Weak spark

[Wingsconsin]

Non-insulated bald crimp connectors laying on the frame ?
What could be going wrong here ..?
I hope those are not touching the frame nor each other when you are trying to diagnose the issues.
Or am I just seeing that wrong.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

I've actually had them up off the frame while starting, as I didn't want them to ground out.

[OldVet66]

What color wire do you have going to the black wire of the coil in the foreword wiring bundle? It is hard to see in your picture.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

The white wire.

I got it to spark, I bound the connectors with tape. However, still won't start.

[OldVet66]

If you have to tape those terminals, they have to go, they won't last. This site sells the right terminals and crimping tools for your bike. (http://www.cycleterminal.com/bullet-terminals.html). If you need to have more than one wire to go to different places, solder and heat shrink them. Just one wire per terminal unless they are designed for it. Spark is one part of the equation along with compression and fuel. It will start if it has all three.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

How big is the spark supposed to be, and what color? I've seen videos of motorcycles with bright blue, vibrant sparks.

[OldVet66]

There are a lot of factors, voltage to the coils, the coils themselves, the light you are looking at the spark in. If you can hear it and see it well it is probably ok. Why don't you spray a bit of starting fluid into the air box and see if it fires. If it does fire up for a few seconds it will run. Then you will have to find out why it isn't getting fuel. Do not use starting fluid for anything but a test. It will wash oil off of the cylinders used excessively and cause damage. Ether in the starting fluid should be able to get enough vapor into your carburetors from the air box to fire the motor.

[Rob S.]

...bright blue, vibrant sparks.

Sounds proper.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

Ok, I tried the starting fluid. Sputtered once, but wouldn't start.

[OldVet66]

It's firing then. Check the compression (in the manual) and valve adjustment (also in the manual). If that doesn't do it, the next thing is to make sure you are getting fuel and possibly rebuild the carburetors. Tutorials are on the bikecliff site. http://members.dslextreme.com/users/bikecliff/

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

I've taken apart and cleaned the carburetors 4 times, and even soaked each one in Chem-Dip. Took all the jets out, looked at the float needles (metal-tipped). Adjusted the float tangs down (towards the float needle, I had the carburetor upside down when I did this) so it pushes on the needle sooner. It no longer spills over the bowls, but still seems to flood. I unhooked the vacuum line after letting it sit for 2 days (with everything put back on). Sprayed some starting fluid in, and it started for a bit. Hooked up the vacuum line, sputtered a couple times, and now it won't start. So I'm letting it sit while I charge the battery.

[Big T]

It seems that it's time for you to read the carb tutorial and the service manual

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

A lot of the tests I need to do for balance and stuff require the engine to be running, which it isn't. My local major motorcycle shop charges $100 per carb, making mine $400.

[BigD_83]

I don't have anything to add except some encouragement. You're getting lots of great advice from OldVet66 and others.

I know it is hard to focus when you get frustrated, and vice versa, but you have to take a step back sometimes and make sure you are following a structured approach to troubleshooting.

Keep at it. You'll get there.

[ZombiePotatoSalad]

Oh, their advice is great, and I'm thankful for it. It's my lack of knowledge and experience. This is my first motorcycle, and thusly my first motorcycle engine I've ever worked on. I feel like I did everything correctly, and then nothing happens. I just took the carburetor off. I'm going to send pictures of the float needles and jets. My original issue that I made this thread for seems to be kinda solved...?

For example, one of the carburetor jets was stuck in its hole. I think it was a needle jet? One of the tiny ones under the rubber plug.