Getting the Suzuki TS started

[Matariki]

Hey guys, so I've finally decided to sell my TS, ad here (http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/161344-Suzuki-TS-ER-185-4-Sale!?p=1130621624#post1130621624)
However, as much as I would like for people to come over and test ride, the problem is that I can't seem to get the motorcycle started myself.
I haven't ridden it in a couple of months, and I've made sure that the choke is in the right position and the engine is on. The carb was adjusted by a professional mechanic back in September and the motorcycle was checked over and it passed its WOF. So I'm not sure what the issue could be. Any ideas?

[unstuck]

Make sure there are no wires come loose, spark plug lead still on, fuel tap on, all the obvious stuff that sometimes stumps people. If all looks ok, try bump starting it. Helps if there is a bit of a downhill handy. May just need a good powerfull kick to get it going, and your other thread said you have issues with you leg. Maybe get someone to kick it over for you.:Punk:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Drain the carb.

[Drew]

Drain the carb.Aaaand clean the plug.

That's the sum total of what could be wrong with a TS I think.

[Matariki]

I checked the fuel thingmabob (the bit that allows you to switch to fuel, res fuel and no fuel) and it appears to be stuck on the on position. The tank was recently repaired by a mechanic, maybe its been tightened in a way that limits how much fuel the engine is getting? :confused:

[Crasherfromwayback]

I checked the fuel thingmabob (the bit that allows you to switch to fuel, res fuel and no fuel) and it appears to be stuck on the on position. The tank was recently repaired by a mechanic, maybe its been tightened in a way that limits how much fuel the engine is getting? :confused:

Nah. Drain the carb via the brass screw on the float bowl. And as Drew said...chuck a clean plug at it or clean the one you've got.

[tigertim20]

Aaaand clean the plug.

That's the sum total of what could be wrong with a TS I think.


Nah. Drain the carb via the brass screw on the float bowl. And as Drew said...chuck a clean plug at it or clean the one you've got.

do what these guys said.
my brothers first bike was one of these. after all the shit he did to his, I am convinced they (along with its little brother, the venerable little TF 125 Mudbug which was my first ride) are completely fucking indestructible :cool:

[jellywrestler]

I checked the fuel thingmabob (the bit that allows you to switch to fuel, res fuel and no fuel) and it appears to be stuck on the on position.


Nah. Drain the carb via the brass screw on the float bowl.

i can see this ending in tears...

[Drew]

i can see this ending in tears...Ya reckon he'll get some petrol in his eye?

[Matariki]

i can see this ending in tears...

It already has... :crybaby:

I can't get my head around these damn machines. I checked the fuel tap, unscrewed it all, and put it back together. It works except for the fact that its now leaking a little bit. All my attempts at mechanics always ends up like this. Also, I got petrol in my eyes. :weep:

[Matariki]

ok, so I've drained out the fuel tank (the fuel in it was months old anyways). I cleaned the spark plug and put a little bit of 'start your bastard' on it. As for the carb, that's the one thing I don't want to touch. Hell, if I can't get a fuel tap right, then I probably shouldn't attempt the carb without supervision. I tried doing the carb before, but I fcuked it up and it ended up being a $400 trip to the mechanic. :facepalm: (I didn't break it or anything, it was because I couldn't adjust it properly).

[Drew]

ok, so I've drained out the fuel tank (the fuel in it was months old anyways). I cleaned the spark plug and put a little bit of 'start your bastard' on it. As for the carb, that's the one thing I don't want to touch. Hell, if I can't get a fuel tap right, then I probably shouldn't attempt the carb without supervision. I tried doing the carb before, but I fcuked it up and it ended up being a $400 trip to the mechanic. :facepalm: (I didn't break it or anything, it was because I couldn't adjust it properly).We don't want you to adjust or fix anything. There's a brass screw right at the bottom. It goes into a little nipply bit the points down.

Undo the screw, and fuel comes out the little nipple. With the fuel turned off, wait for fuel to stop coming out of the nipple, do the screw back up, (not too tight, it's a needle seat with an O ring so real easy like). Turn the gas on, give it thirty seconds, then kick.

