Topic: 1976 honda 550 is quitting on me after being out in the rain

[bobbyq]

A few months ago I got a 1976 honda 550 as a hand-me-down and have been enjoying the hell out of it.  But it was out in a surprise rain storm for a few hours a few weeks ago.  When I got on it, in the rain, it had a little trouble starting but got going with enough gas.   But then it kept dying on me when idling at red lights.  That was completely unusual.   

I let it dry out and sit near a dehumidifier in the garage for a few days.   But I can barely get it started, though it'll turn over and hum for a bit with enough gas.  But even if I do get it going it dies after maybe 10-20 seconds, even if I keep the throttle going.   

Electric seems OK, as I thought maybe some wires got wet.  The lights are working.  The ignition is working.    It just won't keep running. 

Any ideas here?   Thanks!

[Deltarider]

The usual suspects are the HT leads to the spark plugs and an ignitioncover that is not protected against ingress of water. Did you have a look at the sparkplugs? Any sparking between HT leads and the enginehead or other 'ground'? (best seen in the dark). Is the airfilter still dry? Water in the fuel? Drain carbbowls and have a look at the fuel. Any water in it?