Welcome to Honda CX500 & GL500 Forum Sign in | Join | Faq

CX Customization and Modifications

Started by Ryan at 07-21-2010 12:58 PM. Topic has 6 replies.

Print
Sort Posts:    
   07-21-2010, 12:58 PM
Ryan is not online. Last active: 7/22/2010 1:24:38 PM Ryan



Top 500 Posts
Joined on 09-15-2007
Lethbridge, Ab, Canada
Posts 105
Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
Hi all,

Been having a hell of a time getting my bike to run right. She isn't firing on the left cylinder. Here's what I've tried to no avail (am open to ideas):

1.) Checked the plug/swapped it with the one from the right cylinder

2.) Ditto coil

So with that I ruled out spark. Next, I removed the carbs (what a PITA!), soaked them in vinegar and gave them a cleaning. Still won't run on the left cylinder and now the right carb is draining gas like a sieve out the the bottom...

Help!
1979 CX500D
1980 CB750f
   Report 
   07-21-2010, 1:55 PM
Blue fox is not online. Last active: 7/22/2010 4:29:18 PM Blue fox



Top 25 Posts
Joined on 04-18-2008
COLUMBIA, MISSOURI
Posts 1,533
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
Do you actually have a spark on the left side?  Pull the left plug and ground it to the engine, not the valve cover, and crank it.  You should see a fat spark at the plug.  If you have a spark, then it is probably carb problems.

Carb cleaning requires more than vinegar soaking and blowing out.  All jets, tubes, screws, and rubber parts MUST be removed, examined, and cleaned.  You don't have to separate the carbs if you don't feel qualified to realign them, just leave them attached to each other.  This isn't a 20 minute job, I would guess to do it right, you should plan on 4-5 hours on the cleaning.  Maybe more, depending on your skill level and how bad they are. There are many posts on how to do this, and Larry (LRCXed) has a book on the complete procedure.  It is written with the novice in mind, so most people can follow it easily.

The draining on the right carb is likely a stuck float, or a cracked overflow tube.  Both can usually be easily fixed.  Just tapping the side of the carb with a screwdriver handle usually will unstick a float. 

Blue Fox
1983 GL650I, 79-CX500C, 1980 CX500C, 82-GL500I, 82-GL1100, 76-CB550, 81-CB750C, 73-CB350F, 71-CT90,
   Report 
   Yesterday, 9:12 AM
Ryan is not online. Last active: 7/22/2010 1:24:38 PM Ryan



Top 500 Posts
Joined on 09-15-2007
Lethbridge, Ab, Canada
Posts 105
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
I have spark, with both plugs tested with the above method.

I disassembled the carbs, took out the jets and the big long tube on the one, but couldn't/didn't know how to get the needle out. Do you think I need to "go deeper"?

And now, both carbs are leaking out the drains. The tubes are intact and I was not able to tap the carbs to loose the floats. Is it possible I assembled something wrong that is causing this? Or are both just stuck as I continue to be unlucky in this?
1979 CX500D
1980 CB750f
   Report 
   Yesterday, 10:02 AM
RichNCT is not online. Last active: 7/23/2010 7:30:26 PM RichNCT



Top 10 Posts
Joined on 03-02-2006
Connecticut, USA
Posts 3,463
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
Look for rust/debris in the fuel stream, or just install an inline filter. Try testing the float valve by connecting a longer fuel line to the carbs before you reinstall them, holding them level. Might save frustration from install/remove procedure which gets old real fast. Unless the float/spring-clip/valve is being installed incorrectly, crud in the float valve seat is likely. Does the tank look rusty inside? Again, an inline filter is cheap/easy insurance. Check float level/adj while they're out, they can be inadvertantly bent while handling them. Did the bike run okay until suddenly it did not? Or is this a bike that's been sitting for a long time and is being brought to life?
Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009
Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3)
GL650I, CX650E, CX650T
   Report 
   Yesterday, 10:58 AM
Gorson is not online. Last active: 7/23/2010 1:37:50 PM Gorson

Not Ranked
Joined on 07-19-2010
Posts 10
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
I would start with some easier things.   Do a compression test.  Was there fuel in both float bowls when the carbs were on and it was running?  If you have spark and compression, then start tracing the path the fuel takes from your tank until it gets into the combustion chamber. 

   Report 
   Yesterday, 1:45 PM
Shep is online. Last active: 7/25/2010 2:40:38 AM Shep



Top 10 Posts
Joined on 01-30-2007
UK.2x1980CX500A
Posts 7,647
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
Have the floats been correctly set to exactly 15.5mm from the carb bodies as per the manual/s?
Also have the Float needle valve seats been cleaned and possibly re-dressed using toothpaste again as per the manual.

http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/viewtopic.php?f=19&t=110



My Music

http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/

Join Just In Case :)
http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/

Id quot circumiret, circumveniat

   Report 
   Yesterday, 2:37 PM
Abes_CW is not online. Last active: 7/23/2010 2:55:31 PM Abes_CW



Top 10 Posts
Joined on 04-17-2007
saskatoon
Posts 3,036
Re: Bloody frustrated
Reply Quote
I agree your overflow is most likely the FNV's are not seating correctly.


1983 GL650i
Had 4 CX/GL's at one point this year, down to one, next spring is another adventure!

age 38 (29 plus tax)

   Report 
Honda CX500 & G... » CX500 GL500 Tra... » CX Customizatio... » Re: Bloody frustrated

Powered by Community Server, by Telligent Systems