Haha, apologies, my lack of knowledge is making this very confusing I'm sure. I'll find my digital camera and see what i can get in the next day or two, as well as try the spark plugs again.

I'm also gonna start looking for a mechanic. I get the feeling that there's some fundamental electrical issue here, assuming that the spark plug wires aren't bad.

 

I checked all the spark plugs today and they're all firing. Spraying more starter fluid in the carb didn't change anything. The fuses looked okay to me; none looked blown at least. I read through the manual for problems getting the engine to start, and I'm running out of ideas

Here are two videos with sound trying to start it today:

http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=DSCN1211.flv

http://s859.photobucket.com/albums/a...t=DSCN1211.flv

One thing I couldn't figure out, is what is the little metal **** under the filters on the carb? (Not the choke of course) See pic below:

 

ok, you are running pods and not the standard airbox. Now is a good time to list the pilot jets and the main jet sizes used by the previous owner, or better yet, time for some carb disassembly lessons from your manual. Log all of the info, and record it. How many turns, sizes, float height. (and cleaning experience)

Whats up with the oil leak in the picture?

 

How do I find all that information out?

As far as the oil, I"m not sure and hadn't even noticed until you pointed it out. I haven't seen any leaking onto the floor, but yeah I'll have to see if that is fresh and currently leaking...

 

Ok, so your starter is turning the engine but the engine wont start. I'm gonna go all the way back to square one with this and make sure your starting it properly. Use the Fine-C checklist from the MSF, it should take care of the basics.
You can find it here:
http://www.msf-usa.org/index_new.cfm...cycle%20Basics

If it still doesnt work, there are only 3 reasons: Fuel, Air, or Spark

Air:
Make sure the filters are clean (they come off easily, its ok to run it a little bit without them)

Spark:
Use a spark plug tester to check each wire for proper spark strength, Cheap at autozone if you need one

Fuel:
If its been sitting or if water or other contaminates is suspected, drain the system and refill the tank with fresh high octane fuel, make sure the selector is on and properly connected, fuel filter is clean, fuel pump is operational, floats are properly set and funtional, jets are installed, proper for the application and clean, carbs are clean and boots and seals are good.

Let us know if you find anything new.

 

Hi Prom.

Been through the FINE-C process. Actually the first half dozen times I tried to start it I forgot the fuel lever and the clutch. But now, I am doing all of those. Thanks however, it's easy to forget these things!

I won't be able to look at it again until tomorrow, but here's what I do know:

Air:

-I tried to start without filters on the carb last night for exactly this reason. No luck.
-I do know that the bike started hard when I bought it because the carb would need cleaned eventually. I want to try some Gumout to see if it helps but I'm unclear where I'm supposed to spray it.
-Also, I tried to use a compression tester, but it turned out to be too big for the spark plug holes. I did feel bursts of air from the spark plug hole that I was trying.


Spark:

-I get spark. Although when trying to start it, it seems as though spark is not occurring, when I pull the plugs and try them they spark.
-I will get a spark plug tester per your suggestion.


Fuel:

-Carb will need cleaned which I knew going in, but it was supposed to be an "eventually" thing I wonder if it needs replaced.
-I tried starter fuel into the carb, with and without filters, and that still did not run. Which makes me think that fuel isn't the main issue?
-The fuel was filled up before I got there. Maybe I should drain it.
-Selector is on, and I was able to prove that Prime at least works. One thing I did notice last night is that there is a very small drip leak from around the selector, not at the hose connection. This may be due to me putting it down improperly and causing a bend, I'm not sure, but I don't think that was happening before.
-I've noticed that the hosing seems to have modified over the years. For one thing (and this may be correct but it surprised a buddy) the hose from the fuel selector seems to hook underneath the carb; it's also black not clear. Maybe this is correct, I don't know.
-Anything else, I have to find out how to check, can't answer right now.


I'm actually trying to get a mechanic, and hoping we get this figured out beforehand because it's expensive just to get the bike to them let alone the service! But I'm thinking that it may be easier for someone to figure it out in person, and this is my last free weekend for awhile pre-lessons.

 

I don't think that fuel is getting to the spark plugs, both from smell and not feeling wet. I've tried both Prime and On settings.

I'm suspecting problems at the carb since starter fluid didn't help either, and the previous owner did think it would need cleaned soon.

Thank you all for the help. I've learned more in the past week about engine systems than I have in my life. Unfortunately, this is my last free weekend before my lessons, and between time restrictions and general concern of screwing up the carb even after reading the manual, I'm just going to get this into a mechanic for a diagnosis at the minimum. My goal was to have 2 months of evenings to get used to being on a bike, and that isn't gonna happen haha. And I thought I was getting a motorcycle that just needed a seat and new brake shoes. Hoping the service is not too ridiculously expensive...

 

Are the float bowls filling up? if you have fuel in the floats then there isnt much left that can keep it out of the cylinder. you do have a vacuum operated fuel selector, so make sure fuel is actually flowing through when its trying to start.

 

pop a drain plug on one of the carbs as if you would drain it. Is fuel coming out?

 

Assuming the mechanic does not come by tonight to pick it up (yes I have to pay to get it towed out :-P)

Prom, how can I find this out? Reading the manual it seems like I would have to take the carbs apart just to see the float.

Dragone, I'll try to find the drain plugs. I see in the manual where they are on one model, although I'm unclear what type of carburettor I have; slide vs constant depression. Can these be removed without taking off the bike?