A new wiseco 13.2 comp piston went in along with a kibblewhite steel intake valve kit (valves, springs, retainers etc). We did all the work but had the new intake valves cut into the heads and assembled by a Honda dealer.
I cleaned the exhaust valves and leak checked them after reinstallation but I never leak checked the intake valves which the shop did. The head was reinstalled with new gaskets. I put marks on the cam chain as well as the factory timing marks and everything went back together the way it came off. While the throttle body was off the head we also cleaned it with some throttle body cleaner.
First attempt to start was an absolute prick. It coughed and spluttered and would fire for a few seconds then stall. I pulled the valve cover off and checked the cam timing (again) but it was correct. Got it going eventually and played with the idle speed but it didn?t seem to make a lot of difference. I checked the intake system for vacuum leaks but couldn?t find any. When my son rode it he said he could notice a definite increase in power etc so when the engine is running its seems very healthy like it should but starting it hot or cold is very hard. He usually resorts to roll starting it which gets it going very easily.
I threw a new spark plug in just in case but it made no difference.
I plan on doing another leak down test and re-checking the cam timing. Is there anything else I?ve missed. After spending all this money on it I would?ve thought the bike would be very reliable for a while. I would appreciate your feedback.
Update:
I think the issue may be timing. The cam timing seems fine but it could be spark. Perhaps the gaskets I used were thinner/fatter than the previous ones and the timing has changed slightly. I cannot find too much info on ignition timing other than the line on the case should line up with or be in between the two timing marks on the flywheel. Mine is slightly to the right of the second timing mark. Do you think this is enough to effect spark and mark it hard to start?
thanks
