Topic: Electronic Ignition

[thenewbie]

Well I got the bike to run today (bought the pamco ignition to save from headaches). It runs ok. I couldnt get it to idle but it may have been because it wasnt warmed up? Anway the header from cylinder #1 wasnt as hot as the other 3 so after I shut it off I pulled the plug and it was damp. So if I sync the carbs would that clear it up?

[TwoTired]

Anway the header from cylinder #1 wasnt as hot as the other 3 so after I shut it off I pulled the plug and it was damp. So if I sync the carbs would that clear it up?

Unlikely.

Swap plugs and see if the problem follows.  Other wise, it's probably a carb issue.

[thenewbie]

If I do end up needing to replace a plug should I replace all 4 or just the one? Because supposedly the plugs were replaced only about a year ago or so.

[TwoTired]

Anything man made can fail.  And, there is no time guarantee.  A year ago is a long time under some conditions.  The bike ran well 30 years ago, now it doesn't.  Other bikes run well that are older.

A carb providing too rich a mixture can make an otherwise good spark plug fail due to excessive carbon deposits.
We don't have a good description of the spark plug deposits other than "damp".

However, "damp" indicates the cylinder not firing, which can be a bad plug, a fouled plug, or connection issues.
That is why I outlined a minimal diagnostic process.

Stop trying to jump ahead, and do the work and investigation to determine true cause.  Or, just keep throwing money and parts at the problem along with "hope".

Your choice.

[thenewbie]

ouch

[dave500]

how old are the plug caps?if you have a multi meter you can test them.

[70CB750]

TT is right. Now you can drill your problems down by swapping parts around and finding the real issue. You almost there, keep going

[BobbyR]

TT is right. I think you have a carb throwing a rich mixture and fouling a plug. Ignition usually fails in pairs with the waste spark system. If I had a bad connection on #1 then 4 would misfire also. Look at your float levels and yes I would buy new plugs at Autozone they are fairly cheap. 

[LesterPiglet]

Hee hee, whinging about points. Try owning a Kawa triple. 

[bwaller]

Hee hee, whinging about points. Try owning a Kawa triple. 

Or a Trident or Rocket 3. 

[HondaMan]

Hee hee, whinging about points. Try owning a Kawa triple. 

Did you know I make a Hondaman ignition for those, now?

[LesterPiglet]

I did Mark but the triples are long gone. 

[thenewbie]

On a side note I did notice that one of the carb floats was a blue-ish color like it had been burned or something. Anybody know what that means?

[HondaMan]

On a side note I did notice that one of the carb floats was a blue-ish color like it had been burned or something. Anybody know what that means?

Usually that's because someone used the old-fashioned "gas preserver" that used to have formaldehyde in it. Once the stuff dried out, it stained the floats, and often the bowls. Avoid that stuff in the future: it doesn't work with ethanol-laced gas, makes a real mess of these carbs.