newly purchased '79 having trouble starting

[montmil]

 [smiley=thumbup.gif][size=16]+[/size] Exactly what wirespokes said.

Considering the number of first-time Airhead, or any other motorcycle buyers we see just on this forum alone, I would be doubtful if any would be aware of the voltage "hot points" on the diode board- nor if the spades have insulation boots or not- prior to removing the front cover for the first time.

Jeez! What was that spark? And what's that funny smell? Why won't it start anymore? [smiley=furious3.gif]

Monte

[Milo_357]

Your R65 idles but immediately dies when throttle is applied?

I'd clean the carburetor jets and cavities thoroughly especially the small enricher intake at the carb bowls as they tend to clog up very often.

+1 also on the Valve clearances, proper settings here will make a world of difference.

Congrats on the R65; sometimes it would seem to be a good idea to drop kick it out of frustration but I assure you that your hard work will eventually pay off

I agree with Julio, sounds like fraud has gotten into your carbs jets.  Might be good to put a whole new carb kit in if it's been sitting for a year. For you to have ridden 200 miles right off the bat leads me to believe something got loose is an is clocking your system.

Do you have a fuel filter in the fuel line?  Maybe crud from the tank has broken loose.

Good luck!

Dell

[mendozeal]

so it looks like I have another 10 business  days to be in touring condition.
I totally agree that I need to hookup with another compassionate airhead owner for some hands on experience. I am willing to pay for service, but I want to learn, and I am a visual person, shown how to check valve clearance and I got it, teach a man to fish ya know.

any advice on where to find a group in northern california? I am about 200 odd miles north of san fran on the coast. mendocino county.

about to reassemble and see how she fires.

[mendozeal]

and yeah I had totally removed the front cove prior to reading any of this.
luckily or maybe instinctively disconnected and removed the battery, first thing. no problems (i couldnt imagine leaving the battery on, when not needed. for any maintenance being a good idea) before I even took off the gas tank  
bullet dodged, phew.

[mendozeal]

down for a carb kit, can you recommend one, and where to buy? ebay?

[mendozeal]

sorry for the multiple posts my attention span is short.
but yes I just replaced the cruddy a** fuel filter, cleaned the petcock drained the tank (flipped over to drain opposite side), jetted the carbs, and figured I would use sea foam to clean the tank, unless someone can reccomend other wise

(newbie warning) can you define clocking?
 I know a lot of my questions are embarrassing,  thanks for bearing with me.

[Barry]

(newbie warning) can you define clocking?

"clocking" in the UK is slang for illegal tampering with the indicated mileage on the speedo

Did I miss the context of this somewhere ?

Edit: OK I got it I think Dell meant "choking"

[Matt Chapter]

"clocking" in the UK is slang for illegal tampering with the indicated mileage on the speedo

In the US, it's akin to punching, or in this case, damaging via force.

See also: Clean his clock; [expr]

Usage:

Guy No. 1: I'm taking your R65 for a ride!
Guy No. 2: No you're not! <clock>

[nhmaf]

Sparrow - it will cost more, but many of us would recommend going to the source (BING - no not that Micro$oft monstrosity, but Bing USA, the official distributor for all things to do with our carburetors.  There are knock off/pattern copy parts kits available, but like many imitations, sometimes they don't work right, and then debugging/diagnosing things gets even more complicated.   Buy it from Bing USA (they'll also sell you a catalog/manual with all the parts and info about your carbs for $11) and you'll have no worries or second guess.  They also sell a DVD of a complete "how-to" for overhauling your carbs.

http://www.bingcarburetor.com/

[Red_Hen]

Sounds like a fun project!  
Mine sat for a few years or more and I had to do everything you're describing - I took everything down - sandblasted & painted the frame, new pushrod seals, valve job, rings, brakes, tires, shocks, clutch, transmission, POR coated tank - WHEW - getting tired thinking about all the work I put into my R65 - but well worth it!

Really enjoying mine now that she runs - I couldn't start her the other day - guess what the RX was?  (no gas )

Mendocino is a beautiful place on earth - I rode my K75 out there last summer to visit my good friend Steve Lancaster.

Good luck!  Better make sure everything is solid before riding all the way out to Chicago!  That's a long ride, bro!

[mendozeal]

I replaced the plugs, fuel filter, ran seafoam, cleaned the life out of the carbs, cleaned electrical connections, scrubbed the petcock and screen, replaced the fuel line, inspected valves and rockers, and confirmed spark.

fired right up, thanks for all the help.

The fuel tank looks like the red/orange inside line is peeling, the petcock was filthy. solutions?

I will buy a carb kit from bing, calling tomorrow.
I still have to test charging system, change cables and starter wires, change all fluids, changing fuses, bleed brakes, dial in valve clearance and rocker end play,  and replace air filter (k&n?) I may replace the starter and alternator, though they seem strong now...
still to, pull a small dent out of the tank, get seat cover, rust stop and bondo bottom of seat, paint the ferings, batt box, touch up frame, headers, valve covers, and bmw logo on starter cover black do a sissy bar, and custom bag mounts. I want to get a bright a** headlight, maybe fog lights? I also want a windshield for long trips, is that unreasonable? also should I replace gaskets before the 2000 mile trip? any other preps I should be making?

I am going to take it to the local shop for the push rod seals, and have him "help me" "dial in" the carbs and timing.

[Barry]

Quote:
"clocking" in the UK is slang for illegal tampering with the indicated mileage on the speedo



In the US, it's akin to punching,  

Yep clock can mean face so it can be a smack in the face here in the UK too.

[Red_Hen]

I've heard NOT to put a K&N filter on these bikes - no gain.  Go with stock.

If starter & alternator are working, I'd check brushes & clean up but otherwise, leave it in place.

Sounds like you're making great progress!

[Barry]

The top part of the diode board is the common, or grounded, side. Touching there isn't a problem.

But the lower side is the hot - and directly connected to the battery. That large spade terminal on the right is the one.

So contacting anywhere on the bottom half would do it.

Just to satisfy my curiosity I checked it again and you are quite correct although the large spade connector has an insulating boot when connected the whole lower metal busbar is live.  The two metal tabs arrowed that protrude either end of the board will be the bits likely to be touched when removing the cover. I think they could have designed it a bit better.

I'm happy now I know what the fuss is about.

[montmil]

Sparrow, there's an R65 riders handbook- in pdf format- in the FAQs section. It's for the 1981-84 model year R65s but much of the info with relate directly to your '79 model.

Worth printing a copy for shop reference and maintenance chores.

Monte