Pop Quiz

Here are some examples of difficult to notice damage to parts that can cause big problems. Look at the photos and see if you can spot the problems with each component. Answers are below. Good luck!

EXHIBIT A

 

EXHIBIT B

EXHIBIT C

EXHIBIT D

A. See the crack on this ignition coil? That's bad...if you are still getting a spark, the coil will imminently fail. This is especially a problem on bikes with the coils mounted very close to a hot engine.


B. See the crack on the overflow tube? That caused a fuel leak that can easily be confused with a bad float valve. Sometimes they can be soldered to seal the leak, otherwise you need to replace the float bowl.

C. Did you spot all the damaged teeth in these transmission gears? There are 5 that are especially bad, and a bonus sixth tooth that is marginal. The bike sounded terrible when running and couldn't shift properly.

D. This starter clutch has been working too hard...the springs are about to break through the outside, which is what has caused the hole that accesses them from the outside to become enlarged. This represents enough damage to keep the starter from engaging the motor at al.