Topic: Intermittent cylinders kicking out.

[Bankerdanny]

I started having this problem on the way to Dolores and it has gotten worse despitepulling the carbs yesterday. I'll be cruising along the suddenly lose power. It feels like 2 cylinders aren't firing. It will last for 20 seconds or so then kick back in.

There is no consistent pattern. Sometimes I go for 30-40 minutes with no issues. Sometimes it's multiple cycles of every 20 - 30 seconds.

The other symptom is that sometimes gas comes out the #1 overflow even when the tap is off.

I can't decide if it a fueling problem, which makes most sense, or maybe a failing coil.

The loss of power is usually accompanied by a backfire. I have a lot of miles left to cover to get home and don't want a week more of this.

[scottly]

Dyna ignition?

[BomberMann650]

Your petcock may be wearing out.
Losing two at a time makes me think coils or ignition.
Good luck.

[scottly]

Where are you now?

[Bankerdanny]

Page, AZ

[scottly]

Do you have a dyna? They have a history of acting up this way. You might try removing the ignition cover, which will allow cooler air around the modules.

[Bankerdanny]

I have an EI,  but it isn't a dyna

[scottly]

What brand?

[scottly]

Ground Control to Major Dan...Come in Major Dan...

[540nova]

Bet $100 it's a Pamco. First thing entered my mind reading the headline.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

[scottly]

There are probably 100 Dyna failures for each Pamco failure, and some of those are with the optional coils supplied by the vendor.

[Bankerdanny]

No, it's a very old unit. I just checked in to a hotel here in Page. I'll have to pull the points cover to get the brand. I posted it once after I got the bike last year.

[scottly]

Take a picture of your unit, umm, ignition.
I do have spare coils. Anyone know if a 750 points plate will fit a 550?

[scottly]

I can't decide if it a fueling problem, which makes most sense, or maybe a failing coil.

The loss of power is usually accompanied by a backfire.

Loud backfire out of the exhaust, or a sneeze through the carbs?

[CycleRanger]

Take a picture of your unit, umm, ignition.
I do have spare coils. Anyone know if a 750 points plate will fit a 550?

They are the same afaik.

[scottly]

Take a picture of your unit, umm, ignition.
I do have spare coils. Anyone know if a 750 points plate will fit a 550?

They are the same afaik.

Thanks again CR! Danny, I have all the parts to completely replace your ignition. If you can make it as far as Flagstaff, I can pick you up and we'll fit it up here in Scumboldt.

[Bankerdanny]

I posted this just as I was leaving for a tour of Antelope Canyon, that was the delay in the reply.

I filled upright before heading to the tour location, and when I got there and parked fuel was running from the #1 overflow. Layer I went to Wal-Mart for supplies and forget to turn the tap off and came back to a large gas stain. Then shortly after that I was looking into a hotel room and came out to find fuel leaking out of #1's pod.

I think I may have 2 issues, the #1 carb float needle not sealing and an issue with the ignition or a coil.

I can make Flagstaff . I just didn't want to ride with darkness pending.

[scottly]

Yes, I think you have two issues: a carb float problem that is compounded with a leaking petcock, and an ignition problem.
If you can make it all the way to Humboldt, that would be even better for me. I'm about 75 miles from Flag via I-17 and Hwy 169.

[Bankerdanny]

If I can make Flagstaff another 75 shouldn't be a problem

[scottly]

Keep me posted on your progress.

[fatmatt650]

Best of luck Danny. I've been having issues myself. It sounds similar to one of the issues I had today with a failing condenser but that was a linear curve of bad to worse. Obviously not your issue but the fact that I simply lost some power as opposed to all coupled with Scott's earlier warning made me figure that was the problem. I suppose a failing coil would feel the same way.  Have you tried turning off the petcock while riding to see if it alleviates the problem? I had a similar issue on another bike but it was not intermittent. One carb would consistently overflow every few miles, I'd shut off the tap until it started behaving and it'd be good for a few more miles, rinse and repeat. Good luck.

[TwoTired]

Take a picture of your unit, umm, ignition.
I do have spare coils. Anyone know if a 750 points plate will fit a 550?

Yes, they will.

I have truck and trailer in Chino Valley.  Can go to Flagstaff for pick up/ retrieval/ diagnosis.  If you need personal assistance.  Must be done before next Tuesday, though, when they come to dig up my yard.

Cheers,

[scottly]

Will today work for you Lloyd? Thanks. Let me know if you need any tools or parts and I'll run them up there.
Scott

[TwoTired]

Lots to do, but nothing I can't push a bit out. Can go today.

Gonna need location info.  Phone contact?  PM me.

[scottly]

He may be able to get there under his own power.