Hard Starting
I am haveing a hell of time getting my 1985 R80RT started after having the carbs rebuilt and engine desmogged. Hopebully this video works and you can hear what is going on. I have checked the valves and float bowls for debris. I'm at a loss as to why it will eventually start, but starts so rough and hard. Right now I really don't trust it for a longer ride.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RDN-RUHCeS_ln62M0uRFGCMtyQacfvjN/view?usp=sharing
The video doesn't play on my browser. If it were my project, I would pull the intake tubes and mist the carb throats with starting fluid to see what happens. If the motor lights right up, the enricher circuit (cold start function) is not functioning properly. There is a lot going on with the cold start enricher circuit. Next, I would look at the jet in the float bowl that feeds the enricher take-up tube. This jet can be obstructed with crud from the bottom of the float bowl and is easily overlooked. Next, make sure the enricher lever on the left hand set is pulling open the enricher levers on the inboard side of both carbs. Beyond that. I would wonder of the variable jet disk in the enricher is correctly assembled.
former Airmarshal, IL.
Ok, I saw the video. Definitely insufficient cold start enrichment. Were you holding the cold start "choke" lever all the way open,? and do the enricher levers on the inboard sides of the carbs open up all the way as well? The reason I ask is that there is a 1 in to 2 Bowden cable splitter under the fuel tank on the left side that can be troublesome. It is fixed to the frame in a little bracket and if it looses that relationship to a fixed point, it defeats the enricher function. text me at 309 251 9877 and we can arrange a phone conversation.
former Airmarshal, IL.
@8053 Thanks for the reply. Yes, I was holding the choke wide open and the choke levers on the inside of the carbs are moving. Let me check under the tank and I'll get back to you.
Again, thanks!!!
Curtis, my correct phone number is 309 251 0877. I have Parkinson's disease and my typing was never very good anyway.Â
former Airmarshal, IL.
@8053 Totally understand. My wife also suffers from Parkinson's.
I may have figured this out. I'm going to let her sit overnight and try to start her tomorrow morning. I'll let you know how it goes.
I will also ask... during the carb rebuilds... were both carbs disassembled at the same time ?Â
If so, the enrichener plates (the discs under the cap with 4 tiny screws) can be installed in the wrong carb. (Right plate installed in LH carb.) When that is done, the "chokes" cease to supply enough fuel for a cold start.Â
Hope this helps.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
Thanks for your replies. I am much closer to having this figured out. Before the rebuild I have always "helped" the choke by giving her a little throttle. I saw on a YouTube video that you should not do this because you screw up the choke by opening the butterfly in the carb. I gave it a try and she did start MUCH better. I still have to finesse her a little to keep her running until she is warm.
Thanks for your quick replies.
On a properly prepared bike, pointing the choke lever down should get an immediate response from the starter button and the engine should start running at an elevated RPM immediately. Rarely ever should you need a second try.
Owning an old Airhead is easy.
Keeping an old Airhead running great is the true test.
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