#2 cylinder no power

Discuss everything about Honda GoldWing. Feel free to ask any question related to GoldWing.

Moderators: CYBORG, Oldewing, robin1731, Forum Moderators

Post Reply
oldguy64
Lead Member
Lead Member
Posts: 5
Joined: Tue Jun 26, 2018 7:18 pm

#2 cylinder no power

#1

Post by oldguy64 »

Hello Folks, time to pick some bigger brains than mine... I acquired a 78 GL1000 in boxes. I started with a bare frame with 2 tires and wheels attached. I slowly picked through and have reassembled to the point I can ride it (sort of). This brings me to my question. I am getting output out of 3 of the 4 cylinders. When I pull the #2 plug wire, no change in the running. I will tell you that I have replaced the timing belt, had the carbs apart and set them up as per Randakk's specs for float level. I have checked and adjusted the valve clearance, point gap and timing adjustment as per static procedure. I have eliminated the coils (switched them), plugs and compression. I am at my wits end, any help would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Oldguy
User avatar
CYBORG
Moderator
Moderator
Posts: 24538
Joined: Mon Jan 14, 2008 12:52 pm
Location: Muskegon mich

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#2

Post by CYBORG »

check the color of the plug. Swap the plug for a known good one. (from a known good cyl.) Check compression on that cyl. Change the plug wire. Then report back
1978 custom GL1000
1977 custom with 1200 engine
1985 gl1200
User avatar
Track T 2411
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 8482
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#3

Post by Track T 2411 »

Yep, start with the simple things first. Have you checked that the cylinder is getting fuel? Open the bowl drain screw and see if you get a consistent amount of fuel compared to the others. You might also check the plug caps and wires.
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
chewy999
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3214
Joined: Tue Oct 16, 2012 11:21 am
Location: Haddenham, Cambs, UK

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#4

Post by chewy999 »

Track T 2411 wrote:Yep, start with the simple things first. Have you checked that the cylinder is getting fuel? Open the bowl drain screw and see if you get a consistent amount of fuel compared to the others. You might also check the plug caps and wires.
+1 on trying the simple stuff first, if the other three cylinders are firing 'ok', then you just need fuel and a spark in no. 2.
I would start with the spark first and then the fuel. You may have a blockage in the carb somewhere.

anim-cheers1 anim-cheers1 anim-cheers1
Previous Rides,
1980 CB250N Good to learn on
1981 CX500 good mid range tourer, went to Austria on it!
1983 GL1100C Pride and joy, sold when I bought my 1st house, big mistake
1985 GL650 Silverwing another mistake, horrible bike
1986 CBX550 Good commuter
1989 Suzuki GS750 (1976) cheap and cheerful until a dog ran out in front of me on Xmas Eve, 1991
Current bikes
2010 CB1300 back on a bike after 19 years, two divorces, children grown up etc
1980 GL1100 NOW ON THE ROAD, still use CB1300.
User avatar
tlbranth
Platinum Member
Platinum Member
Posts: 1636
Joined: Mon Jan 28, 2008 12:16 am
Location: carnation, wa

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#5

Post by tlbranth »

Do this: disconnect 1, 3 and 4 plug wires. Jump #1 wire to ground. Remove #2 plug and squirt a tiny amount of gas into #2 cylinder. Replace #2 plug, connect its wire and try to start. If you get absolutely nothing, you have a bad #2 plug, wire or cap. If it fires briefly, you have a problem with #2 carb. That'll narrow it down. Tell us what you find.
Terry
Don't own a Vanagon
Don't work at Boeing
Life is good

1999 GL1500 SE
2002 Honda VT750 "ACE"
1975 GL1000
1970 CB750
User avatar
Track T 2411
Honored Life Member
Honored Life Member
Posts: 8482
Joined: Thu May 29, 2008 9:37 pm
My Album: http://www.ngwclub.com/gallery/v/wingmans/Track+T+2411/
Location: Prairie du Sac Wisconsin

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#6

Post by Track T 2411 »

tlbranth wrote:Do this: disconnect 1, 3 and 4 plug wires. Jump #1 wire to ground. Remove #2 plug and squirt a tiny amount of gas into #2 cylinder. Replace #2 plug, connect its wire and try to start. If you get absolutely nothing, you have a bad #2 plug, wire or cap. If it fires briefly, you have a problem with #2 carb. That'll narrow it down. Tell us what you find.
This is an interesting test. I've never thought of doing it this way. The only addition I would suggest is also grounding the 3 and 4 wires. Stray sparks can be dangerous...
"I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." - Albert Einstein

"He that is good with a hammer tends to think everything is a nail" - Abraham Maslow

"If you can't take the time to do it right the first time, how are you ever going to find the time to do it over?" -Unknown

Current Rides:
'Grumpy' - '81 Standard, now fully dressed.
'Layla' - '81 Standard w/dealer installed fairing and Hondaline bags.
'Scarlett' '76 'Survivor' nekkid as a j-bird!

Under Construction:
The 'Jalopy' '78-'79 Mash-up
'Quikie' '81 gl1100I back on the lift, project with the step-son!

In The Shed:
'81 gl1100I barn find aka "Josie, the farmer's daughter." (almost comatose build)
'77 gl1000, roller parts bike.
'82 gl1100I, 'Old Crusty' titled roller parts bike (free!)
'82 gl1100I, My first 'Wing, and an expensive lesson!
New2U Bike? Read Me.
User avatar
pidjones
SUPER BIKER!!!!
SUPER BIKER!!!!
Posts: 3237
Joined: Wed May 22, 2013 4:06 pm
Location: East TN

Re: #2 cylinder no power

#7

Post by pidjones »

If the plug is wet, you are getting fuel. Dry, you're prbably not. The plug caps have 5k ohm resistors in them. They can go open. Also, the cap contacts "screw" into the wires - make sure they are getting contact.
"Love 'em all.... let God sort 'em out!"
Ex 2006 GL1800 - the Black Pearl SOLD! to make room for:
2021 Can-Am Spyder RT Limited Dark Chalk Metallic
1975 Red GL1000 project - ex Pistol Pete project
1972 Triumph T150V Trident rescue - finished and FOR SALE!
1976 Yamaha RD400c
1978 GL1000 with '75 engine - the Hunley
Ex 1978 GL1000
Ex 1979 GL1000
Ex '79 CB750F rat bike
Ex '86 SEi
Ex '77 GL1000
Ex '76 RD400
Ex '72 Penton 125 set up for flat track
Ex '73 RD250
Ex '68 TR6C - chopped
Post Reply
  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post

Return to “GoldWing Tech Discussions”