Misfire/lacks power 4500-5000 rpm

[hoosierrick]

I have a 1986 454 that I have owned for about 4 years. Due to an automobile accident that resulted in a broken sternum, and a fall that yielded a broken wrist with surgical repair, the bike has mostly been sitting in the garage. I got it running, but it had no power on acceleration, and could not get the rpms above 5000.
Here is what I found. The air filter covers were switched from side to side, with the air intakes pointing out. when the side covers were installed, the covers were restricting the airflow. I was looking at the parts illustration and noticed the mistake. i am not sure if I switched them, or if they were like that when I bought it.
I thought I would pass this on. I was about to pull the carbs off and clean them. Still need to adjust the valves and replace the fork tube seals.

[Blaine]

Jul 14, 2013 14:37:59 GMT -6 hoosierrick said:

I have a 1986 454 that I have owned for about 4 years. Due to an automobile accident that resulted in a broken sternum, and a fall that yielded a broken wrist with surgical repair, the bike has mostly been sitting in the garage. I got it running, but it had no power on acceleration, and could not get the rpms above 5000.
Here is what I found. The air filter covers were switched from side to side, with the air intakes pointing out. when the side covers were installed, the covers were restricting the airflow. I was looking at the parts illustration and noticed the mistake. i am not sure if I switched them, or if they were like that when I bought it.
I thought I would pass this on. I was about to pull the carbs off and clean them. Still need to adjust the valves and replace the fork tube seals.

Thanks.Good info for others!!

[BenInPA]

I have to admit I almost did exactly that. The last time I replaced my filters I had the box covers reversed. I noticed it didn't look right putting the covers back on and realized what I did. Nice heads up tho for other members who might have the same DOH! moment.

Sent from my Droid 4 using Proboards Mobile App. ;D

[sdcruzin]

yes this is a real problem. I got my bike back from the mechanic a couple years ago, the only time it's been to a shop, and he had done that to my air box filters. it still accelerated up to full throttle well, but would start cutting out at WOT (wide open throttle). this took me some time to finally figure out. good heads up!