Backfire (sometimes)

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SRQ Mike
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Backfire (sometimes)

#1

Post by SRQ Mike »

I have a 77 GL1000 with about 30k miles on the clock. The carbs were cleaned and rebuilt last year plus electronic ignition was installed. Usually it starts well when cold but about every third or fourth start I’m getting a backfire. The plugs appear almost new. Have not checked the timing. Any suggestions other than timing?

Thanks in advance!
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
SRQ Mike
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#2

Post by SRQ Mike »

More information: The plugs are actually quite dark, especially 1 & 4. So, should I assume that the carbs are adjusted too rich?
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
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jdvorchak
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#3

Post by jdvorchak »

I think at the very least hook up your sync gauges and verify/correct sync. Then perform idle drop and sync again if needed. Swap the plugs fore and aft and ride it some more to see if the 1&4 are still loading up on you.
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SRQ Mike
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#4

Post by SRQ Mike »

Thanks. I appreciate the response.
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
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salukispeed
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#5

Post by salukispeed »

Just thinking and Just to be sure I assume the back fire is on initial attempt to crank and the back fire is from the muffler. Is it stock exhaust and is the idle speed unusally high? which can load the exhaust with fuel and air at shutdown which pops with the next start. I wonder if an extra rich idle mixture can do the same.
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SRQ Mike
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#6

Post by SRQ Mike »

It’s on the initial start up and immediately after the engine is started. Always out the stock exhaust. I am using the choke on start up. Could that alone be causing a overly rich fuel mix?
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
SRQ Mike
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#7

Post by SRQ Mike »

Well, as some of you may have suspected , the backfire apparently was caused by overuse of the choke when starting the engine. Today I started it just using a half twist of the throttle and no backfire. Seems like I always imagine the worst possible problem rather than just focusing on the simple stuff.
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#8

Post by Rat »

Well .... you do live in Florida .... the choke is probably not required ??

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SRQ Mike
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Re: Backfire (sometimes)

#9

Post by SRQ Mike »

Yes, I live in Florida but there are times when the bike has been difficult to start and the choke seemed to help. As the engine gets more frequent use, it appears that it’s now unnecessary.
1980 GL1100 (Sold)
1977 GL1000 (Sold)
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