Hi,

I've had problem with consistently starting my 1983. I did the usual: timing, adjusted points, and carb rebuild. The spark is fine, so I thought it was a gas issue. I order the carb rebuild kit from Dr. ATV. After the putting the kit in, the bike started and ran great. The next morning, no go. This was the same issue I had before the rebuild: every once in a while the bike would run great and restart no problem. Then, after leaving the bike for a day, no start.

Any advice on what to check next? Perhaps there is a still a problem with the carb? Here is a link to the Dr. ATV kit, http://dratv.com/atsakitrest1.html. Not sure if there is something else that I should replace in the carb.

thanks,

...Fee

Have you adjusted the valves?

next time it doesn't start, check for spark
sometimes a loose or damaged spark plug cap will cause similar symptoms...

In fact a cracked spark plug cap may allow the plug to spark and look fine when out of the engine but when installed arc to the head and ground out.

doesnt sound like valve problem unless its backfiring from the carb or exhaust.. my guess is the carb or a carb leak.. maybe even an intake leak.. tres could be right too with the plug cap

In terms of a carb leak, should I just be looking for visible signs of gas on the outside of the carb? The air intake boot is a little sloppy, plus I put put a small hole in it when using a screwdriver to reinstall the boot on the airbox. Not sure this small air leakage would create the condition, however, the bike did have a somewhat erratic idle prior to rebuilding the carb. I was advised that an air intake leak might cause the idle issue.

Last but not least, the plug cap. The problem starting the bike began approximately when I replaced the plug cap. I used a brand new NGK cap and the old wire. Oddly enough when I used Tres' instructions on checking the coil, I had the same reading (8.x) for the coil *and* the coil plus the wire and cap. Not sure this would create the issue with the intermittent start.

Thanks for the advice. I would love to get the bike running in the next few days. My 6-year old nephew is visiting for the week and is somewhat heartbroken that the "Honda" is down...

...Fee

did you replace any gaskets? was the engine ever taken apart? im guessing you have a leak somewhere , maybe in the carb or even the motor .. if everything is good like compression, valves, spark and carb.. you have a gasket leak somewhere 100%

I noticed that the valve covers do not have the gaskets. I will replace the gaskets and set the valves. If the problem persists, I will check the compression. It sounds like the compression should be around 150 psi, correct?

take some carb cleaner and with the motor running spray it on the boot and other places you think you have a air leak if the idle changes while you do this that is where you have a leak.

and have a fire extinguisher close in case your plug is arcing.

might also look if your on/off switch could be failing on you.

i had a bad ground on my 81 i noticed today.. out of all 3 it gets riden the least.. so i rode it today and after 30 seconds it died.. changed the plug to find a weak spark so i rewired everything and bam! lots of spark.. check your wiring too, them old bullet style wire caps can get nasty..