[jellywrestler]

Undo the screw, and fuel comes out the little nipple. With the fuel turned off, wait for fuel to stop coming out of the nipple, do the screw back up, (not too tight, it's a needle seat with an O ring so real easy like). Turn the gas on, give it thirty seconds, then kick.

have phone number for Greytown Fire Brigade handy OR drain off the fuel into a bowl or dry rag so there's not wet petrol on your bike when you attempt to start it....

[Drew]

have phone number for Greytown Fire Brigade handy OR drain off the fuel into a bowl or dry rag so there's not wet petrol on your bike when you attempt to start it....I've never bothered, but there's probably a certain school of thought in favour of this method.

[Matariki]

We don't want you to adjust or fix anything. There's a brass screw right at the bottom. It goes into a little nipply bit the points down.

Undo the screw, and fuel comes out the little nipple. With the fuel turned off, wait for fuel to stop coming out of the nipple, do the screw back up, (not too tight, it's a needle seat with an O ring so real easy like). Turn the gas on, give it thirty seconds, then kick.

That doesn't sound to difficult, maybe I won't fcuk this one up. Although, I still gotta figure out what I did wrong with the fuel tap (why its leaking).

[Drew]

Although, I still gotta figure out what I did wrong with the fuel tap (why its leaking).Is it held on with a big nut, or two bolts.

Big nut, the gasket/O ring might be sitting pissed or now buggered because you tried to tighten it up by turning the whole thing.

Two bolts. Usually just a flap of petrol eaten paint doubled over so the seal can't...well...seal.

[Rhys]

The TS's use to eat plugs, if it didn't start first kick it was time for a new plug

[Matariki]

Is it held on with a big nut, or two bolts.

Big nut, the gasket/O ring might be sitting pissed or now buggered because you tried to tighten it up by turning the whole thing.

Two bolts. Usually just a flap of petrol eaten paint doubled over so the seal can't...well...seal.

Two bolts is what is connecting the fuel tap to the tank. It leaks out the front where the knob is, that is being held by one screw which is located underneath the knob.
Any suggestions on how the leakage can be fixed?

[Matariki]

Well, I think I found out what was wrong with the fuel tap. The O ring is broken and I need to replace it. Do I need to get specific Suzuki TS O rings or can I just pop down to my motorcycle store and get a pack (or whatever they come in).

Edit: I've also drained the carb.

[Drew]

Well, I think I found out what was wrong with the fuel tap. The O ring is broken and I need to replace it. Do I need to get specific Suzuki TS O rings or can I just pop down to my motorcycle store and get a pack (or whatever they come in).

Edit: I've also drained the carb.

Just get one from anywhere, to replace the O ring.

While you're out, get a new plug for it too.

[jellywrestler]

Well, I think I found out what was wrong with the fuel tap. The O ring is broken and I need to replace it. Do I need to get specific Suzuki TS O rings or can I just pop down to my motorcycle store and get a pack (or whatever they come in).

Edit: I've also drained the carb.

go and see Doug at the end of west street, he'll have one in stock, maybe a plug too, or at the very least take the plug to him and ask what he thinks of it

[Matariki]

go and see Doug at the end of west street, he'll have one in stock, maybe a plug too, or at the very least take the plug to him and ask what he thinks of it

Is Doug a member on the forums here?

[Matariki]

I've had to order an O ring for the TS from the local motorcycle store, it should be here hopefully by Friday. Fingers crossed it should fix the leakage issue.

[jellywrestler]

Is Doug a member on the forums here?

no,
pick up the phone book and go and see the man next time, greytown auto spares 245 i think west street

[jellywrestler]

I've had to order an O ring for the TS from the local motorcycle store, it should be here hopefully by Friday. Fingers crossed it should fix the leakage issue.

take care when fitting it, that's probably what damaged it in the first place

[Matariki]

Ok, so I fitted a new O ring (the fuel tap isn't leaking anymore), replaced the petrol, installed a new spark plug and it still wont start. :no:

Its not good because I had someone come out today who was interested in buying the motorcycle. I said I would get it fixed in time (by Saturday). Now I'm starting to worry.

