Motorcycle Repair: vaccum switch, jumper wire, modual

Question
QUESTION: im still trying to diagnose my 1984 xlx 1000cc iron head sportster,ive replaced the sensor,plugs/wires,coil,key ignition,had the carb rebuilt,new batterie.the module is reading good,lights come on etc..my bike refuses to start and stay running.when it does start i can ride it just to have it die on me.do you have any idea as to what is keeping me parked..im wondering if it could be the carb vacumm switch?and if it could be how do i adjust this?thanks.......frustrated again..curt

ANSWER: You bike should still run with the vaccumn switch disconnected. It is just a on/off switch when the vaccumn rises. It tells the ignition module the change the timing. there is no adjustment on it.
Remove the plugs and holding one to the head turn the bike over. Are you getting a strong spark? Are the plugs black in color? When you say the module is reading good, how did you test it? Do you have a good fuel flow out of the gas tank through the fuel line? Is your vent open on the gas cap? When you twist the throttle grip do you get a shop of fuel in the carb? Have you checked the timing and compression. Have you checked your lifters to make sure they are adjusted correctly?
Mike

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QUESTION: have not checked the compression but seems good.vent in the gas cap is ok,gas is flowing thru the carb when i twist the throttle,fuel lines are clear good flow,i will check the lifters..spark plugs are black in color.we tested the module with a ohm meter showing that it is working.is there any thing that i could buy to by pass the module completly?curt

ANSWER: Your plugs are fouling, since they are black. So it would either be the carb or the ignition system. You never said if you have a good spark or not, but after reading your answer you didnt test your modual correctly. You need to test it for voltage. the only problem is you have to have a special jumper wire to do the test. After all the things you have replaced it sounds like the ignition modual. You can either replace it or get a new ignition that fits in the cam cover and get rid of the oly system that you have
Good luck and happy riding
Mike

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QUESTION: hello mike,,the plugs are fouling for some reason. id like to corectly test ther module i do have jumper wires with the aligator clips,could you tell me how to do the module test.the spark on the plugs go back and forth week spark to strong spark? thank you..curt

Answer
In order to do the test you need a part which splices into the cable going to the pickup. You cant use aligator clips. They wont fit. You need an ignition test adapter, part #HD-94465-81. Once you have that you can tests.
You need to get a service manual to follow to do the tests. There are about 6 tests that needs to be done.
If your plugs are fouling then the causes of that would be either weak ignition system or carb running to rich.
Good luck and happy riding
Mike