Author Topic: MileHigh Cafe (Read 13555 times)

MilehighCB · « **Reply #75 on:** June 18, 2010, 01:20:38 PM »

Hednut, Thanks for the ideas. I have wondered if it was something in the petcock.
I will pull it apart and make sure the screen and internals are all clean.

My buddy thought I should try to vent the fuel line itself. Placing a I into the fuel delivery line between the petcock and the carb. Insert a T fitting and run a fuel line as a vent open to air (pointed up so not to drain fuel).

So another aspect of the potential problem.
The bike starts and runs great with the choke and fuel delivery is smooth thru the powerband, however I have discovered my accellerator pump is not working at all! After the carb rebuild, it did not work. I tried a new aftermarket pump internals, and they seemed inferior to the stock Honda pump parts. Switched back to the stock parts as they were in good shape. Still doesnt work and cant seem to get enough tension from the stock spring. I may try a stiffer spring.
Regardless, it this is or isnt a concern to my original issue, I want to get it resolved.
I have bent the arm, and the plunger still does not push the plunger down. I thought it was the rubber boot causing too much friction, but maybe a slight bend in the rod?
Just another piece to the puzzle....

Freaky1 · « **Reply #76 on:** June 18, 2010, 11:46:19 PM »

I haven't been around here in a while, wish I could say it was because I was out riding!

CB, I have the Power Arc Ignition myself and I think we might be having the same problems! When I get my bike out and can let it run, it runs great! But when I have to deal with stop signs, traffic, or god forbid construction, she heats up and runs like crap! The other night I made it 22 miles and the first half were on C-470, got off and down into Highlands Ranch and before long I was sitting in a school parking lot looking for something to make a for sale sign out of!

After letting the bike sit and cool down I got on and she fired on the first shot, then I proceded to ride home with the points cover off and not one problem. I had Ken send me a new sensor plate and put it in, and it seems to work better. I have not been able to get her out for a official ride as now I am chasing some electrical gremlins, but the warm up and 10 to 20 mile rides seem to go ok. I know this system is used on lots of different bikes and has been around for years but I do think excessive heat has a negative effect on it. I took an old points cover and drilled some strategic holes in it to create some air flow, now I just need to get out and test it. It looks pretty cool with no cover on but I will not ride it like that again!

By the way I have a '77 750F with a stock exhaust that was cut off just after the mounting bracket in the rear (as wide open as it can get!), along with earlier carbs (I think somewhere around the '74 or '75 year) 110 mains / .40 pilots (I've always thought mine ran rich), not sure what notch the needle is set on probably factory though, and UNI pods with a light coat of oil (I thinned the oil out after putting the power arc in and it helped huge), Mine smokes for a minute when I fire it up also but it fades out pretty quick

MilehighCB · « **Reply #77 on:** June 19, 2010, 09:05:45 PM »

Freaky,

I am so glad you chimmed in here. I too wondered about the optic heating up. I tried to run witout the points cover, but it was a typical sunny Co day and as soon as the sunlight hit the optic, it killed the motor. I spoke with Ken at Cycle X and he was very curious about the potential of the optic failing due to heat. I have touched the points cover after my 30 min ride, and it was very hot. I wondered if the optic plate was heating up too much.

I have thought about adding some venting to the points cover, mine is in good shape, so I didnt to ruin it if it wasnt going to make a difference. Now I am thinking of making a shade for the optic and running without it. If I can get a true ride out of the bike like this, we will know its the optic plate heating up. Tomorrow is going to be a hot day but I will try a ride without the cover and see what happens.

Still, I am not convinced its not a fuel issue, but at this point I am willing to give it a try.
Thanks in advance, keep me posted if you find out anything.

Freaky1 · « **Reply #78 on:** June 20, 2010, 08:03:31 AM »

I went on a ride last night at about 11:30, it was 69 degrees and I left my house with the stock points cover on. After about 35 miles over highways and city streets I stopped and switched to my older dented points cover that I drilled holes in and I think it made a difference. The bike seemed a little more responsive in the 3k to 6k range and my ankle felt cooler. I fixed my electrical issue and plan to do a big ride today, I'll be switching back and forth between the two covers and I'll let you know what happens.

MilehighCB · « **Reply #79 on:** June 22, 2010, 07:19:27 AM »

Update:
Well I cut two slits into my points cover, one on leading edge and one trailing. They are fairly good sized vents and I have room to cut more if need be.
I went for a 20 mile ride last evening, pushed the bike at times, up in the foothills, and then returning to city riding. Stopped a couple times and let the bike sit, mimicing heat soak.
The bike didn't that my problem like before!!! I'm not sold yet, but its a great sign!
Freaky, let me know how ur problem is going!