[Matariki]

no,
pick up the phone book and go and see the man next time, greytown auto spares 245 i think west street

Do you know his last name? I had a look for a shop called Auto spares 245, there doesn't appear to be one. There is R&B motors at the end of west street (at the petrol station) but they don't service motorcycles.

[Banditbandit]

We don't want you to adjust or fix anything. There's a brass screw right at the bottom. It goes into a little nipply bit the points down.

Undo the screw, and fuel comes out the little nipple. With the fuel turned off, wait for fuel to stop coming out of the nipple, do the screw back up, (not too tight, it's a needle seat with an O ring so real easy like). Turn the gas on, give it thirty seconds, then kick.

See - moving a brass screw in what is probably an alumnium body is a worry - too easy to cross thread ... go to replace the bowl, the gasket - stuff up something else ... and then you might as well get a new carb (not wanting to scare you off or anything .. just sayin' - the potential here is big )

[Drew]

Ok, so I fitted a new O ring (the fuel tap isn't leaking anymore), replaced the petrol, installed a new spark plug and it still wont start. :no:

Its not good because I had someone come out today who was interested in buying the motorcycle. I said I would get it fixed in time (by Saturday). Now I'm starting to worry.Right. You're in mongrel territory now.

The bikes are simple, real simple. So the problem isn't gonna be a big issue, it's just a matter of finding it.

If you're not overly handy with spanners and screw drivers, I suggest you put the word out to people you know that are.

I would check for spark first. Just because I'm lazy and it's easy. If it has spark then the problem is at the carb....or terminal.

You know how to do that? Take the spark plug out of the head, then put the HT lead back on it. Rest the metal bit of the plug on the engine where you can see the electrode, and gently kick it over. If you have to hold it onto the motor, (sometimes it's best to do this to make sure you have a good ground), do it with something insulated. 50,000 volts has a tendency to do a little more than tickle.

[unstuck]

I would still try giving it a bump start, especially if it has only been sitting for a month or so and was working fine when you parked it up.

[Matariki]

I would still try giving it a bump start, especially if it has only been sitting for a month or so and was working fine when you parked it up.

I'm not sure how to bump start on a flat surface (there are no slopes where I live).

My manual suggests that the problem could be with the floats in the carb - sticking. This can happen if the TS has been left standing for an extended period of time according to my manual. The problem is that I don't want to readjust the settings on the carb. I did drain it, but the manual also suggests that I clean it. Also sometimes when I kick the kick start it makes a 'snapping' noise, the kick start isn't flopping around or anything, so I don't think anything has snapped. I checked for a spark at the spark plug, and that's working ok.

[Drew]

I'm not sure how to bump start on a flat surface (there are no slopes where I live).

My manual suggests that the problem could be with the floats in the carb - sticking. This can happen if the TS has been left standing for an extended period of time according to my manual. The problem is that I don't want to readjust the settings on the carb. I did drain it, but the manual also suggests that I clean it. Also sometimes when I kick the kick start it makes a 'snapping' noise, the kick start isn't flopping around or anything, so I don't think anything has snapped. I checked for a spark at the spark plug, and that's working ok.SWEET. Now you know it's a fuel issue. And whatever issue it is, is located in just the one place really.

Give the carb a couple sharp whacks with the handle end of a screw driver. That should get the float needle freed up if it's causing problems.

To check if it is the issue, undo the drain screw again with the fuel tap on.

[Drew]

I'm not sure how to bump start on a flat surface (there are no slopes where I live).
Oh yeah....TOW IT.

[nzspokes]

Oh yeah....TOW IT.

Bet me to it.

Rope and a car. Sorted.

[skippa1]

I'm not sure how to bump start on a flat surface (there are no slopes where I live).

