Motorcycle Repair: 1970 honda ct90 carburrator, honda ct90, clutch adjustment

Question
Bill,
I am new at fixing motorbikes/engines. I have recently purchased a
1970 Honda ct90, seemingly in good shape. I've got it running, but
I have to push it a littler bit, jump on, and pop it into 1st and it will
go, the kick start is tempermental at best. What should I do to fix
it? The other problem I have with it is the carburrator. I cleaned it
which helped alot, but now it leaks gas, obviosly the gassketts are
bad, I am having trouble finding new ones, is there an alternative?

Answer
Fowler, your problem with the kickstarter can be either the kickstarter gears not meshing or the clutch adjustment on the left cover is incorrect. For the clutch adjustment, you loosen the locknut, turn the screw inwards until it gets firm, then back it out about 1/8 turn and tighten the locknut.

If there is damage to the kickstarter gears or the inner case stop, then the engine will have to be disassembled for repairs. Usually, if the clutch is slipping the kickstarter will slip, as the power goes through the clutch to the crankshaft.

The carburetor kits are generally available from:
http://www.siriusconinc.com/default.asp

If the bike is actually a 1970 model, as shown on the frame sticker, then the float level is 21.5mm or 23.5mm, according to the Honda spec book. The serial numbers on the engine and model code on the carburetor are important to know in this case. If the float level is too high, the float valve is worn/dirty or the gasket is bad, then you will have fuel leaks.

Make sure that both of the valves are adjusted to .002" when they are both closed at the T mark alignment on the crankshaft. Tight valves will give low compression, making it hard to start and giving poor performance.

Bill Silver