SV's missing a beat.

Right have a small problem, the little SV is not a happy lass.
Noticed last week that sometimes when I roll on the throttle she seems to miss a beat like one of the pistons is not firing once. This only seems to happen every now and again, but some times when I'm just crusin. Though to myself, need to have a look at the front plug get some plugs ordered, will have to do it next week, but in the mean time, clean and lubed the bike and put on the 'Road' can.
So went to work, did the same thing a little in the morning, but nothin major (not much rain). Then the journey home happened, about 15 miles in to the trip, it seemed to get worse with missing and lag from the engine if I tried to run it below 6000 rpm (It was raining a bit by then with a lot of road spray). Didn't happen all the time but enough to get me concerned, so when I got home I started to pull the plugs out. Oh what fun that was, talk about awkward.
But once I got both plugs out I noticed a few things, the front plug though rusty at the top did have a bit of carbon build up. Though not what I would call over the top, checked the gap, and it was over 0.8, so adjusted it to 0.71 as stated in my manual. The rear plug and a oily film over it and the gap was out, which I adjusted. But the oil concerned me a bit, has a seal blown? Cleaned them all up checked the spark, seemed OK, put the bike back together. Asked the wife to pick me up some NGK CR8E's in the morning.
Next day set off for work.
OK.. it started happening again, about 10 miles in to my journey (bit of road spray no heavy rain). Nothing really severe but its rather annoying that you can twist the throttle and nothing happens for a split second. The wife picks up the plugs today, and I'm putting the other can back on in case its being 'restricted'. But does anyone else have any other ideas, I so hope its not a seal gone as at the moment I just don't have the money or time for that sort of work.

Have you fitted a fender extender to the front mudguard? Also check that the drain hole on the the front cylinder isn't blocked.

Originally Posted by Amanda M

Have you fitted a fender extender to the front mudguard? Also check that the drain hole on the the front cylinder isn't blocked.

I have a fender extender, and the drain hole seemed clear, but it was rather dark and I wasn't sure I was looking in the right place.

Originally Posted by Grinch

I have a fender extender, and the drain hole seemed clear, but it was rather dark and I wasn't sure I was looking in the right place.

Ah, no idea then, sorry

Grinch,

Are the choke flaps opening fully?

Oily plugs could be due to a rich mixture. Check the the choke cable/mechanism isn't jamming/sticking part way open/closed.

there could be a bit of muck in the carb, similar thing happened to my GPZ. there waqs a tiny spec of muck holding the needle up, causing major flooding in 1 cylinder

I'll have a look when I take the plugs out.. check the air filter while I'm there. Anyone got a diagram of what part I should look at?

Could also be one of the coils is on it's way out.

Originally Posted by Mike1234

Could also be one of the coils is on it's way out.

er what does that mean?

Originally Posted by Grinch

er what does that mean?

Sometime the coils stop producing a consistent spark and you end up with a weak or erratic one instead.

If you aren't getting a full strength spark at the correct time then your engine won't be running properly.

Easiest thing to do is find a mate with an SV and swap them over and see if the problem goes away.