 Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
My '05 Speedmaster is having some conniptions, and I'd like to hear from others their thoughts on where to start diagnosing. I'm a true believer in the easy stuff first.
Every now & then, the engine seems to be running as if only 1 & 1/2 cylinders are working. It seems to be more apparent at start up, or shortly into a ride. When it happened again Saturday, there was a stink of fuel apparent, which may have been from repeated attempts at starting her up, or other? The gotcha is the problem is intermittent. I've yet to pull the tank and give a look see to obvious wiring issues, and the fuel bowls drained (via the drain port) clean fuel only. I'm leaning toward one carb has float issues, but don't know that just yet. The bike has 28,000 miles on it.
thanks
|
|
|
 Re: Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1
Worn Saddle
|
Worn Saddle
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,432 Likes: 1 |
My first thoughts are coil or spark plug wire, especially if it seems to abate with the application of heat. I'd check the spark plug wire connections at both ends first, those hard boots can corrode and go bad over time. Then swap the coils to see if the problem moves side to side (easy enough to just move the input and output leads for a test).
A positive attitude may not solve all your problems, but it will annoy enough people to make it worth the effort. Herm Albright (1876 - 1944)
|
|
|
 Re: Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,440 |
Yep - sounds like a sticky float/valve.
Jack
'08 America Blue/White; Custom Headlamps, Custom Lowers, Clearview 20", Bafflectomy
|
|
|
 Re: Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138
Learned Hand
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,138 |
Bucky,
I think you and Uncle Charlie have to bring the bike to GA. it needs a vacation from the cold.
If we can not fix it I know we could get the GA riders to come by and comiserate with you.
Plus we can drink beer there is a bar Taco Mac five minutes from my house that has over 150 beers from around the world to try.
John
John 06 America Mulberry\Silver
"Seemed Like A Good Idea At The Time"
|
|
|
 Re: Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64
Fe Butt
|
Fe Butt
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 23,243 Likes: 64 |
If not the plug wire or coil it could also be the plug itself. Could also be a float sticking but from the symtoms would lean more to the ignition.
I learned all I need to know about life by killing smart people and eating their brains. Eat right ,Exercise ,Stay fit, Die Anyway!
|
|
|
 Re: Diagnostic Doctors required
|
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971
Loquacious
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,971 |
Quote:
bring the bike to GA. it needs a vacation from the cold.
Best advice yet. We've had two hard frosts so far, and the leaves are just about all down. My boss was the number 3 guy at [the bank that failed, & filed the largest bankruptcy in history], so I may have some spare time on my hands anyway. He's already cut my hours per week in half.
My thanks to all for the input & advice
|
|
|
|
|