Fun n games with a 81 XV750

[muskrat]

G'day Fellas.
I've had a friends 1981 XV750 on the bench for 2 months now. It' was laid up 15 years ago and he wants it going.
 The motor is driving me nuts. First it was a carb flooding and after rebuilding the carbs 6 times (I kid you not) I think I've got em beat. So now it's popping and flames out the front pipe! It can't be the carb (reason for 4 of the rebuilds) so now looking at ignition. Timing is great, coils within spec as are the pickups. That just leaves the TCI (not CDI) unit but there's no way of testing it. No NOS units about and I don't want to spend 2-3 hundred $$$ on a second hand one that might be faulty too. Already spent $1.5K in parts.
Real strange animal, the motor spins backwards and the rear pot is #1.
Wonder if I can convert it to point & coil or even a 75 degree magneto 
 
Cheers

[Catz]

Hi Musky, what's the conversion rate for US$ TO AUS$?
https://www.cmsnl.com/yamaha-xv750-virago-1981-b-usa_model8837/ignitor-unit-assy_4x78230521/
Scroll down the link, an XV 920 might work too. Mmm just looked, it's a lot.
Found this on the Australian ebay though it's a UK seller https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/376552507428?_skw=XV750+IGNITER+UNIT&itmmeta=01K6ZE1ZW7F3PKZ5ZW7EZEV2SV&hash=item57ac474824:g:5vMAAOSww95nvGEb&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA0FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1cjHKNFOgJlcNV3CHbMazhT%2Fpn2NRu7XBo6dOjvHsSGbvsx7BW6MomXUaqx8%2BlvJKKlGjA41rwLM8c3dwXK%2Fld7T2fEYjzKTxZaO5xNFOPYfz6o2aaBwUXmF0lR7z8iZzUjGlXV0w60RtP28HzRCC6MlfK9gh572ZZXobpJ%2FcuAdv%2FzsaoW1TDIHC0L2BMFwaWe2P21TFknDnk%2FUC1MVXhmcbflOW6EoqvhQ15O1qdjJ481MA%2FB2%2BtrV2xB%2FDlqjTg%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6D-h-63Zg

[RDfella]

I love those 'less old' systems. Can't beat a mag or coil / points - at least they can be rebuilt or replaced. Often not so with later systems. I often wonder what'll happen when some of the present day stuff malfunctions in 10 or 20 yrs time. What do you do when these modern car display dashboards malfunction?
Recently had a generator with no spark. Tried new plug(s) and coil. No go, so changed the 'ignition unit'. Still no go. Bought a new flywheel coil and flywheel, changing to the earlier system that did without the 'ignition unit'. No spark. Generator was in perfect order except no spark, but in despair threw it away and bought a new one. When every part of the ignition has been renewed but it still doesn't work, I don't see any other option. Just love these newer systems ....

[muskrat]

G'day Catz.
That's the critter. USD to AUD is +50% so that makes it $1300 (about 2,1/2 weeks wages). Not sure of the other one as my unit only does 81-82-83. I'll keep looking. Thanks M8.

G'day RD.
Bit of a head phu(k this bike, then there's the "modifications" done by PO's. Been here too long and losing interest. I just want to work on my bikes. Got the rHonda ready for the trip to Phillip Island MotoGP next week. I hope to feel refreshed when I get back to tackle the XV again.
Cheers

[chaterlea25]

Hi All
A friend brought me a Tecumseh ride on engine earlier this year that wouldn't run,
It had one of the combined coil and trigger things with no spark. Tried another coil from a running engine and it ran for about 30 seconds then stopped. Tried both coils on the donor engine and no spark
Ordered a new coil from USA and no spark from that either  aa new flywheel could not be found.
Eventually I made a new extended flywheel nut
With a flat on the round extension . A bracket across the top of the flywheel  We fitted a set of points and condenser and stuck a coil on the side of the block.
The charging coils still worked to charge the battery so all is well.
What a PITA
John

[sean]

i made one of those into a cafe racer about 10 yrs ago ,  their wiring is a nightmare so many ground connections ended up making my own wiring as half wasnt needed on a cafe racer

[muskrat]

G'day Fellas.
Finally got it sorted (sort of). I borrowed a TCI and it didn't fix it so off with the carbs again. As I was cleaning everything I pulled the needles out of the slides and gave them a good polish. WTF one hat 20 stamped on it and the other 21. Yes the owner swapped the needles over. Put them back where they should be and the bike is purring. Took it for a test ride and pulls like a 14 year old but up top wouldn't pull the skin off a rice pudding! Ordered larger main jets to try next week.
Cheers