Author  Comment
Hermes
Newbie
Posts: 1
(4/4/02 11:48:24 am)
Reply  Starting/Igniting probs
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi All

I have a '91 Across and it’s having starting/igniting probs with it ;(

The starter motor is cranking but the bike just wont finally crank over.

I have replaced the battery, replaced the spark plugs and cleaned them again recently (as they where a bit fouled).

If I jump start it, it will crank (sometimes), If I jump-start it with a car/or another bike it fill finally crank over in about 5-10mins.

I have checked the starter motor/battery voltage/spark plugs once again - and it all looks ok.

When it cranks over and I ride it, it’s ok – but overnight or after a long period standing it has problems starting again.

Assistance would be much appreciated before I spend $$$ talking it to a shop.

Thanks in advance
Regards,

Hermes
 

Edited by: Hermes at: 4/4/02 11:59:25 am

Check to see that you have actual spark on each plug. Haul one out at a time and place the plug against the engine connected, then run the starter motor; careful it is easy to electrocute yourself so keep hands away. Ignition coil or leads could be stuffed if theres no spark observable.

You could check that when the ignition is on that you are getting plenty of fuel to the carbs, by pulling out the fuel line that goes to the carbs and catching the fuel flow in a cup (a clean cup if you want to recycle the fluid back to the tank). The pipe runs from behind the rear left fairing under the seat where the fuel pump is, over the airbox and to the carbs. Switch the ignition on and you'll hear the fuel pump ticking over. If it doesn't flow nicely out the pipe then you could have a prob in the "fuelcock" (fuel tank tap & filter assembly)or the fuel pipe or the fuel inline filter; anything could be blocked. Check the workshop manual for details about the fuel tap filter. The inline filter should just be replaced if it is blocked (if yours has one, that is. Mine does but it could be aftermarket???).

There could also be a fuel line leak b4 the carbs. Inspect. Do you smell any gas?

Are you getting a clicking noise from the fuel pump? If not it could be disconnected or stuffed. There's a method to check it electrically in the workshop manual.

If fuel is getting to the carbs OK then it could be blocked starter jets or pipes in the carbs, which you would have to clean (see workshop manual). Check that there is no air leaks between carbs and engine. The choke plunger could also not be operating, it is pretty necessary to always use the choke when the motor is cold.

That's just a couple of thoughts, I'm sure others can chip in.

good luck

PS fuelcock, fuel @#%$ . Can't believe this forum censoring software has something against male chickens.

Funny you should say that it could be a fuel problem

I opened the carbies and found one of the piston valves damaged thus causing the engine to run rich. It actually had a 1/4 of the corner damaged.

I would say this to be a contributing factor to the fouling plugs and ignition problems.

Fuel @#%$ is fine and fuel line is clean and fuel is pumping through nicely.

Hopefully replacing the valve will solve some of the problem(s).

Thanks for your help,
Regards

Hermes
 

You might want to check your slide holders at the same time

more detail

-as too much play in this could have busted your slide in the first place. They wear out & let go of the slides & root things up anyway, so it's a good idea to replace them every 20-30000 or so (kms a guess based on my limited knowledge).
 

cheers

I saved $$$$ from finding and solving at least some of the problem.

I'll shout you a beer if I ever catchup on a ride.