Motorcycle Repair: Honda C110 problem, honda c110, honda 50cc

Question
Bill,
   I own a 1966 Honda 50cc C110, and for a while now, there seems to be a problem with the carb (and perhaps something else too) that adjusting doesn't help.  It is pretty hard to start, it seems to have hardly any power at all, it doesn't want to idle well, it will konk out at low speeds very easily if you are not careful, and at high speeds it stumbles and seems to run low on gas.  Adjusting the carb screws isn't helping, it seems to not do much at all actually, except make it idle too high or not high enough.  Do you think getting a carb kit would fix the problem, and is there anything else that you think might help with the power issue?  The head was just bored out a while ago, and I got a new piston and rings and stuff, so the compression is fine.  Thanks for your time!

Answer
Benjamin... what seems to be left out of the equation is the ignition timing, according to your description. Flywheel magneto needs to have its point gap adjusted, so the points just open at the F mark alignment on the flywheel/engine case. Look through the slotted holes on the flywheel to access the points. If replacement is needed, you will need to buy a flywheel puller tool from a M/C shop.

Carburetion is last thing to adjust, after setting valves (.004") and ignition timing. Incorrect timing affects the engine manifold vacuum signals which pull fuel through carb metering systems.

Bill Silver