#1 and #4 cold - also, starter question

First off, my starter isn't starting. I determined it is the brushes. And the stator is in pretty bad shape (4 contacts are rather worn). I mention this for two reasons.

1. '82 650 Seca starter = '82 650 Maxim starter, right? I'm high bidder on a 'seca' starter for about $5 right now (please don't go and bid against me!)

2. I don't think it has any bearing on this, but I've been push starting the bike for a few weeks.

I broke a wire yesterday so I've been running w/o a headlight.

Now for the problem:
On my way to class tonight the bike started right up (push start) but didn't sound quit right. I figured it could be a little flooded or something so I rode on. Two miles down the road it still sounded bad so at a stop light I check #1, the exhaust pipe was warm, but #2 burned me when I tapped it. I.e. #1 isn't near hot enough. Same with #4. Sounds to me like a coil isn't working. What are possible causes? I've got to get to class so I can't debug right now. I'm hoping it is simply a wire is loose or something. Doesn't the haynes manual have coil test info?

Safe to ride home? Its only about 3 miles.

BTW, welcome back XJBIKES.COM!

 

If they are warm it is more likely they are not getting very much gas. The carbs probably needs some TLC. You can always test the coils quickly but nomally it is the fuel if it is warm. When the coils are bad the pipes are even cool to the touch from the unburned fuel cooling them down.

Ciro

 

Ahh. Further inspection reveals that I may simply be out of gas...

 

if they are just warm, dont rule out convection (is that when heat transfers through a solid, or is it convection?), the pipes just getting warm from the ening being warm.