Topic: Odd spark issue with 76 -550K need your input

[Otto]

Tuned up the 550 today. Set the timing.adj. points, new plugs, installed the freshly  rebuilt carbs, and added Hondaman ignition. After a few carb issues, my fault I read the rule wrong.. , she fired up and idled at 1100 rpm. Syncd carbs. Perfect... Except for, I could hear a distinct clicking sound from # 1 cycliner. It came from the spark plug... I figured I had a bad plug. Pull the plug out, noticed a brown mark on the insulator, at the base, as though it had been arcing... Weird.

Replaced the plug with another new NGK D7ES, same thing...  Removed and replaced the spark plug wire boot - same clicking sound. Another bad plug?  I didn't think so, so I reversed the plugs from #2 and #1. The arcing sound stayed in #1.

Next, I swapped the plug wires from 1 to 4 and 2 and 3. Same arcing sound in #1!

I don unnastand!

Any ideas?
 
Thanks-

Bob

[eldar]

Well that is kinda odd but are you sure it is spark related? How have you traced it to #1? Did you set the valve gap at all in your work? Also, maybe check the wire itself and make sure that it is not somehow arcing against the frame or something like that.

[bryanj]

Make sure the exhaust flange is tight as that can sound just like that, or a loose tappet

[Otto]

Make sure the exhaust flange is tight as that can sound just like that, or a loose tappet

hehe,

That's the 1st thing I tried this morning. Didn't make a difference. I may remove the exhaust and install new gaskets.. It's gotta be that.

I still need to run it in the dark and see if it really is arching... 20 degrees out now. I wanna know, just not that bad...


Stay tuned!
bc