Freaky1 · « **Reply #80 on:** June 22, 2010, 04:51:58 PM »

Like I said, Ken sent me a new sensor and disk, still running the coils from the original purchase though. Now that the disclaimer is out of the way, I went almost 80 miles up Deer Creek Canyon and around Morrision then Evergreen and back to Conifer, pushing it the whole way and didn't have one problem. I had the original points cover on the whole time and was held up by traffic a few times so heat had it's chance. I'm glad Ken sent me a new one, I don't mind running with the modified cover, but if I don't have to I'd rather not. I am sold on the fact that these units can be effected by heat, I am tempted to create some vents in my good cover even though the new one seems to be working.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #81 on:** June 22, 2010, 04:56:56 PM »

I wouldn't be venting the points cover, you will now get moisture in there and it will kill your points very quickly....Why do you think there is a gasket seal on the cover?

Mick

Freaky1 · « **Reply #82 on:** June 22, 2010, 05:05:01 PM »

In this system there are no points, but I understand the conern with the optics but this thing gets so hot any moisture should evaporate quickly. I had a conversation with Ken and Gary (from Power Arc) about possibly riding past a group of soccer fields being watered (very wet streets) and they didn't think it would cause any problems. I suppose if you park your bike outside, but who does that??

Zaipai · « **Reply #83 on:** June 22, 2010, 05:12:50 PM »

That is one nice bike you got there.. I really like it, great work on it.

.: Scott :.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #84 on:** June 22, 2010, 09:38:44 PM »

Quote from: Freaky1 on June 22, 2010, 05:05:01 PM

In this system there are no points, but I understand the conern with the optics but this thing gets so hot any moisture should evaporate quickly. I had a conversation with Ken and Gary (from Power Arc) about possibly riding past a group of soccer fields being watered (very wet streets) and they didn't think it would cause any problems. I suppose if you park your bike outside, but who does that??

Humidity will get in whether its inside or out.....Moisture is the enemy of electronics......

Mick

traveler · « **Reply #85 on:** June 23, 2010, 04:31:33 AM »

Sounds like you need some mesh on the leading surface to "duct" airflow in there while riding.

hmmm.....I guess I'm glad I am still on my stock points right now, whilst these bugs are being worked out. $:-\$

Problems with DYNA's, problems with power-arc, hondaman transistorized ignitions holding strong....but would rather be breakerless.

Please keep posting more updates concerning this.

~Joe

MilehighCB · « **Reply #86 on:** June 24, 2010, 11:04:55 AM »

Well last night I went on a 55 mile ride, the same route that I have gone on in the past and experienced the issue. This ride I had no issues with the bike, pushing it at times and being easy as well. I let the bike sit and then started uo again. No issues at all.
I am sure the two small vent slits in the points cover is negating the issue I had before. The points cover is much cooler with the slits. In the past, it was nearly as hot as the valve cover, untouchable once riding for awhile. Now I can place my hand on the cover with no problem.
I am curious if the new optic you got Freaky will work without holes in the cover. I would rather not expose the optic to any potential water/weather. For now I'm thrilled that I can ride my bike without issue!
Freaky keep me posted on any discoveries you may find with different covers and your nre optic. Thanks....

HedNut · « **Reply #87 on:** June 25, 2010, 04:34:02 AM »

VERY interesting Finds here guys!! Hope it works out for ya!!
Great stuff!

Freaky1 · « **Reply #88 on:** June 27, 2010, 03:16:05 AM »

Rode the Peak to Peak yesterday and the bike preformed flawlessly, even stopped midway in Ward for a strech and not one problem. But on the way back we took I-25 from Loveland back into Denver, running about 80 to 85, pulled off at the inlet just before 136th Ave exit because I an emergency phone call I had to take. She started ok but as I was pulling away, yup you guessed it, back firing hacking caughing...all the same old problems. I figured being on the interstate and with the wind that was blowing also she would cool down enough but after a mile or so I pulled over and popped the cover and problem solved. I am leaving for Nebraska on Tuesday and will be running with the vented cover from the get go. I'm taking state highways for about 80% of the trip so I won't be running as hard but still I'm tired of this problem. I don't know if I'm interested in running with a vented cover only to officially be stranded somewhere because of issues that the vents may create. I have a basicly stock 35 year old motor that runs like a freak but an ignition system that makes the whole project look bad. If it gives me fits on this trip I think I'm pulling it out and switching to the Hondaman system. Nothing liek getting all kinds of complements on how your bike looks only to have it run like #$%*.

