+1 Rich

I've been thinking spark for a while on this one myself.  I'd first check the plug wires for tightness in the coils starting with the right one, a common GS problem.  Possible right pick-up problem also.  Switch the coils, switch the plugs and see if the problem moves too.  If the gas isn't burning it has to go somewhere, maybe the sump?  Two problems at once can be confusing like a loose plug wire and leaking float valve at the same time. 

Too many Engineers spoils the pot sometimes.     

I'd suspect the head gasket.

You said it was already weeping,  and you loosened and retorqued the head studs. In the car world that's a good way to blow a head gasket even if you do it one stud at a time.

In previous post I mentioned I replaced head gasket and retorqued.  Cylinder head surface is not distorted...all spec.   Problem persisted.     Carbs off, headed to shop today

Check those plug wires while your waiting for the carbs if you haven't already done it.  They should be so tight in coil you can't budge them, can't pull them out and can't turn them.  They are screwed in and bonded tight in place when new.  If they are loose that could be part of your problem.  Checking spark by the conventional method will show that pickup and module are probably OK but just because plugs spark when held to the head doesn't mean they will in the cylinder under pressure.

A leaking float valve (needle valve) will be flowing while running, they cause most trouble when parked and leaking.  After my 97 was parked a while out of service once after I got the 02 I checked the oil before starting it up and it was way overfull, I had left frame petcock in prime.  Bike was on centerstand, I think leak is to engine on stand and to the air box mostly with bike on ground, at least that's been my experience.

I use to be an engineer too but I retired 19 years ago and am just another shade tree mechanic now.    

And...the carbs returned from shop, all clean and with fresh full rebuild kits, installed and she fired right up, happy and running like a champ! 

Plug wires were good to go too!

Aersp Engs don't do carburetors! .   

Quote from: grimah1w on October 04, 2013, 03:49:50 PM

Aersp Engs don't do carburetors! .

Carbs are all about air flow ... 100% ... aerospace is the exact science it is.
Its a venturi ...
Cool.
Buddha.

Quote from: grimah1w on October 04, 2013, 03:49:50 PMAersp Engs don't do carburetors! .

It's fluid mechanics of a converging-diverging nozzle with a variable throat restriction coupled with a downstream butterfly valve to regulate the airflow, which meters the fuel through ports by means of the Venturi effect.  Sure sounds like Aerospace Engineering to me.

Fluid dynamics and stoichiometry, yes, I am further pleased that not only did I properly recognize the source of the issue, as an aerospace engineer I had the sense to not waste my time on such inferior technology feeding an ICE, and just took it to the local witch-doctor

Yes that's true too ... you can know all the theory and make a bloody good engineer, its a whole other skill set to be a mechanic. You sorta need to shelve the knowledge and work in the moment.

Cool.
Buddha.

Quote from: radodrill on October 04, 2013, 04:25:31 PM

Quote from: grimah1w on October 04, 2013, 03:49:50 PMAersp Engs don't do carburetors! .

It's fluid mechanics of a converging-diverging nozzle with a variable throat restriction coupled with a downstream butterfly valve to regulate the airflow, which meters the fuel through ports by means of the Venturi effect.  Sure sounds like Aerospace Engineering to me.

LOLOL, try this one.
http://www.google.com/patents/US7677208
It's a rotary infinitely variable in wheel regenerative hydraulic drive.

regards
Mech

Like it... still, more comfortable with a turbine engine and FADEC.

Since she is now clean and running, I may delve into minor tweaks.  My mechanic skills having been sufficient for all other tasks associated with this restoration, should enable me to get the mixture about right - notwithstanding my frustration experienced in the carb rebuilds    

My OP is answered and I look forward to reading more on the forum.
best!
Vinnie