AboutRich Johnston Expertise I have honda repair experience on all vintage Hondas from 1972 through 1980. I worked in a Honda dealership while going to college and have experience in all types of honda motorcyle repair. I don't have any experience on other brands.
Experience
Education/Credentials BS degree in mechanical engineering, Honda technical school graduate of 1975
Question Rich,
I've got an 86 cmx450 rebel that will start no problem in the mid-day when it's hot in my garage, I can't get it to start cold at all. I've ran a compression test and both cylinders are within range. I also pulled the carbs and cleaned them. I can see the 2 actuators going down in to the carbs when I pull the choke lever, but the butterflies do not move. I would appreciate any info you can give me.
Thanks
Answer Those carbs don't have a traditional choke plates. It uses a fuel enrichment circuit to add fuel after the throttle plates. The choke cable lifts a plunger in each carb that opens a fuel passage dumping more fuel into the intake. There's a fuel circuit in the float bowls for the choke circuit separate from the idle and main jet, that is probably still plugged. You may have to soak the carbs in a good cleaner to make sure the passages are clean. I ususlly run a very small wire into those jets to make sure they are clear. Just be sure you remove every o-ring and rubber part or it will swell up 3-4 times it's normal size.