MilehighCB · « **Reply #89 on:** June 28, 2010, 10:06:25 AM »

Freaky,

Thanks for the update and info.
Wow, your going all out with a big ride to NE, Good luck!!

I am impressed that you got that far on the Peak to Peak with a sealed cover ( assuming that is what you ment and were running?? or was it a vented cover?)

I am not too concerned with a vented cover short term, but like you said, its not right to have to modify your cover and possibly have more issues because we run a PowerArc. If you look at Cycle X's website of all the test motors they run the PowerArc on, all the covers are off. Is that for photos,,, or has Ken run into these problems?? Dont get me wrong, I am not bagging on anyone...engauge disclaimer...

So what to do, I would like to see how small of a vented needs to be in the cover and still not leave the bike strainded. My slits are not too big, lots of room left in stock cover, I will add a pic or two later.
I would like to cover the slits with mesh from behind, I guess I will bring some tape with me on rides just in case it rains, so I could cover leading edge.

Gotta source some cool metal mesh for the cover.

hapakev · « **Reply #90 on:** June 28, 2010, 02:41:53 PM »

Maybe this is a moot point now, but if you have clear drain lines on your carbs and wanted to see if the floats are allowing fuel into the float bowls, you could flip all the drain lines up so the tips are above the filters and open the drains on the float bowls. The tubes should fill up with fuel showing you the level in the float bowls in each individual carb.

Freaky1 · « **Reply #91 on:** July 09, 2010, 05:17:53 AM »

Never a bad idea hapakev, however my float drain screws became one with the float bowls years ago, a common problem when using two different metals.

The ride on the Peak to Peak was without my vented cover, we even stopped in Ward for a break and she still ran great afterwards.
For the trip to Nebraska I started off with the vented one and she ran pretty good, no major problems but did experience some slight carb backfiring here and there. Also my top end preformance seemed to be off a bit but I do need to do some plug chops and see just where I am with my carbs and jetting.

I'll throw up a pic or two of my cover, it only has 4 small holes and on the Nebraska ride it didn't seem to be getting that hot. However I did ride 95% on state highways so it was not a flat out all day run, slow down for a little town, putter through, speed back up upon exit. When I suggested to Ken the heat angle he said that these systems have been run on all kinds of bikes and that Harleys get hotter than Hondas and they have reported no heat related problems. I don't think they are intended to be run without some type of cover. I'm thinking about trying one of the finned covers just to see how it works.

I do think the response is better with the power arc, and given the plans I have for the engine I'm not ready to give up on this system just yet. Over the next couple of weeks I'll be getting in some plug chops, possibly changing some jetting, maybe even different non-oiled pods, mods to the fuel delivery system, and minor tweeks here and there.

The quest continues and I will keep you all posted, I've been convinced this engine is capable and now it's up to me to dial it in.

MilehighCB · « **Reply #92 on:** July 28, 2010, 04:28:21 AM »

Freaky,
I wondered if you had any recent issues or problems. I cut some vents into my cover and have been running without too much complaints. Yesterday, I rode to work from Fort Collins to Lafayette in 95 degree heat with the sun beating down on my points cover. I did have the over heating of the PowerArc after I rode thru Longmont (midway) I pulled off the cover, let it cool for a bit and powered on from there.

I was a little upset because I have changed my points cover to fairly large vents, with screens over them. I don't mind taking a bit of a risk if it rains (actually I carry tape to cover them if caught in rain) but I think there is a bigger issue here.

I want to talk with Ken again at Cyclex because consumers of this product shouldnt have to come up with creative ways to vent the ignition. I believe what he said about this product being used on many applications, and probably many with just as much if not more heat. So that leads me to question if this batch of sensors have an issue or not. The only common link between us, is living in Colorado.
So my questions to anyone out there using PowerArc ignitions:
Has anyone else had this same overheating issue?
If not, have you run the bike in the of summer, how long have you been running the system?
Did you buy from Cycle X and when?
What power curve do you have it set to?
I am not trying to bad mouth Ken or Cycle X, just speak to him with knowlege and evidence of others who may or may not have had problems.
It seems that either way, something is a miss with a few of these optics. If others have NOT had a problem, than why do these 2 Denver based CB's? If other HAVE had a problem, something must be wrong because I am sure Ken would not endorse a product that is bad.

