Confusing spark problem.

[ThomasTedder]

hi,are your plugs new?Just because they spark when removed doesnt mean they will spark under pressure and you should check your plug caps for cracks.Do your pipes heat up if you open the throttle?Are your carbs ballanced?

Plugs are new. Pipes stay cold in all throttle positions. Carb are good.

[ThomasTedder]

Solved

I caught a break this morning. When I fired it up, it was still only running on two cylinders, but with a catch. 2,4 were firing and not 1,3, eliminating the coils. I wiggled the spark plug boots and all four started firing. It's one heck of a coincidence that they were coming on and off in pairs. When I would pull them off to check for spark, they would get a good connection. When I would put them back on, they would lose connection. Sooooo

I went for a ride around the block. Bike runs pretty good for a 650. I'm grinning ear-to-ear when I get back home. I got off and saw smoke coming from under the tank. The gas found an exit out of the rusty tank. At least it runs.

[boba]

mine started to do that also. i can get it to run, ran it for about 20minutes 2-3 cold as could be. come back aa couple hours later 1-4 cold as could be.. i think its something to do with the spark of the points, cause sometimes i can see both sets sparking then neithr one spark then just one will spark. perhaps condensors? points ? coil wires ? plugs ?
with my luck its something else...

[duaneage]

Start with the basics. The coil wires usually have a number indicating the cylinder they go to somewhere on the spark plug wire lead. As long as you did not change the 1/4" spade terminal connections these numbers should still be valid.

Check the gap on each plug and clean oil off any plug. Insert carefully and torque to 11 ft/lbs of torque. Over tightening the plugs can ruin your day.

Now inspect the spark plug boots and if they are cracked or damaged replace them. NGK boots are only 4 dollars each at the stealer dealer so it's a small price to pay for good spark.

If you do replace the boots cut about 1/2 inch off the end to get to new wire inside.

Then try it again.