1981 CX500C Carburetor Problem

Technical Help Forum

1981 CX500C Carburetor Problem

jensenjoe 07-21-2008, 7:58 PM
I have a 1981 CX500C with a problem at low RPM which is especially sensitive after the engine warms up from riding. It does not seem to be as exasperated when I get the bike up to 3000 RPM.

When taking off in first gear, the engine starts to bog. Easing out the clutch and giving it some gas gets me going. But, it will take off very sharply once the problem is overcome.

I bought Nixon's carburetor book for this bike and followed the instructions to the tee. So, my confidence level is pretty high that they clean. However, I did not replace any parts and did not sync the carbs.

My original issue for cleaning the carbs was that the engine would just cut out when throttled out of idle. This problem was solved once I cleaned the carbs. But now the new problem.

The bike ran awesome before these issues popped up.

Any suggestions?

Joe Wino
1981 Honda CX500C (21K Miles)
http://www.MacombVintnerSupply.com

Re: 1981 CX500C Carburetor Problem

Anonymous 07-25-2008, 4:25 PM
dom't know that book but with a name like his i guess he must be trustworthy you should read the post in the general discusion forum abot idle jets.

Re: 1981 CX500C Carburetor Problem

jensenjoe 09-10-2008, 7:16 AM

My buddy figured out the problem. Now the bike runs awesome again.

Although i figure the carbs needed cleaning anyway, the barbs were not the problem.

The REAL problem was a crack in the plastic connector going from the plug wire to the spark plug. This caused the cylinder to atart missing except at high rpm. We pulled back the plug wire boot and observed a nice corona light show jumping to the side wall of the valve cover. So, a nice wadding of electrical tape curred that problem temporarily. The next day I replaced the plastic piece. Now everything is just hunky dorey.

Joe Wino
1981 Honda CX500C (21K Miles)
http://www.MacombVintnerSupply.com