Move to Howick, heaps there

[Matariki]

Great, now I have a new problem. I got the TS started, but It was reeving way too high (700rpm) :shit: So turned it off. All I did was clean the carb (with a little bit of acetone mind you. The only thing I adjusted was the float level (to the manuals specified settings). And now the TS is going nuts. Maybe the throttle cable is twisted or something... I don't know what would cause that. But at least there's nothing wrong with the kick start.

[Akzle]

Great, now I have a new problem. I got the TS started, but It was reeving way too high (700rpm) :shit: So turned it off. All I did was clean the carb (with a little bit of acetone mind you. The only thing I adjusted was the float level (to the manuals specified settings). And now the TS is going nuts. Maybe the throttle cable is twisted or something... I don't know what would cause that. But at least there's nothing wrong with the kick start.

back the idle screw out. Try again. Chech choke is off.
If fails, unscrew top of carb, lift slide and needle out, make sure it seats as it should. Re attach cable and screw back in.

[Matariki]

I'll try again in the morning, but if that doesn't work out then I'll have to summon for the mechanic... again. :facepalm:
Hopefully its just the carb that needs readjusting and not anything else.

[Akzle]

I'll try again in the morning, but if that doesn't work out then I'll have to summon for the mechanic... again. :facepalm:
Hopefully its just the carb that needs readjusting and not anything else.

it is. There isnt anything else.

[Drew]

I'll try again in the morning, but if that doesn't work out then I'll have to summon for the mechanic... again. :facepalm:
Hopefully its just the carb that needs readjusting and not anything else.

I'm with unstuck on this one. Push start the bastard.

Put it in second gear and just run beside it for a while turning the motor over.

[Banditbandit]

Great, now I have a new problem. I got the TS started, but It was reeving way too high (700rpm) :shit:

700rpm doesn't sound that high ... my bikes idle around 900 to 1,000rpm ... and I had one that was a little higher ...

[Matariki]

Bump starting on the flat is physically beyond me (as I have neurological problems with my left leg), its a kick start only too which makes things more awkward. I talked to the mechanic yesterday, they said they got the TS going mint. I'm guessing 2 strokes run on magic or something...

Edit: Just rang mechanic, he says he's too busy to come over today but based on what I told him, he thinks that there might be an issue with the throttle cable and that it needs readjusting. So I'll give that a go and see how far I get.

[Katman]

Just rang mechanic, he says he's too busy to come over today.........

Sounds fair enough - I'd probably be avoiding you too.

[Matariki]

Ok, so I didn't get very far. I don't know how to readjust the throttle cable on the TS, or what it is I should be looking for. The manual states the following (the stuff in bold are the parts I don't get);


Adjustment of the throttle is correct when there is 0.5 - 1.0mm (0.02 - 0.04 in) of free movement in the cable outer when it is pulled out of its adjuster at the carburetor top if cable adjustment is found to be incorrect, then loosen the adjuster locknut and rotate the adjuster the required amount before retightening the locknut. Initial adjustment should always be carried out at the carburetor end of the cable. Where the machine has an adjuster at the throttle twistgrip, the use this adjuster for any fine adjustment that may be necessary. Upon completion of adjustment, ensure that the throttle functions smoothly over its full operating range.

Based on this information, how do I figure out once I've adjusted correctly?
How and where do I measure the range of the cable outer?

:confused:

[Matariki]

Sounds fair enough - I'd probably be avoiding you too.

I'm trying the best I can with what I've got in terms of experience (which is none).

[Matariki]

700rpm doesn't sound that high ... my bikes idle around 900 to 1,000rpm ... and I had one that was a little higher ...

Sorry, I meant 7000 Rpm

[Katman]

With all due respect, you've been talking mechanics for the last three years and you still don't sound like you've learned a thing.

Save up and leave it to those who know what they're doing.

[Drew]

Ok, so I didn't get very far. I don't know how to readjust the throttle cable on the TS, or what it is I should be looking for. The manual states the following (the stuff in bold are the parts I don't get);



Based on this information, how do I figure out once I've adjusted correctly?
How and where do I measure the range of the cable outer?

