Tough starting (backfires)

[riverman]

Being new here I hope this is in the right place. As mentioned in my introduction I picked up a 98 500 for the motor for my conversion project.
Decided to ride it today 2 kicks it started . Took a little ride and did not like how the previous owner had things set up. So went back home adjusted a few things tryed to start the bike it would only backfire, changed the plug it started rode about 15 minutes stopped to talk and the bike would not start again only backfiring. Pushed it home cleaned the carb but really found nothing. Put it back to gather fresh gas and it still would not start but backfires. Any Idea's, the previous owner said it has a new top end but who know's. Also the fork will not compress?????

Thanks

[100hp honda]

that would suck if the pistons backwards

[danjerman]

reeds?

[KE 336]

You using the proper starting routine for the 500? Mine runs great but absolutly will not start for shit unless I follow the drill. Nothing will make you hate a bike more than kicking til you're about to pass out and still not start.

[riverman]

I tryed several different methods. Couple slow kicks than one good one on the compression stroke. Layed the bike over for several seconds until gas came out the over flows. The first is how it started cold 2 kicks and it was running. Any other ideas????
thanks

[dannygraves]

turn in the air screw and try again. I'm betting its a lean pilot circuit, either from jetting settings or a leak (possibly bad reeds). Lean conditions get worse when it is hot, but then again, ignition issues also show up when it it hot.
check compression, check reeds, bust out the ohm meter on the ignition.

check for a leak at the exhaust flange, when it gets hot and everything expands the leak will get worse and bring in enough air to cause problems.

[dannygraves]

try spraying some WD40 in the intake, then give it a few kicks, if it fires, the problem is carb/reeds, if not, ignition, or compression

[riverman]

Thanks
Danny I will check things out later this week and report back.

[NightBiker07]

check the flywheel shear key.

[redrocket190]

check the flywheel shear key.

Go get a flywheel puller and yank the rotor off. If two pieces of woodruff key fall out, you'll know where your problem lies. Back-firing is indicative of the rotor moving and sending the timing off. Of course you can see you're getting a spark, but it'll be at the wrong time. I wouldn't bet it's the cause here, but it's real quick to check and move on to something else.

[AlisoBob]

Even if you just remove the nut & washer, you can look in there to see if the key is aligned with the groove in the flywheel.

[NightBiker07]

Even if you just remove the nut & washer, you can look in there to see if the key is aligned with the groove in the flywheel.

Yep. Ive had one spin on me a little bit. ran fine, but it would break your leg trying to start it.

[riverman]

Started it last night in the shop 3 kicks .