'75 GL1000 My engine will only run with the starter button pushed in

[randyrogge]

Hi,

A few months back, I was riding my GL1000 and my timing belt broke. Now after installing new valves and hopefully getting the valve timing correct. The bike will start and stay running only when the starter button is held in and laying on the throttle. Immediately after you release either one the engine will die. I'm not a mechanic by nature, so I would apprciate any help or pointed in the right direction. Thanks

Here is what I've done so far.

New timing belts
Replaced bent valves
Valve timing
Changed engine coils (OEM)
New plugs
I have spark

[winguyjo]

this would be a good time to check compression.

[Maz]

Hi,

A few months back, I was riding my GL1000 and my timing belt broke. Now after installing new valves and hopefully getting the valve timing correct. The bike will start and stay running only when the starter button is held in and laying on the throttle. Immediately after you release either one the engine will die. I'm not a mechanic by nature, so I would apprciate any help or pointed in the right direction. Thanks

Here is what I've done so far.

New timing belts
Replaced bent valves
Valve timing
Changed engine coils (OEM)
New plugs
I have spark

You may have dislodged a connector.
Check the ballast resistor on the coils. When start button is pressed, the resistor is by-passed and full 12v is fed to the coils to give a stronger spark while the starter is spinning . When you release the button, voltage to the coils is diverted through the resistor. If resistor is faulty or disconnected, no spark = no run.
Maz

[DenverWinger]

+1 on the compression check. I'd also revisit the valve lash adjustments.

[dingdong]

Maz is correct. Ballast resistor is disconnected or bad.

[Overdog]

Yep...ballast resistor. Anyone who owned old Mopars probably changed a few.....