Motorcycle Repair: Honda CL200, air fuel ratio, right cylinder

Question
Hey Rich,

I changed the plugs, and checked for spark, and theyre both working fine. The Float levels are both set evenly and gas is flowing into both carbs evenly from the gas tank. But, the right cylinder still does not work. Something i noticed, after i turn the bike off, i can hear air coming from the carb, and when i move the floats up and down, the speed of the air release changes. Could this be the problem, and how can i fix it?

Thanks Rich

Mike

Answer
Michael, the air in the carb has me a little puzzled.  THere are three things needed to get an engine to run, spark at the tight time, compression and fuel at the right air fuel ratio.  You may have spark but is the timing correct on that cylinder?  THe compression has to be above 140 psi and the air fuel ratio needs to be between about 10 and 17 to one.  You could be getting too much fuel in the cylinders.  Are the plugs wet after trying to start the bike?  If they are you're getting too much fuel in the cylinder.  Does the bike try to fire if the choke is on?  If it does you're not getting enough fuel in.  

The air you hear may be compression leaking out of the cylinder through the intake valve after you've stopped cranking. That would be normal.

Regards
Rich