Topic: Running on all cylinders . . .

[JonZ1973CB500]

Hey guys. . . Well after hooking up the fuel lines the right way (I still can't believe I did that) the CB500 fired up on one kick! woo hoo, and she sounds much healthier. There is one problem though,  I still think its only running on the 2 middle cylinders. Both the outter pipes were cold and the middle hot, it also didn't want to take off (stalled out).  I checked and it has spark in all 4 cylinders. What else could possibly make it not want to run on the outter 2?  Does one of the points or condensors run the inner 2 and the other the outter 2 cyl? I don't think its a carb issue, but maybe?  Anyways, let me know what you guys think, thanks a ton!!!   

later

[JHansen]

Don't know for sure but beleive you are correct in the assumption that one condenser does the outer two cylinders and one condenser does the inner 2 cylinders. At least that is how it is setup on my 76 cb400

What makes you think it's not the carbs?

Are the outer 2 plugs getting fuel?

Have you checked valve clearances on all valves?



John

[TwoTired]

Cylinders 1 and 4 fire from the same coil and the same point contact/condenser.
However, if you have verified there is spark, then pull out the spark plugs and see if they look or smell of gas.  This would indicate the carbs are working.  Also, note if the center electrode insulator is covered with soot.  Soot is carbon and an electrical conductor that can drain the spark voltage before it can jump the electrodes. Lay each of the connected spark plugs on the engine case and spin the motor with the ignition on.  If you can see it arc across the electrodes and not just the center insulator, then your ignition and plugs are okay.

If the spark plug was dry, then find out why the carbs aren't supplying the cylinders with fuel.

The carbs have a drain screw at the bottom of the bowls.  Open that and catch the contents.  Any bits larger than .016 inch can plug up slow jets.  Any rust particles indicate a gas tank the needs flush and repair.  There is no point in cleaning carbs if more rust bits can get to them.

Cheers,