Won't start checklist

So I got the turn signals resolved but the bike won't start. 1985 maxim 750

So the starter will roll it over no problem. Haven't performed compression check yet but with plugs removed the starter spins significantly faster so there is definitely some compression.

The ignition coils and plug wires are setup going from the rider position left to right 1-4-2-3 and I have checked and there is spark. I am running NGK DR8EA plugs. That's what I got when I asked for plugs at Canadian tire however they are not always the most reliable for that sort of thing.

So now getting to the carbs, making sure I have everything connected properly. The fuel line goes to the T between carbs 2 and 3. The T's between 1-2 and 3-4 are overflows only? Vacuum line off #1 boot to fuel petcock.

I'll hit the starter motor and the engine rolls over and it will sound like it's trying to start by sputtering but it will die if I let off the starter. When I turn the key on next time I'll here a 'puff' from the exhaust which I find a bit odd. The bike has pod filters as the stock air box was not included. I am thinking it is a lack of fuel issue but I have not checked the valve clearances and I don't see any reason to suspect timing issues yet. I am wondering if I have neglected to check anything before I pull off the carbs to have them rebuilt. I am not very familiar carburetor engines.

Thanks for any help.

 

Maxim X 750 or just a Maxim 750?
edit out wrong info on plugs
is fuel flowing to carbs from tank?
battery fully charged and not droping below 9.8 volts when turning over?

 

Battery was fully charged when it got weak jumped it off of my running car. Fuel is flowing to the carb bowls proved through opening bowl drains and draining several litres of fuel out.
Tomorrow I will get new plugs.

Not entirely sure what the difference is between maxim x or maxim ownership says x7c not sure how much that helps. Mine is water cooled.

 

water cooled is a Maxim X

your resistor plugs weaken the spark more than normal
also ohm out your coils primary wires and spark plug wires could be bad spark plug caps or sparkplug wires need to be trimed back a little due to corrision.
then ohm out pick up coils

 

Maxim X uses resistor plugs so you do have the correct ones


best not to have your car running when you jumpstart bike

ignition specs link
The Ultimate Relay, Switch, Sensor, and Diodes Guide

iXJ750-X water-cooled models:

Pick-up coils:
120 ohms +/- 20% = 96 ohms to 144 ohms acceptable range


Ignition Coils:

Primary side (input from main wiring harness):
2.7 ohms +/- 10% = 2.43 ohms - 2.97 ohms acceptable range

Secondary side (spark plug wires, without their end caps):
12K ohms +/- 20% = 9,600 ohms - 14,400 ohms acceptable range


Spark plug caps:
15K +/- 20% = 12,000 to 18,000 ohms per cap acceptable range

Spark plugs:
5K ohms per plug

 

I'll bust out the tester tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for the info.

 

Be careful when trimming your wires. Make sure you have enough left to reach your plugs.

 

1-4-3-2 ?????????
If you have factory coils with the factory labels them you have the wires on the wrong cylinders making the firing order wrong.
One coil feeds cylinder 1 and 4, the other coil does 2 and 3. Rearrange the wires to 1-2-3-4 from left to right.

 

^^^^+1 Make sure the firing order is right or you will have issues.

 

So if I am sitting on the seat looking at the two coils they should go from left to right 1-2 and 3-4?

 

No, the cylinder numbers from left to right are 1-2-3-4. One coil connects to cylinders 1 and 4, the other cylinders 2 and 3

 

Sitting on your bike the cylinders are numbered from left to right 1-2-3-4. Re arrange your plug wires to match that.

 

Think there is a misunderstanding here. Currently Left coil is connected to cylinder cylinder 1 and cylinder 4 right coil is connected to cylinder 2 and cylinder 3.

 

this is correct

 

Trimmed back spark plug wires, cleaned contacts on the pick up coil and an abusive amount of carbon cleaner. Started up a bit sputtery once it heated up ran well a little hesitant and Smokey. Blew an old hard and crusty coolant hose.

Thanks for all the help guys. Now gotta track down a few more parts.