'81 Hanging idle & refusing to starting when hot - Need a plan of attack

[michael Rides]

Reading through several posts on this issue. I have a 81 Special ll (8K miles) that starts pretty OK with choke. At first it Runs well without any pinging. Then when it gets warmed up or hot I get 1) the idle starts to hang up and 2) I get some pinging when I get on the throttle . Plan to check for vacuum leaks based on this conversation but curious to get opinions if I am dealing with one problem, i.e., lean mix caused by leak, or if these are two separate issues. I suspect I have some carbon buildup on pistons that could also cause pinging. Carbs where removed and cleaned when I got the bike following the instructions on this forum. Thanks in advance. This forum is great

 

[Tony 71]

I have a 82 650 heritage special i bought new had accident on farm and lost left leg most all my buddies stopped riding so did not ride it a lot it would start missing on one cylinder let it idle a few minutes and it would start fireing on that cylinder and run good over time it finally quit running at all cdi back then about 650dollars ben sitting in garage all these years anyone got idea where to start

 

[Freya4]

implementing proper installation techniques,using heatresistant materials and performing regular maintenance checks can help reduce these risks

 

[DogBunny]

I have a 82 650 heritage special i bought new had accident on farm and lost left leg most all my buddies stopped riding so did not ride it a lot it would start missing on one cylinder let it idle a few minutes and it would start fireing on that cylinder and run good over time it finally quit running at all cdi back then about 650dollars ben sitting in garage all these years anyone got idea where to start

I would start with a compression check.

The missing you describe was likely due to partially gunked up carbs. If compression is okay, I'd disassemble and clean the carbs.

From what you wrote, your cdi is probably okay in my opinion.