BACKFIRE
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: BACKFIRE
Rotten, when you say it won't start, is it dead now? What colour are the plugs, are they wet, what's your breather condition, did you check spark on both cylinders. It's hard to diagnose without the bike on the jack, but give me as much info as you can, and I, or someone else here will help.
P.S. 115 on an 84 is a little low, but if it's the same on both jugs that is a good sign as far as valves go. Rings or bore damage wouldn't cause a backfire out the exhaust so this makes me think that it's got to be a fuel or timing issue. Did you do the plug change? Dump the fuel and put a new batch of 92 octane or higher in.
P.S. 115 on an 84 is a little low, but if it's the same on both jugs that is a good sign as far as valves go. Rings or bore damage wouldn't cause a backfire out the exhaust so this makes me think that it's got to be a fuel or timing issue. Did you do the plug change? Dump the fuel and put a new batch of 92 octane or higher in.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
Likes: 6
From: My house
RE: BACKFIRE
P.S. 115 on an 84 is a little low, but if it's the same on both jugs that is a good sign as far as valves go. Rings or bore damage wouldn't cause a backfire out the exhaust so this makes me think that it's got to be a fuel or timing issue. Did you do the plug change? Dump the fuel and put a new batch of 92 octane or higher in.
A little more info is needed, how many miles is on the bike now and is the engine a stock motor? Be sure and drain the carb as well, might be some water or trash there. Let us know your progress.
Keep us posted, it is fixable.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 11,068
Likes: 1,473
From: Texas! Ya mean there's someplace else?
RE: BACKFIRE
ORIGINAL: rottena
I've owned it about a month and road about 50 miles total, the guy a brought it from said it was filled with gas last during the summer, so the last 10 miles I put stabo in with a full tank.
I've owned it about a month and road about 50 miles total, the guy a brought it from said it was filled with gas last during the summer, so the last 10 miles I put stabo in with a full tank.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
RE: BACKFIRE
Tonight after work I put new plugs in it and the bike fired up as if nothing ever happened! I'll do a complete tune up and put new gas in it before riding. I noticed there is no in line filter between the tank and carburator? I'm thinking that's not good! Thanks all for all your expert help.
Thanks from Missouri
Thanks from Missouri
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 6,197
Likes: 708
From: (Toronto) Canada
RE: BACKFIRE
57,000 on a 84 is only 3,000 a year, so it probably hasn't done many long highway holidays. New wires, plugs and maybe a battery will do her a world of good. For the next while change fluids often, and when you do oil, cut the filter apart and look for metal filings. If it's clean the engine is in good shape inside. Make sure that the charging system is good before a long trip, and check all gaskets for obvious leakage before a long trip in order to avoid burnt valves or overheating.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 21,949
Likes: 6
From: My house
RE: BACKFIRE
Glad you got it going[sm=smiley20.gif]
One other thing I would do is to check the tires out as well, (if they are not new) for dry rot, thread wear, correct pressure etc. I have found this to be one of the most maintenance ignored items on a bike and the most important thing between you and the pavement.
A little TLC on the scoot and you should be good for many more miles.
John TN
One other thing I would do is to check the tires out as well, (if they are not new) for dry rot, thread wear, correct pressure etc. I have found this to be one of the most maintenance ignored items on a bike and the most important thing between you and the pavement.
A little TLC on the scoot and you should be good for many more miles.
John TN
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 785
Likes: 1
From: Harford County, Maryland
RE: BACKFIRE
ORIGINAL: rottena
Tonight after work I put new plugs in it and the bike fired up as if nothing ever happened! I'll do a complete tune up and put new gas in it before riding. I noticed there is no in line filter between the tank and carburator? I'm thinking that's not good! Thanks all for all your expert help.
Thanks from Missouri
Tonight after work I put new plugs in it and the bike fired up as if nothing ever happened! I'll do a complete tune up and put new gas in it before riding. I noticed there is no in line filter between the tank and carburator? I'm thinking that's not good! Thanks all for all your expert help.
Thanks from Missouri
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