A buddy and I recently (about 2 months ago) installed the Dave Dodge jet kit and I have a couple questions:
The first time I started it I didn't think anything of the hard-start. I just attributed it to the carbs being drained. But two days later I rolled it outside, pulled the choke and went through my precheck. Then tried to start it. "Ah, Geez!" It took several minutes to start. I figured out that the choke was slowly disengaging itself and if I just held it out the bike starts fine. It actually works really well that way. It starts and then it doesn't high-idle until you push it back in.
I thought I made sure where the choke cable ran and rerouted it correctly. I guess, I messed up somehow. I've taken a flashlight and looked in and around the choke cable and don't see where it's binding.
First, since it does work quite well, does anybody know of anything that I might be wearing out, or another problem, running it this way?
Does anybody have any likely culprits that I can double-check?
Also, after the install the bike is running noticeably hotter. My key even comes out hot. Is this normal?
We turned the D-screws (sorry, don't remember the right name) all the way in and then turned them out to the recommended setting. We were getting a lot of popping on decel and turned them out another 1/4 turn (if I'm recalling correctly) and the popping virtually stopped.
Thanks for the help!
The choke knob has a little nut behind it for tensioning the return.
Yours is probably too loose. Easy fix.
I have had 3 3rd gen Magnas and the choke did that on all of them. As for the heat issue, most Magna owners suffer 2nd degree burns from grabbing the key (smile). And don't put it in your pocket too quickly. They just run hot. As long as the temp light doesn't come on it is OK. Probably just the temp outside getting warmer and you notice it more.
I would think that someone might chime in on the need to choke. I have a stock set up, but I never choke mine this time of year. Turn the key, hit the switch, it starts right up and is ready to go in a couple of minutes. So there may be something that needs to be done there.
Quote from: DC SmithI would think that someone might chime in on the need to choke. I have a stock set up, but I never choke mine this time of year. Turn the key, hit the switch, it starts right up and is ready to go in a couple of minutes. So there may be something that needs to be done there.
I usually have to choke but then I haven't adjusted the idle mixture or jetted the bike. I wonder if you can choke less because you might have done those things.
Thanks for the tips and a little peace of mind! The heat had me a little concerned because I've read a few posts about people blowing head gaskets due to overheating.
You know, I just got in the habit of needing to choke it everytime during colder weather (before the DDR jet kit) and didn't even think about trying to start it without choking. Duh!
I'll give it a shot and see what happens.
The Magna should use the choke ONLY to get the bike started and as SOON as you can get the throttle up to awaken the beast!
Using the choke much more can rapidly foul the plugs.. A fouled plug can and will run but not efficiently.
Another great tip. Thanks, Greg!
Is that common to all bikes and/or all engines, or is the Magna more prone to fouling for some reason?
I am by far NOT an expert on this subject but I do know from previous mechanical experience that a lean running can cause these conditions. Hard starting and running hot can both mean that the fuel/air mixture is too lean. Especially if you have to use the choke more. I myself have a DRP kit and a set of Cobra pipes (THANKS AGAIN ALLEN RUGG) to install so I hope I dont have these same problems.
Kale Tifft
Moot # 475
99 Magna