I'm frustrated!!!

Im not sure what setup you have, I have points and a fairly large battery. If my battery is not fully charged I get the same problem spits and coughs but doesn't start. I just disconnect the battery (or else all your power is going to charge the battery and not enough to the plugs) tip it over all the way to the one side and then the other (prime :lol: ) and kick hard and fast. might need a couple kicks or more depending on the outside temperature.


My 2 cents

cash said:

I would reckon you have sooted the plugs the day before, they would not have got hot enough to self clean, then over fueled the next day killing the spark. The next time this happens try switching off the ignition, with the choke off and do not tickle, hold the throttle wide open and kick it over a few times. Do not tickle or choke just switch her on and try again.

Cash

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If I had known to do this two months ago it would have saved me $100 for a truck and a big ruined spot on my tank from gas sloshing out of the tank while trucking the bike 25 miles (it started as soon as I got it home and was off the truck). It seems obvious to switch off the ignition and fuel and clear the cylinders unless, of course, you're on the road, its hot, and a thunderstorm is coming. If bike has reliably started and than is difficult first thing would be to clear the cylinders of fuel and start again. Key tip if you value your foor or ankle is to make sure the ignition is off when you do this. It will kick back really bad if you don't.

I've been busy tearing apart an old van to part out, but will try to get it in the garage on Sunday and see what I can find. I really appreciate all of the help everyone is offering up, thanks!!

And while you're at it, bin the capacitor (you do need to connect the power wires that run into and out of it, but that's a simple connection).

If you mean by "bin the capacitor" to get rid of it, that's easy to do by just disconnecting it and insulating the connectors. At least on my 69 it's connected right across the plus and minus on the rectifier and acts as a small battery if there is not one. You don't want to short the capacitor connections or you will never have any voltage out of the rectifier. I stand to be corrected as usual and your mileage may vary.

Dave
69S