Diagnostics 101 for Natasha

So, tried a few things, re-learned diagnostics on boxer engines, learned a few new things about Natasha and while she's not 100%, I think I've got a good idea of what needs to be replaced now.

• found a bad spark plug cable (it was the cap actually) that read zero ohms between ends, it's supposed to read 5000 ohms. Could not find the right one at the auto parts store so I took an old one from my beemer and made it work.
• checked the existing spark plugs, found them black and a bit sooty, which means I am running too rich in fuel. Replaced old spark plugs with Autolites, properly gapped to .50 mm per the manual.
  
• verified fuel levels in carburetor float bowls are about the same. In the process, found rpoc screws securing the right hand carb float bowl, replaced them with good allen head screws. Left side carb already had those replaced by previous owner.
• with help of a friend and my manometer, synchronized both carburetors after having to remove the right hand carb to get at the stupid stripped rpoc screw.
• cleaned out the fuel petcock bowl, had found some cork crud on the bottom, probably from a disintegrated cork seal or something. Verified good fuel flow from both lines.

Natasha now idles great, starts every time with the electric starter or with the kickstart. Of course, it's not a hot day today and I did not go on a long run.

Problem is now that she's got no acceleration power. She just kind of bogs long, slowly creeping up in speed. So while rideable, not exactly what I want in terms of being able to accelerate and keep up with traffic!

I know the carbs are sync'ed and she idles great. I figure it's a timing issue, perhaps the fact I've got mis-matched spark plug cables, perhaps a failed interruptor within the ignition control unit....or a combination of these. I know for a fact its probably not the coil as I first suspected, since it would not hold idle at all if that were the case. So at least, I eliminated the costliest part I was looking to replace (about $100).

I'll be ordering the replacement interruptor first thing tomorrow along with new spark plug cables and new spark plugs. I put some "equivalents" in from Autolite but would like to use the ones recommend in the manual.