I had a hard time testing the resistance of the older blue plug caps- because of course I didn't read the instructions and realized I need to test it while it's connected to the coil...I thought I would get a reading with the meter pointers touching the metal that would normally connect with the spark plug and the 'screw end' where the HT lead would go.
However I noted that my new red ones are nearly the same as Andy's so I'm trusting they are ok....but then again maybe not...that 5KΩ might be throwing a spanner in the works...read on.
Decided I'd try running it with the powervalves disconnected. Took off the tank- started it up and the servo didn't move no matter what the engine did. I randomly switched out the sub control unti that hangs on the right. No difference. I then looked and the black/blue disconnected wire. I thought well everyone knows that on the MC-18 disconnecting it de-restricts the engine by letting the RC valves operate in such a way that it releases more horsepower so there's no way I want to connect that again- but I did and hey presto the RC valve started working like it should as described on page 51 of the manual which is : at 2,000rpm the servo moves the pulley clockwise and then at 3,000 rpm it moves anticlockwise. I re-adjusted the cables so they have just under 1mm play. Then started it again to see it move clockwise and anticlockwise as described.
Put everything back together and had to take it on the freeway to get it to clear it's throat...and eventually it was running on 2 cylinders all the way up to 10,000 rpm when it hit a wall and was not interested in going farther. The good news is that it really pulls up to 10k and was fun to ride. If I didn't keep it on the boil though it would go back to running on one cylinder and then clear itself out once it was pushed. Sounds and feels like a duff plug but I don't know for sure and not sure why it doesn't like going past 10k....is that the domestic market restriction kicking in OR could it be the plug caps?
It's becoming hard to imagine this bike being a fun and consistent performer...
Speedo wasn't working....so after filling up with non-ethanol 93 figured out that the 'engine end' of the speedo cable wasn't inserted deep enough for the holding screw to capture it in place around the 'waist' of the outer of the cable. If you know, you know what I am talking about.
Grateful to have an original tool kit.
And then back at home....this happened...I blame a poorly designed cheap paddock stand....and me
position one in getting it back on it's feet...
I got off lightly with a decidedly second hand screen. Much less than the punishment I really deserved for being an idiot...tank, pipes, body work more or less untouched.
not giving up.