Topic: Plugs in 2 & 3 look brand new?

[pegula]

I've got a cb350 and have been narrowing in on why it seems to be a 175 (only running on 2 cylinders).

Af first I thought I had clogged some carbs but I've had them off and cleaned them numerous times and I think that they're ok. Pipes 1 and 4 get sizzling hot almost instantly. 2 and 3 never get hot just idling. if I ride for a while 2 and 3 will get hot enough to burn but won't sizzle like the other two. Could they be getting that hot just picking up heat from the engine block? The reason I ask is that I pulled the plugs from 2 and 3 and they look brand new still -- like they've never even seen a spark -- just a little wet with gas. They are getting a spark when I test them externally at least. The wires from the coils look ok. Could there be a problem when I actually attach it to the plug in the block? I don't see any arcing or anything.

So that's thought #1 -- the other thought is could messed up timing / points cause this sort of thing? I cleaned the points and the timing seems ok but that's just visually looking at them, I don't have a light, yet.

For some background, so far I've:

Cleaned the carbs
adjusted the cam chain
adjusted the valves
cleaned the points
put in a new battery.

Many thanks!

[number13]

I am not personally familiar with the 350's, but I will assume the ignition is the same
as other SOHCs. Sounds to me like something is up with either your points or coils.
Since the points/coils work in pairs, one set for cylinders 1 and 4, the other set for
cylinders 2 and 3, I would look closely at the coil and point  for 2 and 3.
You say you cleaned the points but did you gap them correctly?
Try that and let us know.

[KB02]

Also, you say you tested the 2 & 3 plugs. How? Did you use they own wires, or did you use the 1 & 4 wires for the test? Sounds to me like your 2&3 coil isn't firing.

If the plugs still look new after running it for a little while, I would say they are not firing at all, thus making my think that the heat you are feeling from them is just the heat distrabution from 1 & 4 passing through the head and into the headers.

How's your compression in 2 & 3?

[smashme33]

 Getting gas...that's good. I would say check compression then go to your ignition system. Points, coils, wires, boots, that stuff. Get out yer Clymer(or Haynes) and get to work...let us know how you're making out. If you do an article search, you can likely find good ways to inspect these things. I use this forum as a reference for nearly everything.

[pegula]

Thanks for the pointers!

I did check the plugs with their respective cables and was getting a spark. I'll look into how to check the compression and report back.

Thanks!
Matthew

[pegula]

Big news! (For me at least)

I gave it one more shot of cleaning and setting the points and I must have actually managed to do it properly becasue she's running like a champ! It's a little thrashy/bubbly but man it's like a new bike. I'm ready to ride now -- any Pittsburgher's out there looking to get a group ride going?

[smashme33]

 Excellent! Get 'er fine tuned and let it rip!