Yup, Carl-Erik is correct, if your mag is built correctly, the front lead goes to the rear. If you check that the points are opening at the correct point on full advance for each cylinder ( the longer point  cam lobe should fire the rear cylinder) , and you still have issues, it could be a major air leak in the carb or inlet manifold. The Throttle shaft, if worn, will suck air and prevent idling, as will a leak between the manifold and inlet ports. A basic test would be to spray both areas with wd40 or easy start or similar, and see if it changes the revs. The factory manuals recommend spraying the area with gas, - have a large bucket of sand and several fire extinguishers handy if you try this method. To check if the throttle shaft is the problem, you can often cure it as a temporary fix by using small o rings on the top and bottom. They will probably not last long, but if that works you know that the shaft will need new bushes. 

There are numerous more complex leakdown tests , the virtual Indian site has some detailed explanations from Cotten and others. 

Stick with it, if you sell the bike, you may not find another one, and you would be able to get more for it if it is running correctly. Riding an old Indian is the perfect antidote to the stress and strain of the modern world, and time spent getting one running right is better than a yoga and meditation course. 

Thanks for that info.

Well I went out this morning and went through the process and she fired but ran rough, on 1 cylinder, also still pumping fuel out of the carby, way to much….well I checked the valves and re checked the gaps and the exhaust tappet on the rear cylinder was loose, anyway I re adjusted and ensured all were correct.

Then I pulled the bowl of the carry off and bent the arm holding the float a tad so it didn’t sit to high, I then put it all back together.

Then second kick she fired on both cylinders….yahoo!!

Problem was it was running a tad hard so now have to adjust the carby tuning, will do tomorrow. But the only other issue is the fuel tap with vibration turns itself off, so may have to put a rubber o-ring on it so it holds solid open.

Fiddly trying to get the idle to just tick over, I guess it is a just fiddling with the throttle cable and the adjusting screw on the throttle lever. I might even get to try to ride her around the block….that will be an experience.

Cheers

Brett

Thanks Ken, I found the same.

Hi.  I’m coming a bit late to this particular thread, I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on it before.

I’ve had a fairly similar issue, with multiple rebuilds of carb and mag slightly improving, but not curing, the fault.  I also had a double and simultaneous failure of a pair of Bosch plugs which I am still struggling to understand but am now on NGKs.  But I think the problem with my machine was with the points in the Splitdorf mag.  Although they were gapped correctly, there was an angular contact between the two contacts; I think this gave such a small contact patch that it passed insufficient current to make a clean break, and hence a spark.  The points were bent into full contact, and stoned flat and square, and the bike now fires up very easily.  Worth a quick check if only to eliminate the possibility.  Good luck!

Thanks Guys, well I have since converted the throttle to the right hand and advance/retard to left for simplicity so then I only have to worry about the clutch and gearing....I started her again yesterday with no problem am just getting the carry sorted with tuning and once done will take her for another test ride tomorrow so fingers crossed....

Than Danny for your number I will call if any issues.

I am likely to be laid up for awhile as I have to re visit my oncology Doctor on Wednesday to determine whether I have surgery prior to starting chemo again.