Thanks in advance....

Freaky1 · « **Reply #93 on:** July 29, 2010, 12:47:53 PM »

I haven't really had any problems lately, but I have been somewhat limited in riding time lately. I've been meaning to call Ken back and see if they found anything with the unit I sent back. This weekend has a good ride penciled in and we'll see what happens. Like I think I said before, my biggest concern at this point is if this is a problem that will only get worse. I'm not thrilled about having this issue when I'm out on a long ride many miles from home. If I notice this problem creeping up quicker and quicker then it's coming out and hopefully Ken will work something out with me.

I have never meet Ken in person but have talked to several people who have along with many people who bought his products, and I can say I've ever heard a bad word. I know he sells some items to complete his product line, things that might not be of the best quality. But for what I have read of his history, when it comes to preformance he knows his stuff and wouldn't put his reputation at risk. He is very confident about this system, says he puts it on all the engins he builds, and I think if anything this might be a bad batch.

MilehighCB · « **Reply #94 on:** July 30, 2010, 10:54:18 PM »

Freaky,
When you say you havent had many problems lately, is that with a vented points cover? I would like to not have any vents in the cover if possible. Washing bike, getting caught in the rain, all of these things will not go well with the optic sensor.
Another thought I had after my last over heating of the optic is does turning on and off the bike clear it from the "limp mode" that the powerarc goes into, or is it because I/you pull off the cover and allow it to cool for a bit?

Please let me know how the ride goes this weekend, if you have any problems and such.
Next week I may call Ken and see what is stance is on the problem.
Thanks

Freaky1 · « **Reply #95 on:** July 31, 2010, 12:04:37 PM »

I don't know if I said this already or not but the on the ride to Omaha, I went with the vented cover and it went ok. After I got there I put the nonvented one on and it has been on ever since. I don't know if it makes any difference but when I put the second optic in I have made a point of hitting the kill switch rather than turning off the key.

From all the experience I've had with this system, letting it cool is the only answer after it starts freaking out. The only time I've had this problem since I put the replacement optic in was after flogging the beast pretty hard on the interstate and pulling off then shutting it off without any cool down.

I will be very curious to hear the conversation you have with Ken, please keep me posted. I also plan to call him, like I said, to see if they found anything wrong with the optic I sent back.

Freaky1 · « **Reply #96 on:** August 03, 2010, 07:54:49 AM »

Haven't had a chance to call Ken yet but did do a big ride yesterday. Left Littleton, up through Morrison & Evergreen, I-70 over Birthoud (sp?) Pass and into Winter Park for lunch. Rode home and rode through 50 miles of rain, yea I tried to wait it out but it wasn't happening. Came down to find C-470 closed so ran around to Kipling, when 470 is closed everyone goes to Kipling duh! Needless to say we sat in stop & go traffic for quite a while then cut out to get back another way so the bike was hot and I ran all day with the non vented cover and it ran good. After sitting in the traffic I had some hiccups at about 7k but after moving for a while it was gone. I don't think any of my future projects will, at this point, have the Power Arc system on them but I had thought of having Ken build me a motor someday so we'll see. I plan to have some time to call him tommorrow and chat, let me know if you learn anything CB.

cdoggy81 · « **Reply #97 on:** August 03, 2010, 10:00:43 AM »

Nice work!

MilehighCB · « **Reply #98 on:** August 05, 2010, 11:32:43 AM »

I spoke with Ken at CycleX yesterday. I told him about what was happening with the PowerArc and how the problem is still not resolved with venting the points cover. Right from the start, Ken was very professional and simply said he would ship me out a complete system tomorrow. He said there were a few of these systems that ran hot and the new one he is going to send me should take care of the problem.

I can't say enough about how nice it is to work with a professional like that. No questions asked about taking care of the customer. I have bought several items for my cafe build and will certainly continue to buy from them.

That being said, I am hopefull that the new system doesn't overheat or have any cliches. I think this system works very well and produces nice power.
Keep ya all posted......

Freaky1 · « **Reply #99 on:** August 05, 2010, 07:12:30 PM »

He is a great guy to work with, I was getting calls from him and the guy at Power Arc while dealing with this. Customer service the way it should be and that's a big part of why I will return there, plus they have some cool stuff!

News:

Author Topic: MileHigh Cafe (Read 13555 times)

traveler