First start - 73 RD 350

[lowandslow]

The winter is coming, had a little time to get some electrical sorted. I bought it as non-runner last September. I cleaned the points up to get spark. I have cleaned the carbs as best as I can. This is my first time working on a bike. The timing was ok, have not timed it with the dial gauge. I just wanted to see whether it would fire up. I have cleaned the tops of the pistons. Looks like it is standard.
The right cylinder runs hot to touch, the left is cool. It does not have the gasket between the exhaust header and the exhaust. Doesn't sound anything like what I have heard here from some of the videos posted??

[85RZwade]

I think it's safe to say you're running on one cylinder

[m in sc]

oh yeah thats a one lung thump.  but, progress! take the plug out of the RH cyl, put the plug in the plug cap, lay on the rh cyl. fire it up (yes with plug out) and 1: this will clear out the RH cyl and 2: check for spark on the RH plug. IF its sparking, then it probably just had a loaded up crankcase which will immediately foul a plug.

otherwise, great start!    we all still go thru this sometimes.

[STLMike]

Congrats on at least getting it fire!
I remember my first time firing my 72 R5, it sounded like complete crap but with some research, advice from here I had it running tip top in no time.

[lowandslow]

oh yeah thats a one lung thump.  but, progress! take the plug out of the RH cyl, put the plug in the plug cap, lay on the rh cyl. fire it up (yes with plug out) and 1: this will clear out the RH cyl and 2: check for spark on the RH plug. IF its sparking, then it probably just had a loaded up crankcase which will immediately foul a plug.

otherwise, great start!    we all still go thru this sometimes.

It is actually the other way around, the RH side always wires, it is the left that starts and stops in fits. I Will do what you suggested on the left side. I will also check the plugs. Never thought about that. Thanks.
Also does anything else seem out of whack?

[IR8D8R]

Your pipe header is leaking at the coupler. Runs better with it tight.

https://www.economycycle.com/shop/yamaha-rd250350400r5ds6ds7-parts/engine-related/gasketsseals-engine/rd250-rd350-exhaust-gasket-360-14714-00-00-between-header-and-muffler/

IR8D8R

[dgorms]

Sounds and looks like ya got something decent to work with!

[lowandslow]

Your pipe header is leaking at the coupler. Runs better with it tight.

https://www.economycycle.com/shop/yamaha-rd250350400r5ds6ds7-parts/engine-related/gasketsseals-engine/rd250-rd350-exhaust-gasket-360-14714-00-00-between-header-and-muffler/

IR8D8R

Their shipping is a little high to be honest. It is hard for me to justify the shipping cost the same as the cost of the parts 

[lowandslow]

Sounds and looks like ya got something decent to work with!

Yep it is mostly original but missing the airbox and y boot.