ideas why my '83 750 VT won't start? I have (On the good side):
1) replaced bettery and spark plugs with consistant spark;
2) replaced/rebuilt starter clutch;
3) rebuilt starter motor (new brushes, pads, holders, etc);
4) replaced crankcase gasket around the starter clutch assembly;
new fuel filter installed the correct direction;
5) good gas;
6) rebuilt and cleaned carbs.

On the bad side:
1) front cylinder has about 110 psi compression; rear has 125 psi compression;
2) All I get with a full charge on the battery is a lot of backfiring with the choke wide open and nothing but starter sounds with the choke shut down.

She so wants to go, and with our mild winter out here I so want to get her going. Could have ridden out to the mountains today - God what scenery.

Thanks in advance! :luxhello:

[M@Man]

Fist I'd like to say Fuck off Noob :wiseguy:

Your first post and your askin' for some help. Seriously...Welcome to the board, I know you were part of the old forum but your a noob now. Now down to business...

It' sounds to me, just from what you have mentioned that it's either one or two things.
1) You say it tries to run with the choke on, right? Double check the carbs.
2) Did you check the timing?

I had a Yamerhamer that did the same thing, and that what I had to contend with.

M@

[M@Man]

Oh, and I wouldn't worry about the compression thing too much, an engine can run on as little as 80 psi of compression, some even lower. I don't have the exact specs handy but my guess it your OK there.

M@

[kcsphil1]

Fist I'd like to say Fuck off Noob :wiseguy:

Your first post and your askin' for some help. Seriously...Welcome to the board, I know you were part of the old forum but your a noob now. Now down to business...

It' sounds to me, just from what you have mentioned that it's either one or two things.
1) You say it tries to run with the choke on, right? Double check the carbs.
2) Did you check the timing?

I had a Yamerhamer that did the same thing, and that what I had to contend with.

M@

Well I finally got to it today. Can't very well check the timing when I need to have the bike running at normal temperature and idling to get anything on the tach and timing gun. Any suggestions would be helpful.

As to the carbs, I'm not sure where you are going with this - are ya saying this NOOB (Yeah, right) needs to tear them out again, tear them down again and rebuild them again, or are you recommending some adjustment of something. My clymer manual says the carbs are factory set for idle, and can't be adjusted. Sorry to be so upfront about it, but I'm tired of trying to diagnose abike that is SO CLOSE to running but won't. Its raining today for the first time in a bout forever, but if I can't get her running soon I will have to sell her - I can't ride what won't run.

[M@Man]

Sorry, but I can only do so much with the description given to me.

You mentioned it has "consistant spark", and you rebuilt the carbs. An engine needs three things to run...Fuel/Air/Spark (at the right time).
If the carbs were done, and the spark plugs are sparkin', you mentioned that it backfires. So my best guesstimate with the information you have given me is the timing is retarded.
Maybe a little more information can help...
Is it a strong spark?
Can you smell gas at the tail pipe end?
The backfire, is it on the intake or exhuast side?

Clymer manuals are just guide lines, they're not written in stone. I have set timing on engines "on the nose" by using just my thumb over the spark plug hole, and watching the timing mark while turning the engine manualy. It's not always exact, but it's a good place to start.
I know it's very agrivating when you hear your engine try to fire and know that you are so close, I've been there before. I see you moved this post into the general area, so maybe someone out there can help.

M@