Hands on assistance in Saint Michael, MN

MN_Bobber

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St Michael, MN
I am trying to finish up my build that I bought last year. I have the following items that I need some assistance with and I would rather pay someone on this forum to walk me through it (in my garage) than take it to a local shop. I want the knowledge so in case something breaks, I can fix it.

CARBS: carbs needs to be gone through, probably new jets to accomodate the pods and headers, and synced.

STARTER: i'm using a trditional car style ignition and it's not working. I can't get it started with the kick start either.

The headlights, running light, brake light, and horn do all work. I've been able to get at least that right :)

Thanks anyone and everyone.

Sean
 
I appreciate the note, Ernie. Good luck with your work schedule

Hey - I've heard of a dirt sanchez, but never a dirty ernie :)

Thanks again for the note, bud!
 
Bobber, you have now. ;)
I'll let ya know when I get the '80 running (and license, and insurance, and tabs, and...) Maybe swing up there and see if I know anything

E
 
MN_Bobber;

There's a tremendous amount of useful information on this site. Have you read through the "Tech" section? The "Search" function will find lots of good reading for you.

I doubt that you have just one problem area. You will have to spend some time reading and learning about these bikes.

Most carbs need to be taken fully apart and all passage ways/jets confirmed to be clear. There are many, many posts on this subject.

What type of ignition are you using?

Have you adjusted the valves?

What is the compression of the cylinders?

Is the tank free of rust?

Have you spent time taking electrical connectors apart and cleaning them so that they have low resistance?

Do you have a fully charged battery?
 
I've read them all, many times. So I am either missing something, still don't understand the subject, or don't have the skill. Which is why I am trying to get someone to assist.

Old Points system with new single high output coil and new plugs
No adjustment on the valves
Not sure on the cam adjustment either
I don't have a tool to measure compression
No rust in the tank - new gas with inline filter
All new wiring, but old brushes and old stator (not sure if working properly)
New Oil

I want someone to tutor me as I'm already too far into the riding season. This is my only bike so it kills me when I can be riding, but I'm not. :)

Thanks!
 
BUMP for visibility. I would very much like to get this taken care of as soon as possible so as to not waste any more riding days:)

Anyone willing and able to assist me?
 
Good luck finding some guys to help out. Maybe post this on a few more motorcycle oriented web forums b/c for the most part carbs and starters are....carbs and starters. May be a few more non XS guys in your area to help out.

Also browse youtube for how to videos. I'm more of a visual guy myself. I can sit there and read and read all day long but in the end visuals make it so much easier on my brain.
 
You still need help man,i got a guy thats pretty knowlegeable that might help, i cant speak for him but im sure he would get his hands dirty for ya
 
Do you have the proper coil for point type ignition. The electronic coils have different ohm's.

I'm pretty sure the dual output coil I got from MikeXS (PN: Part #17-6822) is the right one for this application. Dual Lead Ignition coil for use with single contact point type
conversions or Early type Boyer Digital Ignitions. 12 Volt, 4.5 Ohm Primary Resistance, 102mm.
 
That coil needs to have just one set of points and a dual lobe cam in place of the stock single point cam. I ran a simular setup using a Harley coil. It can work if you get a good dual lobe cam. Mine turn out to be ground off by abour 6 or 7 degrees bwteen the lobes.
If I was closer I'd be there. But I can't afford a week away from work.
Perhaps going through Big Jimmies Travel Assistance thread. Look for people close to you and ask them to help.
Leo
 
Thanks Leo for the assistance. I was told by another member that you can run both points in parallel with the condenser running with this coil and still use the stock single lobe cam. I'll try and find it.
 
It was Pete:



Default Re: Coil / points question
Quote:
Originally Posted by MN_Bobber
Pete,

Until I can afford the upgrade to your electronic ignition, I'm forced to use what I have (points) as money is tight with three kids (my scoot funding comes last , which I'm ok with).

My question is, can I use a single dual lead ignition coil to fire the stock points on my 78? I'm using the coil from MikesXS Part #17-6822.

I hope you can help me here - some say yes and some say no. You seem to be the resident expert here. Thanks sooooo much!

**************
Pete's response:

Yes. Just connect the points wires together and remove one of the condensers. The 17-6822 has a high enough primary resistance to work with points without burning them up.

One possible draw back is that the duty cycle (time on / time off) for the coil will be 50% and it may run hot, so be sure to mount it firmly to the frame for heat dissipation.
 
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