Problems starting

[jochembele]

Hi all

My @ got stolen last week, but a good fella called the cop when he noticed my bike near his house - so im happy happy
That aside.
Replaced the reg/rec and a new battery for my bike.
Tried to start it after it´s been resting approx 2,5 winter-months.
The engine turns over, but wont ignite.
I were hoping to make it without removing the tank and plugs..
Is there another trick to make it start?
What to check first and last - where do i begin?

[BobA]

Could be lots of things, BUT you only need two things to make it start really, FUEL and a SPARK!

Did the thief try to hotwire it?

Check the RUN/Kill switch is in the right position (I've made this mistake)

Are the fuel taps on?

Is fuel being pumped?

Are carbs stuck/iced?

Is there a spark when you crank the engine? (use a spare spark plug in the cap, grounded against the engine/chassis)


Bob

[jochembele]

The battery was dead before they stole it, and that´s is the reason I still got it
I´m afraid the plugs are soaked.. How many are there on the @?
4, isn´t it?
Guess i´ll remove the tank tomorrow, and heat the plugs inside - probl the best solution to begin with.
Thx again Bob - always there to help. Have a nice weekend

[BobA]

No worries

Sounds like the whole bike may need warming up inside !!

Bob

[Traveller]

As well as the above:

Petrol, there may be some in the tank but the more volatile part of the mix evaporates if the bike is left standing, this is more prevalant now due to the mixes in unleaded petrol.

Ive had people with poor starting, misfires, lumpy running etc and putting fresh petrol in sorts it.

I use an additive when I lay a bike up to reduce gumming up of the carbs etc as when the volatile parts evaporate you are left with the gooey thick remains that blocks jets and so on.

Glad you got your bike back, some scum nicked one of mine a couple of years ago, the thing is the carb was on the bench and not on the bike. I heard them wheel it off, chased them and found the bike dumped.

The police got prints off the tank, arrested the scumbag. He claimed his prints were on it when a mate gave him a lift. The magistrates didnt believe him and as well as getting done, he has to pay me for all the damage he caused and as you know bike plastics and bits arn't cheap. This is paid by an attachment on his wages when he is working. I spend it on new bike bits.

My daughetrs bike got pinched, a couple of off duty coppers collared the thief, such a new bike used as a field bike raised their suspicions and they took the trouble to sort it even though they were off duty. So its two nill to the good guys here.

[chalky4]

Hi all

My @ got stolen last week, but a good fella called the cop when he noticed my bike near his house - so im happy happy
That aside.
Replaced the reg/rec and a new battery for my bike.
Tried to start it after it´s been resting approx 2,5 winter-months.
The engine turns over, but wont ignite.
I were hoping to make it without removing the tank and plugs..
Is there another trick to make it start?
What to check first and last - where do i begin?

Hi Joch, I had a similar starting problem with mine after the re-build and someone on here suggested that i open the drain screws on the base of both carbs and let some ptrol drain out. I did this and hey presto the old girl fired up and runs sweet. Might be worth a try Chalky

[jochembele]

G´Morning all.

Great when they catch the scum red-handed! i got at list of things I would do if i caught them..
Well.
Will try to drain the carbs before I go for the plugs.
By the way: Might it help if i manage to put the bike inside for some hours with a heater (fan) towards the engine? As you understand, i really don´t wanna remove the tank
But i SHOULD do it, so I could fix the sticky choke at the same time.. uuh, better get up from this sofa!!!

[Traveller]

I would try this from Chalky first,

"Hi Joch, I had a similar starting problem with mine after the re-build and someone on here suggested that i open the drain screws on the base of both carbs and let some ptrol drain out. I did this and hey presto the old girl fired up and runs sweet. Might be worth a try Chalky "


Good luck, I am fettling my bike on the drive today, I really ought to clear the garage.

[jochembele]

Just got in from a cold but mighty lovely ride!!!
Thanx alot Chalky! Your tip really made it.
Drained the carbs and it fired instantly - ooh I´ve been missing that beat.
Since Bergen is offering cold dry weather, i guess there will be more driving.
A little concern. After the theft, the ignition lock and saddle lock are both busted. Is it possible to order that somewhere? Expensive?
I don´t feel comfortable only locking the wheels if those b..... lurks around the neighbourhood again. After all, the bike now runs as a kitten..
Help me help my queen...