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Followup To
Question -
Hi Chris
I'll try not to take up to much of your time. I'm new to riding and just bought a "89" Honda NX650 with 6000 miles on it. It's a salvage but fully repaired minus the rearview mirrors, and when it's running it's smooth and no problems. Now that spring is here trying to get it started is nothing but a hassle, it doesn't have a kick start only electric and I kill the batt. before it starts. Which results in me jumping it off my car Batt. With the cables hooked up I can run the starter long enough to get it going, but I'm afraid I might burn out the starter. I'm no mechanic but was wondering if there anything I can do to get it to start without all this hassle. Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your time,
Tyler
Answer -
Hi Tyler.
The first thing that you can do is to clean the carbs.
The fact that it starts indicates that it is getting compression and spark (2 out of 3 is not enough to run an engine), but now you have to get fuel flowing properly. So far, it isn't.
My guess is that you left fuel in the bike during storage, which means the entire fuel system is contaminated. Get rid of the old fuel and replace it with new and use a fuel treatment for the next 3 or 4 tankfulls. Use the good stuff, not the cheapest. STP with jetfuel works for me. This is, of course, after you have cleaned the carbs and gotten rid of the old fuel.
If you want to get it to start quickly, there is also another thing that you can do, but it will not fix the problem. Get some automotive start fluid and spray some into the air intake immediately prior to starting. It will get the bike started, but it will still be up to you to fix the problem or take it to a mechanic to fix.
If you want to learn to fix it yourself, then get the repair manual and some books on basic engine mechanics. The mechanical books will give you a basic understanding of engines and the repair manual will give specifics for your bike.
Good luck.
FALCON
Falcon
Thanks for the great advise the quick response was appreciated. I'm going to clean the carb this weekend but if you don't mind what else other then carb cleaner do I need to buy or expect to run into. Should I change the sparkplugs while I'm at it and if so any tips.
Thanks again
Tyler
AnswerHi Tyler.
If the plugs are new, then just clean them off and use them. Otherwise, it won't hurt to replace them.
As far as the carbs, you should also get a nylon detailing brush, or you can use an old toothbrush. Just in case you have to scrub anything clean. DO NOT use a metal detailing brush. It will damage the aluminum material that the carbs are made of.
Good luck.
FALCON
