Expert: Bill Silver - 10/29/2009

Question
this thing cranks a lot before starting. it'll pop through the exhaust then hit and nearly stop the starter.then it'll start. if i stop cranking it pull the plugs theyre soaked. i set the choke valves by the manual.2ljun

Answer
Mark, you could have issues in several areas. I would check all the spark plug leads to the coils and ensure that they all have the same resistance values measured from spark plug boot to the coil tower end.

If the plugs are old, replace them and be sure you have the correct ones installed.

Check the choke cable and enricheners to see that they are all being activated when you pull the choke on. Start the engine using full choke and no throttle.

Check connections on the spark units, which mount on the rear fender under the seat.

Make sure that the KILL switch isn't getting corrosion inside the contacts.

Might get the valve clearances checked sometime and check compression.

Bill Silver