Running issues =( and more

[makz2008]

ok have done all of the above and everything seems to be ok
but the problem remains the bike now runs but it feels suffocated and sounds disgusting
it sounds as though the engine is running without engine oil and there is a huge lack of power
i have checked oil levels and although it was low it was only slightly low and i topped up oil straight away
its getting soo annoying i feel like giving up on the bike
i literally cannot think of anything else i can do to sort it

[Neosophist]

There not and overly complex bike to sort out, lets start from the beginning as it's getting confusing.

Has it ever run properly?

All you need is the right amount of fuel, air, compression and a spark at the right time.

Since it's running in some kind of fashion i'm going to presume the ignition circuit is running properly and the issue is down to some kind of fuel / air / compression issue.

The following are a bit more detailed to diagnose but not complicated.

Start with the fuel system:

I believe you've checked the carbs? Cammo's guide is great for a strip and rebuild of the carbs. Make sure they are sealing properly on the engine too as the rubbers can go hard and brittle.. WD-40 sprayed around the rubbers will reveal an air leak (will change the rpm) Don't worry about balancing the carbs until it's running properly, all it will do by balancing them is give a smoother idle.

Air next

More likely to cause it to run mega-rich than your symptoms but check the airbox and airfilter are correctly assembled.

Spark

How old are the plugs / what condition are they in? The plugs die easy and can often be the cause of many mystery problems.. if in any doubt get another set to try or just replace them.

After the simple things, onto the next checks, which I believe may be where your problem lies (and unfortuantly could reveal a broken engine)

Air / Fuel Intake

The valves have to open a certain amount to let the fuel / air mix in. Check and set all of the valve clearances, too loose and they won't be opening.. too tight and they'll risk staying open / over-heating. While you're checking the valve clearances examing the camshaft marks to ensure they are aligned properly and therefor timed correctly.

Compression

The fuel / air mix need to be compressed to generate the power.. you need a good sealing set of piston rings and the valves to be closed and sealing properly... you'll need a compression tester and 8mm adapter for the plugs (difficult to get locally.. can be brought from Honda no problem., some members have made their own with a lathe)

Damage to the bores, piston rings and / or valves will cause lack of compression which will make the bike difficult to start and have no power.

Double check all of the easy symptoms first but since you mention it sounds like it has no oil I am beginning to suspect some kind of mechanical damage...

I hope it's not bad but if it turns out to be bores / valves etc this usually writes the engine off as the cost of repair is often a lot higher than a 2nd hand engine.

[makz2008]

There not and overly complex bike to sort out, lets start from the beginning as it's getting confusing.

Has it ever run properly?

All you need is the right amount of fuel, air, compression and a spark at the right time.

Since it's running in some kind of fashion i'm going to presume the ignition circuit is running properly and the issue is down to some kind of fuel / air / compression issue..

The bike was running perfectly well and has done since i have owned it which will be coming up to about a year,
Just last month it had a new set of ER10 spark plugs, fresh castrol oil and an oil filter.

i think i will give it another go, starting with the carbs, get them off and strip them down clean and replace, tbh the air box seems fine, i might just get a new set of plugs aswell before addressing any of the more complicated things you mentioned

[CMSMJ1]

ER10 plugs are shit... relatively..I had no end of trouble with mine fitted with Er10 and I sacked them. Fitted 9s and it was bob on...

So, well worth a try

[Drunkn Munky]

ER10's = No good for the road, there listed as a race plug for a reason

[makz2008]

had no idea =/
I will be replacing them with 9s this friday hopefully, theres alot for me to still learn about the bike i guess

[makz2008]

thanks for all the help lads much appreciated ive finally got the bike running properly again, it is great to have full power again :)

[aragami]

what dd the issue end up being? i know i had a very similar problem and all that needed adjusting were my jets

[Tornado]

thanks for all the help lads much appreciated ive finally got the bike running properly again, it is great to have full power again :)

You're not allowed to say "I've finally got the bike running properly" without the details!!! Spit it out...What was the problem?

[makz2008]

loool sorry about that well it could have been a number of things but i think the main problem was that one of the front ht leads didnt secure in properly, it kept popping out with every hard bump, but managed to look as though it was connected properly. I replaced all ht leads on the bike as well attacking the carbs with carb cleaner, and trying to clean the air filter by hoovering it loool, adjusted idle and sorted a sticky choke. i think many of the other bits may have just increased the problem but the main problem i believe was the ht lead...

Whilst that is all well and sorted it didnt last long until the bike has once again had to be towed home and is offroad until some new parts arrive... =( this time the clutch cable snapped.

I replaced the clutch cable with a new one just last year, but have opted for a genuine honda part this time around, i think it is wise for me to mention that when i bought the bike it was in extremely bad condition, and still is to a great extent so you guys can expect alot of requests for help and advice from me as i expect to uncover more and more things which need to be put right...

thanks in advance for your patience and help
maks