Plain weird behavior

[glib]

Did not try the swap yet--but now number one is firing fine but number two is not firing unless the choke is on. I could see that the plug was black but I didn't know from when so I checked the compression and it was down to 75. I put some Lucas fuel treatment in the cylinder to see if the compression would come up and it did. I changed the plug and checked for spark but it still would not fire. So I loosened the choke connector from the rod so that I could actuate the choke for just the number two cylinder and when I did, it fired. I checked the number two exhaust temp while holding the choke on and it came up to the 250 range. When I let go of the choke it dropped back down. So I guess I missed something in the number two carb but I don't know how. Everything was dipped and checked for flow. Even if there was a speck blocking something, would it block everything but the choke? If so, where would it be? Also, the choke only makes it fire if it is pulled out at least 3/8 inch.

[jbthomp]

It's possible you have stuck rings in that cylinder. I would take it for a good hard test drive and see if your compression improves. If the engine had been sitting a while it is common for rust to form on the rings and it prevents them from expanding out and sealing on the cylinder wall when the engine is running. You should be able to see into that cylinder if you remove the spark plug and shine a bright light in there. You need to check and see if the cylinder is scored at all or if the piston is damaged at all. Pouring oil into the cylinder seals up the gap between the rings and the cylinder wall temporarily and will increase compression only for a short time. That is about the most surefire way to tell if you have bad rings causing low compression.

[glib]

I pulled the carbs back out and opened up #2 and the pilot jet was totally clogged. I stuck a needle down it and blew through it and white powder blew out. I can't believe I missed that. Really disgusted. Also, I am wondering if there is a technique to get the carbs in and out of the bike without distorting the airbox boots. It is such a tight fit.

[chuck hahn]

Got the little hole in the tip open also...right??

[glib]

Yes. Used a very sharp needle for a sewing machine. Blew through it to make sure. I just thought I had done that before but I obviously missed this one.

[glib]

SWEET VICTORY! Perfect idle, no miss, smooth acceleration, power like I remembered. It is so worth it to clean the carbs properly when you get to hear and feel the results.

And I figured out how to get them in without such a wrestling match--make sure all the hose clamps are pulled back from their normal position so the boots can flex without resistance and without bending the clamps. Then gently wiggle the carbs over the boots as much as possible and once they are through, work them down into the stiffer head boots first and then line up the airbox boots and pull them on.

It's a good morning! Thanks for all the help gentlemen.

[qisteve]

SWEET VICTORY! Perfect idle, no miss, smooth acceleration, power like I remembered. It is so worth it to clean the carbs properly when you get to hear and feel the results.

And I figured out how to get them in without such a wrestling match--make sure all the hose clamps are pulled back from their normal position so the boots can flex without resistance and without bending the clamps. Then gently wiggle the carbs over the boots as much as possible and once they are through, work them down into the stiffer head boots first and then line up the airbox boots and pull them on.

It's a good morning! Thanks for all the help gentlemen.

Also, a heat gun will soften the rubber and dry silicone spray makes them slippery without damaging them.

[Spyder]

Just one more thing to keep in your mind. Fuel or no fuel to a cylinder won't effect the compression. You still have a pretty serious compression issue. Like jbthomp said, it's possible to get stuck ring to seal again, but it's not certain. Personally I would run a can of Seafoam through it. Half can (in the gas tank) per tank full. And keep checking the comp. on that cylinder. Good luck, I hope it frees up for you...

[glib]

Also, a heat gun will soften the rubber and dry silicone spray makes them slippery without damaging them.

Great idea. Thanks.

[glib]

Just one more thing to keep in your mind. Fuel or no fuel to a cylinder won't effect the compression. You still have a pretty serious compression issue. Like jbthomp said, it's possible to get stuck ring to seal again, but it's not certain. Personally I would run a can of Seafoam through it. Half can (in the gas tank) per tank full. And keep checking the comp. on that cylinder. Good luck, I hope it frees up for you...

Already bought the Seafoam and a big bottle of Lucas fuel system cleaner for maintenance. It ran very smoothly this morning but I'll check the compression after I've ridden it some.