QuestionHi there,
I'd really appreciate any help as I'm not really too sure where to begin. I'm a practicing car mechanic on my own and am (what I would consider) fairly proficient, but I'm not overly familiar with motorcyles yet. I recently while riding my bike had a failure of the alternator. Bike wouldn't start and drained the battery. I replaced it with a used on from ebay. After the installation, the bike started right up and I left it running for about 5 minutes to clean it out a bit because it hadn't been running for about a month, plus I had just cleaned the K&N air filter, so I wanted to make sure it was doing alright. It is carbuerated by the way. After 5 minutes of running it cut out, and would not start again. It felt like a fuel problem, as in no fuel was getting to the engine. Checked the petcock, and it was halfway between the reserve (which I have never been able to make work properly) and the on position. Moved it back to the on position and started it. It ran for a bit, and then I shut if off as it was getting late. I went to start it today and it will not start. It will turn over, but nothing indicates that it's going to fire. It still seems like it has some type of serious air or fuel issue. Can you please advise where I should start my search? Thank you.
AnswerHi Dave,
If the engine cranks, but will not start and run:
Check the spark plugs. Remove the plugs and inspect for evidence of fouling. Clean or replace plugs accordingly.
Check for an arc at the plugs.
I suspect the carburetors may need thoroughly cleaned to remove varnishing.
Also, the petcock may need serviced to restore proper operation.
If you need tech procedures send me your email address as requested. I return tech information files via email.
Visit: "www.electrosport.com" and follow their "Fault Finding Chart" for electrical troubleshooting assistance.
Respectfully,
Mark Shively
