Ok,
I finally had a chance to change my plugs out today, despite the horrible weather we're having down here. Pulled the old plugs and replaced each one with a new one (1 at a time). I checked the gaps to make sure they were .8 to .9, and hand tightened until they grabbed then turned them around 1/2 to 2/3 turn or so. (I'm still not sure if they are tightened quite correctly, that part seemed to be the hardest!!)
Anyways, she seemed to start up much easier then normal. My problem now is it seems that one of the left pipes (I think the back left cylinder) is backfiring now when I come off the throttle. (This is all while sitting still and reving her up. It only pops once when I let off the throttle at around 4 or 5k rpm, and only every so often)
Usually (with the old plugs) when I decelerate she pops a lot anyways. I always assumed this was simply the cobra pipes I have (This was just a pop though, the sound now seems a little louder). I haven't had a chance to take her out, the weather outside is still kind of nasty. But should I be worried about the backfire?
I was thinking about grabbing a torque wrench tomorrow and checking the plugs to make sure everything is right on my side.
Thanks as always,
Tim
Just out of curiosity, where were you when you fired it up? I am guessing that since it was raining outside, you were at least under a carport or possibly in a garage. That would certainly make it sound louder than if you were out in the open.
Also, do you normally wear a helmet? I always wear a helmet, and it goes on before I fire up my engine . . . so when I do start it up for maintainence (or anytime I am not planning on riding it) my helmet is off and it seems much louder.
I'm not trying to say that the pop isn't louder, but maybe under those circumstances you perceive them to be louder than usual. Like I said, just a thought. Good luck. dc
If you start it and let it idle, the top left pipe for the left rear cylinder probably stay cool to the touch. And if you slowly bring the RPMs up you can hear it start to burble then run on that cylinder????
The left rear carb is the one to clog the slow speed jet first, see this ALL the time.
The wrench session at Allens place will help get ya taken care of!!!!
I'll have to check that Greg. The sun is finally out some so I'm gonna run her down the street in just a bit. By burble? hmm, sometimes when I start out in 1st the bike will seem to bog down a bit, then finally it seems like she gets some gas. Is this the same thing ?
DC. Yes, I had her in the garage with the door about half way open. And I usually turn her on outside with my helmet off. I'll definately keep that in mind. Thanks.
Ok, I ran her down the road for a bit. Went ahead and filled up with some gas. She sounds great to me. Just like she did before I did the plugs.
Two quick questions:
1) Since I'm not sure, and it being my first time, on the torque on the plugs. Do you think I should buy a torque wrench and double check my torque on my plugs?
2) Also, I adjusted my chain. I believe the slack was around 1.5" and I adjusted down to specs. (got it to 1.0 to 1.1") My transmission seems to shift a bit easier now. Is this just me or will the slack in a chain make it rough shifting your bike? --- On the few miles I just rode, not once did I have to click twice to get her up a gear. Usually, not always, I have to do this. And the CLUNK from 1st to 2nd gear was much less noticeable.
Thanks again,
Tim
Well getting a torque wrench in there would be fun just snug is good.
The chain makes alot of difference in noises you hear and other things slapping and loose chains probably make up 90 percent of what you here and effect your shifting some what as the chain is constantly moving that moves the counter sprocket back and forth effecting the shaft that is directly tied to the trans because even though you pull the clutch in the chain is still moving!!!!!!
I have never used the torque wrench for the plugs, like Allen says how would it fit???
Just snug it as you would any other plug with the tool that is in the kit.
As for chain noise, you get a lot more noise the more wear the chain has on it. Keep it lube (wax or oil) about every three tanks of gas and you should be good to go.
I have never seen (or heard) a difference in shifting by what I do to the chain.
Bob
I guess my bike is really moody then. But, I thought I read somewhere once that said the chain can make a slight change in shifting.
Anyways, sure enough I jumped on her again last night and I had to push up twice to get into gears every now and then. Although it still doesn't seem to be as bad, and the shifts to me still seem to be a little smoother. (probly in my head.)
Can't really ride with the horrible weather right now. Maybe sometime this week. =)
Ok, this proves just how new I still am to riding.
I think I finally figured out why I have to "double click" while shifting up on the bike. I didn't have to when I wore tenni shoes (which is rare), and normally I wear some swat boots. Just like the ones cops wear.
The boots are pretty thick and I realized tonite that I was pressing up against the shifter after I shifted previously, hence, I'm assuming I never completely disengage it and have to "double click" next time I shift.
So now I simply leave my foot to the side of the shifter to make sure it completely engages, or disengages, whichever it may be. Everything seemed to work great tonite.
Oh, except for when I hit a huge bump on the highway and my speedo cable fell out of the steel braided tubes. That was a sight for me watching my speedo cable drag the highway at 80. lol. Pulled over, slid it back in and all is well. Guess I'll be ordering a new one soon.