[swidz]

I JUST bought this bike yesterday. Rode it about an hour home, started up fine, ran fine. I tried to start it today and I couldn't get it to start. Fuel valve was on, choke was on, bike was in neutral. The first time I tried to start it I just thought the engine was Cold. I rolled on the throttle and it revved up, almost started and stahled whenever I let off throttle. Tried again and now it won't even rev up when I use the throttle! It just makes a very faint glugging sound. Basically: bike won't turn over, idle, or take throttle at all!

 

[Easy Rider]

First, when starting you should NOT crack the throttle at all until there are signs of life.......and then only a little.

Most bikes need a short "warm up" time with the choke ON at fast idle before you apply any throttle at all.
Bikes of that vintage are especially cold blooded.
If the pipes or intake are modified, it is even worse.

And if the engine really is not turning over when you try to start, then the battery likely is dead or a main battery connection is loose.

What do you know about the history of this bike ?
Some carb cleaner in the gas.......and replacing the old gas with new might be a good idea too.
Old machines like that tended to develop some rust in the tank and an inline filter is a good idea even if that isn't the cause of the present problem.

You are sure the tank isn't empty ......right ?
And finally, the petcock (gas valve) on some older models was a bit confusing.
Look closely at the handle for a little arrow. That arrow indicates the active position......NOT the position of the handle itself.

 

[swidz]

Thanks for the advice. Tank was just refilled. I'll try to check out the battery, and get some carb cleaner, and see about getting an inline filter. I'm also going to replace the spark plugs, and clean out the carbs. Anyone have any advice on how to get a severely rusty and stripped screw out? It's in a very tight location so I can't really use pliers or anything like that.

 

[Easy Rider]

Anyone have any advice on how to get a severely rusty and stripped screw out? It's in a very tight location so I can't really use pliers or anything like that.

Does it really NEED to be removed ?
And if removed, does it really need to be replaced ?
A drill sometimes is the only option.

Then......you are dealing with a bike that is about 45 years old.
Finding parts might be next to impossible.
I suggest that you NOT do things like taking carbs apart because even gaskets might be hard to come by.......unless and until you are at a point where you KNOW that needs to be done.
Since it has been running recently, I don't think you are at that point yet.

A little experimentation with some starting fluid should help prove whether or not it is a fuel problem.

 

[swidz]

Gave up on the screw, and the cleaning the carbs. Replaced all spark plugs, and I got it to start. But now Whenever I put the clutch in the bike gets louder, and is making a lot of popping sounds from the front (not the exhaust) when i ride (regardless if clutch is in or not). Anyone know what it could be? Or how I could I fix it? I just replaced the spark plugs. It didn't do this the first time I rode it.

 

[Easy Rider]

First, closely inspect the plugs to be absolutely sure that they are all screwed ALL the way in.
LOOK at them. Don't just blindly try to turn them tighter.

Then check the exhaust ports for an exhaust leak.

Your description sounds a lot like a loose (worn) cam timing chain.
But on a bike that old, a LOT of things could be worn and loose.
Like a throw out bearing for the clutch.

Some models have an "adjuster" on the cam chain.
Don't know if that one does or not.

The odds are a little worse than 50-50 that you can fix this yourself, I think.