[bpiersall67]

Hi all, new member and TW owner. Just got what I think was a good deal on a 05 and 89 package deal. The 05 is tip top, no complaints but having problems with the 89. It starts right up with the starter or kicker and runs fine for 3 or 4 minutes. Then it dies and will not start again for 2 or 3 hours. I have taken the carb mostly apart and cleaned it, put in new gas with seafoam, new battery, and tried leaving the gas cap off. I was afraid it was getting hot and siezing up but it still turns over, just will not start. Spent several hours reading various posts but I haven't seen anyone else having this problem. Now I am paranoid about the CDI. Any ideas?

 

[TeeDubs]

Welcome to the Forum Lefty! I don't know enough to diagnose a CDI problem but I'd check that you have the petcock turned to ON and not set to reserve or off



Can you ride it for 3 or 4 minutes of will it only run when it's sitting?

 

[assquatch20]

If it runs longer than a few minutes when you're gassing it, could be a dirty pilot jet or incorrect float height. If it runs less, check your petcock out. Maybe check carb vents too.



There would be a chance it's weak spark as well, but you'd want to start checking that by switching the plugs, then working back to the CDI and whatnot.

 

[qwerty]

Timing light test. Hook up the light, spin the engine over after it dies and see if the light flashes. No light = no spark.

 

[bpiersall67]

Timing light test. Hook up the light, spin the engine over after it dies and see if the light flashes. No light = no spark.

Thanks for the responses. Last time it quit I opened the float bowl screw and gas flowed freely so I'm starting to think its not the carb. I'm usually all about do it yourself but its spring break here next week and I really wanted both TWs running for a family outing so I bit the bullet and took it to an indy mechanic. Querty was right, the local wrench did a quick test light test and NO SPARK. He is going to do further testing later but its obvious that something is getting hot and "tripping." I'm getting past my comfort level, electrical is not my thing. Guess I will see what the mechanic comes up with. Hope its not the CDI, from other threads it looks like they are expensive and hard to find.

 

[Stromper]

I would guess a sensor is getting hot then failing