Won't kick :(((( please help

A

apasqualone

New Member
So...I finished cleaning the top end and putting new gaskets in and the whole deal (never pulled out pistons or calendars, just cleans the tops of the pistons). I put everything back together last night and went to start it and the kick won't kick! It won't even budge!! If I hold the clutch it obviously kicks through but when I let go it with move. Electric start sounds like the alternator is trying to turn over but won't. Is this a seized engine problem or what?

Could this have to do with me messing up the valve timing? Manual for that sucks by the way). In top gear it will roll 6 inches in either direction.

Also, anyone have a simple, easy to understand diagram for wiring? I hav a short somewhere and it's a mess and I suck at reading wiring diagrams.

I really need help here. I want to really do this on my own and not cave and bring her to a shop. Where do I start? Lube in the spark plugs?
 
First things first...

What bike is it? Secondly, I'm not sure what you're saying. You rebuilt the top end and didn't touch the bottom?
 
Your cam timing is off. Valves are smacking against the pistons, so don't force it.

What bike and manual are you using? Clymer manuals are pretty good, you just need to read it through.
 
Also, when you pull in the clutch, you are also disengaging the kick starter from the transmission, which is why it "feels" like it kicks over. The electric start is independent from the clutch and turns the crank directly.

I think that's what happening at least, which is why I want to say it's a timing issue, and not a clutch or starter problem.
 
I used a clymer manual. So hard to see the pics. Anyone have a link to a video or something? I can't tell what they are saying is the marks? It's tough to see. I had a feeling I'd have a problem with timing....now I have to pull it all out and break the damn chain again.

Also, when I line the alternator up at LT it slightly sags down after I line or up....weird
 
what bike again?
And what made you think you needed to "clean" the inside of the top end?
Did it run before you played with it?
Clymer manual is junk, get the factory manual

The terms and words you are using to describe your issue are not clean, nor making a lot of sense.
The internet is not really all that great at this, you are much better off reaching out to the local vintage motorcycle group, making friends in the area, or just paying to have it done right.
 
socalmike_cb72 said:
Your cam timing is off. Valves are smacking against the pistons, so don't force it.

What bike and manual are you using? Clymer manuals are pretty good, you just need to read it through.
Click to expand...

If you've tried to kick it over and your valve timing was off by any significant amount (e.g. enough so that the engine won't turn over) then there's almost definitely damage done. Take it back apart and see what needs to be replaced. One of more valves and valve guides will be the most likely places to see damage. Rocker arms may be hurt as well.
 
It's a 74 Honda cb500t. The gaskets were corroded and leaking in spots. I got a spare engine and parts with the bike so I decided to go ahead and clean the heads and then sell what I didn't need since the last owner did most of the rest of the needed work to the bike and carbs already.

Anyone know of any groups in ATLANTA?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light

    • Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom