Topic: #2 cylndr Not Firing!#@*!!

[jaknight]

OK,

   A 1974 CB750 K4..... can't get the #2 cylinder to fire.
Checked the carb float level, it's OK, good gas supply.
Swapped #2 spark plug with #4 spark plug.  # 4
cylinder kept firing, #2 still did not fire with the "new"
spark plug which worked in #4.

What kind of readings should I look for with my multi-
meter for checking out the coils? Or, rather, what else
should I be looking at besides all the blooming electrical
connections.

Its aggravating as he**..... the old 4 cylinder is making
me *#@&&&!!!

       Always Grateful,

       *** jaknight ***

The Pen Is Mightier Than The Sword.....
Except In A Sword Fight

[Gordon]

You confirmed that it's not a bad spark plug, but have you checked to see if you're even getting a spark?  Could be a bad plug cap or wire.  If it's only the #2 that's not firing, then it's not a coil or ignition system issue since they work in pairs. 

[jaknight]

Good Point, Gordon,

Sometimes I can't see the forest for all the trees that
are in the way.  I will check that out ASAP!

     ***jaknight***

[ekpent]

Pull the plug is best or at least put another plug into the cap,lay it on top of the valve cover and then turn over the engine with ignition on in a dimly lit enviroment, to verify you are getting spark for sure for starters.Also you could hold on to the end and see if you get a good shock    Not recommended--

[Spanner 1]

Krappy plug kap, komrad 

[ekpent]

Should we say pull the cap and do the old 1/4" chop off the wire trick ??

[stinkfinger]

I had same prob till i saw it was the plug wire
arcing over to the head.  Turn off all the lights,throw a towel
over the headlight and start it up. You may be able to see the spark
jumping across(if thats what it is)

Tony

[jaknight]

So...,

   I did do the old trick of cutting off 1/4" on the #2
spark plug wire.  Cleaned everything real good (wire,
cap, etc.).  Reinstalled and give her a try.

   Fires real good!

   Ekpent, ... I wanted to try your suggestion
for how to check for spark...... I know I would have the
coolest hairdo in the neighborhood!!

   Thanks to all,

   ***jaknight***

[ekpent]

HA HA I tried that once and my hair has never been the same---    If you have not done it yet I think I would go and clip and clean the other 3 wires also. Something I always do anyways on all new projects 

[Gordon]

   Ekpent, ... I wanted to try your suggestion
for how to check for spark...... I know I would have the
coolest hairdo in the neighborhood!!

That reminded me of doing lawn work when I was a kid.  My dad had an old gas-powered edger, and the only way to shut it down was to pull the lead off the spark plug.   The spark hurt a little, but the worst part was the anticipation of the shock, and forcing myself to grab the wire anyway. 

[nancy]

My dad's lawn mower back in the mid to late 60's was an "Iron Chief" 4-stoker reel/drum  blades...and the only was to turn that off - and it was a factory new procedure - was to push down a metal strop onto the top of the spark plug...always delivered a tingle up the arm to the elbow....damned American design.