Can't get it to start

Just cleaned all the carbs and replaced the coils. Plugs are getting a good spark but still can't get the bike to run. Only one cylinder is firing, the far right one. I tried tweaking with the carbs but its still only firing one cylinder. Where should I go next? I read something about setting points, would that prevent the bike from starting?

Check compression on all cylinders.

Check all spark plugs for spark.

Check plug condition to see if wet with fuel or dry.

Make sure you didn't reverse the points wires going to the coils.

Check points gap.

Check static timing.

bountyhunter wrote:

Check compression on ALL cylinders.

Throttle wide open/all plugs out/carb bowls drained when checking compression!

Check ALL spark plugs for spark.

Check plug condition to see if wet with fuel or dry.

Make sure you didn't reverse the points wires going to the coils.

Check points gap.

Check static timing.

2 Thumbs up.

+ Shim to cam gaps (valve lash).
+ Air filter properly installed! (a must!) and everything air tight from the airbox snorkel tip to the exhaust end tip! MUST be airtight everywhere.

GL my friend.

emaxxima, we need more information. Specifically, a little history on the bike. When is the last time you had it running? Was it running before you cleaned all the carbs and replaced the coils? Ed

Bountyhunter and TeK9iNe have it right. Start by verifying good compression, then move to valve clearances.

Once you know both of these are in spec thoroughly clean the carbs, using compressed air to blow out all the passages after cleaning, check float heights, replace jets with new and get carbs bench synced. Check the condition of the carb holders and intake boots to make sure no leaks are occurring.

Now make sure your timing is dead spot on. Static timing will get you close, but you really need to use an inductive light to make sure it's dead spot on.

Now verify you're getting 12v to the coils and the charging system is up to snuff and you're problem free riding!

I've used this checklist with every bike I've ever brought back from the dead and it's really the only way to get things right. If you have shitty compression or out of spec valves you might think you have carb issues even with perfectly dialed in carbs.

Good luck!!!

Check for spark, are the plugs wet or fouled? One is firing are the plug wires correct? Did it run before? Put the carbs back to stock settings and start over. How did you clean the carbs and what shape were they in? Did you take them down all the way?...Russ

Once when I cleaned my carbs and put them back on I had the same problem. Worked fine before then nothing. After a bit of tinkering, I took them back off and I had put the main jet needle in after the plastic peice that goes above it. So the needle just popped out of the carb where it should have been and was stuck up with the spring. Big GOOF on my part