Power Loss
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Novice
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Minnesota
Power Loss
I'll get right to the problem. When I go to take off from a dead stop I have to really feather the clutch. If I'm in fourth going up a hill she starts to drop spread. The throttle is really flat. At higher rims she doe better. I thought it might be a clogged jet but I took the carb off & blew all the jets out. I'm wondering if its a valve issue? Anybody able to lend som insight?
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,286
Likes: 64
From: SoCal
To make sure the engine is in good mechanical condition do a compression test.
If that's okay then check for good spark and timing. If you have mechanical advance ignition check to see if the weights move freely and the springs are good. Note: It's a good idea to replace the advance springs with every tune up.
Check the spark plugs or maybe better to replace them.
Once you know the engine is sound mechanically, the ignition is good and properly timed, then its time to look at the carb and its fuel supply. That includes making sure the air filter is clean.
That's the best I can do for ya.
More info would probably help narrow down the search.
Year of engine, non-stock parts on it, special mods and anything else about what its doing will help the guys here help you.
If that's okay then check for good spark and timing. If you have mechanical advance ignition check to see if the weights move freely and the springs are good. Note: It's a good idea to replace the advance springs with every tune up.
Check the spark plugs or maybe better to replace them.
Once you know the engine is sound mechanically, the ignition is good and properly timed, then its time to look at the carb and its fuel supply. That includes making sure the air filter is clean.
That's the best I can do for ya.
More info would probably help narrow down the search.
Year of engine, non-stock parts on it, special mods and anything else about what its doing will help the guys here help you.
Last edited by megawatt; Jun 2, 2013 at 06:17 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: toronto
How are the plugs when you pull them out ?? They looking toasty lean or black rich ??
I had an issue like that once and it was a faulty fuel hose. It would colapse when warm and cut off supply to the carbs. You may be having a similar problem.
It took me a lonnnnng time and money to figure out it was a $2 hose.
Keep us posted.
I had an issue like that once and it was a faulty fuel hose. It would colapse when warm and cut off supply to the carbs. You may be having a similar problem.
It took me a lonnnnng time and money to figure out it was a $2 hose.
Keep us posted.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 12,878
Likes: 5,449
From: la la land jerzey
it sounds like a timing issue to me - if the power is down and it is not smoking and its not making any crazy noizes than the ignition plate might be loose and moving < happens
or the Voes switch purple wire is grounded if it has one
and the ignition module is not working correctly not very common but i have seen this from time to time, it still starts the bike but does not advance the timing correctly - just my take good luck - jz
or the Voes switch purple wire is grounded if it has one
and the ignition module is not working correctly not very common but i have seen this from time to time, it still starts the bike but does not advance the timing correctly - just my take good luck - jz
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 979
Likes: 38
From: new orleans,la
asked a few questions -- got very few answers -- ok ONCE again --- the carb is an S&S "E" -- what jest are in it now? main? idle? in minn @ sea level in a 80" main jet with a muffler should be a 68 idle a .295 -- ya need to look see -- cam -- andrews -- yeah that helps -- what GRIND andrews --
does it blow black smoke? when you throttle it does it brake up? fall flat? pop miss?
open the point cover -- loosen the timing plate hold down screws --- at an idle -- turn the plate till you hear the idle go up -- then turn till you hear it go down and sound labored -- find the sweet spot where it sounds like it idles best... take it for a ride..
your not giving enough info..
does it blow black smoke? when you throttle it does it brake up? fall flat? pop miss?
open the point cover -- loosen the timing plate hold down screws --- at an idle -- turn the plate till you hear the idle go up -- then turn till you hear it go down and sound labored -- find the sweet spot where it sounds like it idles best... take it for a ride..
your not giving enough info..
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Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15
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From: Minnesota
A little more info
I apologize for my ignorance on some of the info requested. The cam was put in when my father own the bike soni don't know which Andrews cam it is, if there is a way to know after the fact let me know & ill relay the info. As far as the jetting I'll the carb tonight and look.
I wanted to add this info to the diagnosis. I did a compression test, the front was at 125 & holding while the rear was at 90 & dropped off. Would this be rings or a stuck valve & would this be the possible power issue.
Once again I apologize for my ignorance as working on four stroke motors is new to me. I raced motocross for years & did all my own mod & rebuild work but needless to say the bikes are a lot simpler. I appreciate all your help & patience as I learn to work on & trouble shoot my shovel.
I wanted to add this info to the diagnosis. I did a compression test, the front was at 125 & holding while the rear was at 90 & dropped off. Would this be rings or a stuck valve & would this be the possible power issue.
Once again I apologize for my ignorance as working on four stroke motors is new to me. I raced motocross for years & did all my own mod & rebuild work but needless to say the bikes are a lot simpler. I appreciate all your help & patience as I learn to work on & trouble shoot my shovel.