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From: Ig on 2 Jul 2006 19:20
Greetings... I've been trying to sort this one out for a while...
thank you in advance for any advice.

First I had a very steady gas leak from the carburator to the point
where the engine would flood.
I adjusted throttle and float heights and now the bike stays running,
but carb no 2 still leaks - sometimes just a drip, other times a
drip-flow. What puzzles me is that (1) the fuel jets don;t seem
clogged, and (2) the leaking doesn't begin until the engines been
running for a while.
Would you recommend adjusting the float hieght on no.2 in order to
"fix" the problem?
If not, where else should I look? (I've never had to take the carbs
apart so if that's required, please know I'm a complete novice - but
trying hard to learn... I love this bike, even though it's causing
headaches).
Also, I'm upgrading the capacitator from the original to modern. I've
purchased the parts and want to take it to a machanic for installation.
what is a fair price for this service?
thank you.

From: FB on 2 Jul 2006 19:31

Ig wrote:
> Greetings... I've been trying to sort this one out for a while...
> thank you in advance for any advice.
>
> First I had a very steady gas leak from the carburator to the point
> where the engine would flood.

The float valve may have some debris or gum and varnish keeping it from
closing fully.

> Would you recommend adjusting the float hieght on no.2 in order to
> "fix" the problem?

Check the level, but look at the float valve seat with a magnifying
glass. The tiniest bit of varnish can block the valve from seating.

> Also, I'm upgrading the capacitator from the original to modern. I've
> purchased the parts and want to take it to a machanic for installation.
> what is a fair price for this service?

Replacing the capacitors on the points should take no more than 1/2 an
hour, if the mechanic stops for a cup of coffee. Maybe $25 for the
labor?

From: Ted Mittelstaedt on 3 Jul 2006 17:39

"Ig" <elrogigor(a)gmail.com> wrote in message
news:1151882445.067930.299840(a)m79g2000cwm.googlegroups.com...
> Greetings... I've been trying to sort this one out for a while...
> thank you in advance for any advice.
>
> First I had a very steady gas leak from the carburator to the point
> where the engine would flood.
> I adjusted throttle and float heights and now the bike stays running,
> but carb no 2 still leaks - sometimes just a drip, other times a
> drip-flow. What puzzles me is that (1) the fuel jets don;t seem
> clogged, and (2) the leaking doesn't begin until the engines been
> running for a while.
> Would you recommend adjusting the float hieght on no.2 in order to
> "fix" the problem?
> If not, where else should I look? (I've never had to take the carbs
> apart so if that's required, please know I'm a complete novice - but
> trying hard to learn... I love this bike, even though it's causing
> headaches).
> Also, I'm upgrading the capacitator from the original to modern.

Why?

> I've
> purchased the parts and want to take it to a machanic for installation.
> what is a fair price for this service?

First of all, check your points - if they are pitted (ie:
capacitor/condensor is
failing, which is the usual reason they are replaced) then replace the
points
too. Second, don't just change parts to get "modern" ones without any real
reason for it. The points capacitor(s)
are always changed when the points are changed (unless the guy doing the
work is a real cheapskate) and what you got in there is extremely unlikely
to
be 31 years old, and original. A new capacitor isn't going to help the
borderline spark on these bikes get any better unless the original part is
failing and the spark you have now is total garbage. If you really want to
improve your spark with modern components, put in an electronic ignition,
new wires, etc.

Ted


From: Ig on 4 Jul 2006 13:43
Thanks for the advice on changing the points. you're right, but I'm
actually upgrading the capacitator because the battery isn;t
sufficiently charging while I operate the bike. I tested the current
and was hardly getting 12 volts when I'd rev the engine.

From: FB on 4 Jul 2006 19:02

Ig wrote:
> Thanks for the advice on changing the points. you're right, but I'm
> actually upgrading the capacitator because the battery isn;t
> sufficiently charging while I operate the bike. I tested the current
> and was hardly getting 12 volts when I'd rev the engine.

Then you should figure out what is wrong with the charging system and
fix that.

The capacitor just reduces ignition point arcing. If you have 12 volts
to the coils that will give you a reasonably strong spark of around
9000 to 12000 volts.

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