Topic: my 350f won't start at all..........

[jamesb]

all it does is jus cranks over and backfires or pops any ideas on what it could be  thanks

[myhondas]

Think this belongs in the for sale thread.
I'll bid $20 for the non runner parts bike ya got there

Sounds like timing.....Start with the basics.....Check for spark at the plugs.....check the points/condenser.....make sure your air cleaner is clean.....getting fuel to the cyl's.....then if necessary, check lifters and compression.
I believe you should keep it simple and start with the most basic first.

[camelman]

#$%*ty plugs bro.

#$%*ty plugs broski.

#$%*ty plugs brozinski.

Take your pick, then get figure out how to do a basic tuneup.

d-bike (aka Camelman)

[jamesb]

plugs look good getting spark at all of them points are good i'm going fricking nuts with it i've done went threw it 4 times at least i have all day tomrrow and sunday.

[steamnjn23]

same problem when i tried to start mine the first time.  in a fit of frustration i switched the coil wires.  instead of yellow to yellow and blue to blue, i went yellow to blue on both coils and it fired right up.  runs great...now i have to switch the points wires

[kslrr]

Points are "good"?  So you checked the timing and the gap?  It sounds like your guessing as to what to do.

Do you have a manual?  If so, follow the procedure for setting the timing.  Then check the valve clearance.  If you don't have a manual, get one.  There is a thread here that has links to where you can download a manual.

[Nikkisixx]

plugs look good getting spark at all of them points are good i'm going fricking nuts with it i've done went threw it 4 times at least i have all day tomrrow and sunday.

Meh, it would be better to have two days to ride!  My advice is to be methodical.  Start at one end of the ignition system and check every connection and component - even if you know it is right.  For example:

1. Pull the plugs and check the gap and condition, verify they are not resistor plugs (D8EA NOT dR8ea)
2. After the plugs are back in, verify plug wire resistance and then firing order
3. Verify wiring at coils ( as steamnjn said)- check the diagrams - measure voltage at coils
4. Verify continuity from coil to points
5. Check point condition - are they flat on the plate, in good shape, gaped right? A little tighter is better than too loose to get it running.
6. Timming good?  Retarded slightly makes a motor easier to start

you get the idea.  I find it is better to go through the system from one end to the other rather than jumping around.  Be as logical and methodical as possible. Once you complete the ignition system, move on to the fuel system gas tank to intake rubbers, and then valve lash.  Good luck, hope you get to take a spin around the block today!

[killerdwarf]

How is the fuel system?

[jamesb]

ok so i'm going to confess something i had my points wires crossed up under the seat. everything is great on that end of it now it's a carb problem i was curious and  opened the left side bowl screw fuel came out went to the right side did same thing nothing so it's not getting fuel to the right side. my weekend goal is to conquer this blasted machine.what sucks is i just built my chopper in a 2 1/2 week time frame no problems at all couldn't ask for a better build. i've been working on this 350f for about 7-9 months and it wont start.and thanks to all you guys for the help.

[myhondas]

Oh I am sure it is just God's way of punishing you for building a chopper

[jamesb]

i got the carbs off all the float bowls are empty except for the far left. and also i swear i heard a voice in my ear one night whispering "build a chopper"

[myhondas]

I think it meant the whirly bird kind.... not the 750 kind
So as I said....keep it simple....need all three to make it go.... fuel, air, spark at the same time in a sealed place.....found your problem with same "TIME" in the points, now need to figure why no fuel.....Oh did you check to make sure you petcock was open...don't laugh.... wouldn't be the first time it has happened.

[Bodi]

This is odd since the fuel enters the rack in the centre and gets distributed through all four through connector plugs between each pair of carbs: the centre one also has the inlet nipple. So probably you have three float valves stuck closed or plugged with gunk?

[jamesb]

beleive me the petcock was the first thing i checked plus 50 more times after that.well it started after taking apart the carbs and cleaning them out again.now it just wont stay running i have to keep giving it throttle.so i'm gonna go through the timing again and make sure it's straight.  

[steamnjn23]

did you bench sync 'em?