Topic: WON'T START...valve adj. and carb. issues?

[Gin Rickey]

Here's the history: in the process of rebulding and cleaning just about everything...I've rebuilt the carbs; I've adjusted the valves and points to specified gaps; I've changed the spark plugs; I have gas coming from an alternate source that wets the plugs; and I've verified that spark is consistent and strong through the ignition, switch, battery, fuse, coils, points, and plugs. 

I've checked my valve adjustments, made sure spark advance was correct, and re-timed the points...and still, I'm getting a blow-back from number 1 through the carb intake and no firing on 2, 3, and 4.  I'd imagine that the intake valve on number one is open when firing (not sure about the other cylinders)...but that could be too short a valve clearance, or late spark (poor timing), or even carburation issues (?).  I'm at a stand-still.

I think the mechanics are sound...but I'm having trouble with valves "feeling too tight" regardless of specs. and I wonder about the strength of my carb-rebuilding abilities.  I know I have spark and gas, but more than that (and properly regulated), I can't guarantee.

Where do I start and how?  Thanks

[Gordon]

Sounds to me like you might have the blue and yellow wires switched to the coils.

[333]

In adjusting the valves, were you sure of the position of the crank?  The 350F manual states that when the T1-4 mark is aligned, the number one piston must be at TDC of the compression stroke.  You can tell if you have it right by going past this point, the #1 exhaust valve will open.  Then rotate the crank twice to the T1-4 mark and adjust both #1 valves,#2 exhaust, and #3 intake.  Rotate the crank 1 turn back to the T1-4 marks and adjust the remainder of the valves.  It sounds to me like your valves are adjusted 180 degrees(cam) out of sync.  And this would explain why the blow back is happening on #1 and the valves seem tight.

[Crusty_Butt]

Here's the history: in the process of rebulding and cleaning just about everything...I've rebuilt the carbs; I've adjusted the valves and points to specified gaps; I've changed the spark plugs; I have gas coming from an alternate source that wets the plugs; and I've verified that spark is consistent and strong through the ignition, switch, battery, fuse, coils, points, and plugs. 

I've checked my valve adjustments, made sure spark advance was correct, and re-timed the points...and still, I'm getting a blow-back from number 1 through the carb intake and no firing on 2, 3, and 4.  I'd imagine that the intake valve on number one is open when firing (not sure about the other cylinders)...but that could be too short a valve clearance, or late spark (poor timing), or even carburation issues (?).  I'm at a stand-still.

I think the mechanics are sound...but I'm having trouble with valves "feeling too tight" regardless of specs. and I wonder about the strength of my carb-rebuilding abilities.  I know I have spark and gas, but more than that (and properly regulated), I can't guarantee.

Where do I start and how?  Thanks

When you rebuilt the carbs did you make the mistake of moving the carb balance screws while they were on the bench? One time I set them all equal, because I planned on synching them when I put them back on. The bike wouldn't start until I put them back to where they were.

Did you try adjusting the idle speed knob?

Are you sure you adjusted the valves on the compression stroke?

Bret