Timing Issues?

[Guest]

I could use a little help. Hopefully I'm not in over my head.
I checked my valve clearances, replaced shims, cleaned my carbs and air filter (which is stock), replaced the boots and o-rings, re-assembled everything and voila!
It doesn't start. It won't fire.
When I tried to start it intially it fired briefly and roughly, sounding a little bit like a two cylinder, but now nothing.
The starter works. Plugs fire. There is fuel in the float bowls.
I'm not quite sure what to tackle next and I'd hate to do something stupid and irreversible. What should I do next?

[hikermikem]

plug wires on in correct order?

[wincefish]

Plug wires are on in the right order and firing

[GQROD]

Did you bench sync the carbs before you installed them?

Is your choke cable connected/adjusted properly?

Is your idle speed set correctly?

Are your air/premix screws correctly set ? ( number of turns out )

[wincefish]

Did you bench sync the carbs before you installed them?

Is your choke cable connected/adjusted properly?

Is your idle speed set correctly?

Are your air/premix screws correctly set ? ( number of turns out )

Here goes,
Bench synced.

Choke connected, I'm not sure what you mean by properly adjusted, the choke rod is where it should be when the choke isn't activated.

Idle speed is not set.

Air/premix screws set to 2 1/2 turns from lightly seated.


Would an incorrect idle speed setting cause the engine not to fire? It doesn't fire when choked.

[Steve]

Would an incorrect idle speed setting cause the engine not to fire? It doesn't fire when choked.

Yes, it would. Even though some air is admitted along with the extra fuel, it's not enough for the bike to run, unless the idle speed screw is set somewhat properly. Try turning the idle speed screw in a couple of turns and try starting the bike again. BUT ... be ready to hit the kill switch in case it starts to run away from you.

.

[wincefish]

Alright, it doesn't appear to be the idle speed setting either. Still won't fire

[tkent02]

Alright, it doesn't appear to be the idle speed setting either. Still won't fire

Perhaps it's the other way, if the idle screw holds the throttles too far open the choke circuit is bypassed, a cold engine won't run.
Try unscrewing it all the way, then back in until it just touches the throttle linkage.

[wincefish]

Incompetence? You be the judge...

Thanks for all the help. Perhaps this short tale of my mis-adventure will assist others.
I got my bike running today after a few days of hair-pulling frustration and knuckle-gnawing worry that perhaps I have irreparably damaged my beloved motorcycle.
I was about to pull the valve cover off to re-check my clearances when I was struck by the impulse to check the float bowls. If you reference the first post in this thread you'll see my summary of the problem and notice that I stated that the float bowls were full. So I opened the drain on carb #1 and to my vast amusement out poured... absolutely nothing.
My petcock has only one setting so I applied a little manual vacuum (read, sucked on the vacuum hose) to get the fuel flowing and then double checked the float bowls. Sure enough they now contained gasoline (petrol, if you prefer.)
Cranked it over, it fired. A little choke and it started right up like it did in fall.
Lesson being just because I *knew* there was fuel in the float bowls (which I knew because I checked them, don't ask me where the fuel went 'cause I don't know) doesn't mean that there's actual fuel in the float bowls. Now if I can invent a bike that runs on imaginary fuel I'll be set for life, til then...
What's that saying about assumption being the mother of something?
To the newbies, don't assume, you'll end up doing something foolish like me. To the pros, thanks again for all your help.

[Kawickrice]

When you replaced your shims did you make sure your cams are installed correctly, one tooth off can create a mess.

[jknappsax]

We've all been there; that's why I don't HAVE any hair! There are many times I've been "sure" of a condition that when I recheck are NOT what I had thought. But at least you finally found the problem. Good job! BTW, there are a lot of GSers in SE PA; we'll keep you in mind for regional rides. Welcome!