:confused:It sounds to me, like the cable has been pulled out of it's seat at one end or the other. So, where the outer part of the cable meets the twist grip might have pulled out and be causing the slide to open in the carb. Or it could be at the other end. Either is common.

So, there's a little black rubber sleeve that goes over the cable where it meets the twist grip and another at the carb. Try sliding that rubber away from the carb and twist grip, while holding the cable outer. If the cable outer slides in a bit, you've found your problem. Alternatively, twist the throttle grip to the stop like you're giving it full gas, and wiggle the cable where it goes in to the grip and carb.

If it doesn't slide back in, (sometimes ya need to jiggle it round as the outer gets caught on the lip of the bit it seats in), then pull the rubber boot/sleeve down the cable and check to see if it's got that little bit of play. Just push and pull gently.

[Akzle]

i have had the same prob on the same bike.
It was stuck wot cos the main wasnt seating properly.
It takes about a minute to pull the top of the carb...

[Matariki]

With all due respect, you've been talking mechanics for the last three years and you still don't sound like you've learned a thing.

Save up and leave it to those who know what they're doing.

Yes, I have asked for the mechanic to come over and take the TS away for adjustments and what not, but he's unavailable today.
I respect your opinion, I am a slow learner, I admit that (I do have a learning disability). But I have learnt a few things, and I'm grateful for that.
If this thread or myself is frustrating you, then you don't have to respond, yet alone look at this thread. 2 strokes are beyond me, which is why I'm selling the TS. But in order to do that, first I need to get it up and running. I have referred to past threads I have made for any information or tips that could help me in this case, but so far I haven't had any luck.

[Matariki]

It sounds to me, like the cable has been pulled out of it's seat at one end or the other. So, where the outer part of the cable meets the twist grip might have pulled out and be causing the slide to open in the carb. Or it could be at the other end. Either is common.

So, there's a little black rubber sleeve that goes over the cable where it meets the twist grip and another at the carb. Try sliding that rubber away from the carb and twist grip, while holding the cable outer. If the cable outer slides in a bit, you've found your problem. Alternatively, twist the throttle grip to the stop like you're giving it full gas, and wiggle the cable where it goes in to the grip and carb.

If it doesn't slide back in, (sometimes ya need to jiggle it round as the outer gets caught on the lip of the bit it seats in), then pull the rubber boot/sleeve down the cable and check to see if it's got that little bit of play. Just push and pull gently.

Oh ok, thanks. That makes sense. I'll see if that fixes the problem.

[Matariki]

YAY! Its working now, and its idling happily at 2000 rpm. The problem was the throttle cable. :yes:
I am relieved. :sweatdrop

Edit: The person was going to come over has changed their mind. I've learnt my lesson; check that bike is running first before advertising it :facepalm:. The TS is still for sale here if anyone is interested (I'll be placing it on trademe soon too): http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/161344-Suzuki-TS-ER-185-4-Sale!?p=1130621608#post1130621608

[george formby]

I'm trying the best I can with what I've got in terms of experience (which is none).

I hit that wall all the time. If you don't know, you don't know. Obviously I can be of no mechanical help whatsoever beyond making tea & holding the end. If required.

[Drew]

I hit that wall all the time. If you don't know, you don't know. Obviously I can be of no mechanical help whatsoever beyond making tea & holding the end. If required.
Will you hold my end please?

[george formby]

Will you hold my end please?

Yup, just got to let me know how long & how much grip. If it looks messy I wear latex.

[Matariki]

I hit that wall all the time. If you don't know, you don't know. Obviously I can be of no mechanical help whatsoever beyond making tea & holding the end. If required.

I can get in the kitchen and make sandwiches.

[Drew]

Yup, just got to let me know how long & how much grip. If it looks messy I wear latex.Might wanna double glove then.


I can get in the kitchen and make sandwiches.Jesus titty fucken Christ! You don't wanna say stuff like that round here man.

Lemme know when the new bike won't start though. I can come visit a mate if his peado flat mate is out, and kill two birds with one stone if you're gonna make lunch!