GN250 Not starting cold

[Stella]

I am a total newbie, got the bike a month ago, so PLEASE don't use even basic jargon (or if you do, explain it so I can learn :)

It won't start cold.
Sometimes it does, but it is getting to the point of the ratio of starting issues to starting correctly is tipped badly...

It is making all the right starting noises (starter motor?) but it doesn't... 'catch'(?) and start.
I tried it tonight (and am now FUMING at it) and it made a few 'almost there' noises at the start but wouldn't go.

Choke tried at various points of in, half or out.
Lights off so not to overtax the battery (just in case).
Battery seems charged, tried for ages and it is only just starting to sound weaker.
Even flicked it on to reserve tank just in case (don't know if that works from standing).
I don't use the kill switch.
Starts fine if it is warm and I stall it.

A friend looked at the spark plug numerous times. First time it was barely in and black as hell. Sorted that. Worked a bit better but still dodgy. Then cleaned the contacts(?) a bit more. Better but still dodgy. Last time someone else who seemed to know more of what he was doing pushed the contacts(?) closer, worked immediately and the next morning. Now it won't go again.

I am so sick of this. Just want to cry each time. I am just learning and only want to worry about that, not what the #$%^& to do *when* it doesn't go and I get stuck somewhere on my own!!!

:crybaby:

[NighthawkNZ]

Once its running does it run ok... or does it stall sound like its running wrong etc.???

Does it sound like its firing eg: trying to start and back firing etc...

if not check the spark plug... check you have a spark... (if not get new spark plug)
check ignation cable to the spark plug is properly and securely on. replace if needed.
check the terminals to the battery are tight. Loose batter terminal connections can cause these type of issues.
Ensure the kill switch is switched to on/run not off/kill (even happens to us older fellas... yes I did see you say you don't use it... but it can be easily knocked) :doh:


if you are getting a good spark,

check the fuel line, reserve tap. I can't remember if the GN has a prime gravity feed or not ensure no blockages.

Does only happen when you are running low on fuel... there could be shit in the tank and as the fuel gets lower the shit blocks the fuel filter... If this is the case fully drain the tank wash, and use clean fresh fuel.

[Stella]

Thanks for the reply :)

The spark was tested on monday, apparently it is fine.

It is not backfiring (big loud bang that would scare the crap out of me, right?)

I have no idea what an ignition cable is, will get my friend to look. Ditto for battery terminals check. Ditto fuel line.

I don't think the amount of fuel is changing the starting likelihood.

I thought if the kill switch was on it wouldn't make any noise at all?

Stella

[98tls]

If kill switch is on it will still turn over fine.........just wont start........pay to check as many have fallen foul of that one.......myself included.

[Stella]

Thanks, will check that tomorrow. Guess it is possible I knocked it while taking the bike-cosy off.

Stella

*edit* but that wouldn't have been the case every other time it has not started at first then eventually gone....

[rainman]

If kill switch is on it will still turn over fine.........just wont start........pay to check as many have fallen foul of that one.......myself included.

Not on my GN. If the kill switch is on you can press the starter all you like, nuffink will happen... It's like having the key turned to the off position.

[Steve 555]

Ditto with my gn if kill switch is on it will not turn over

[98tls]

Not on my GN. If the kill switch is on you can press the starter all you like, nuffink will happen... It's like having the key turned to the off position. Damn...........sorry guys i just figured it would be the same as mine.........my apoligizes for putting you wrong stella...........

[Squiggles]

Just replace the sparkplug (take out the old one with the appropriate tool) and take it down to supercheap/repco/whatever bike shop and get a new one of the same type, should be about $7.


charge the battery (remove the right side cover, unscrew the wee bolts holding on the red wire and the black wire without touching both at once ;) ) then charge as you would a normal batt (removing yellow plugs, topping up with water to high mark on side of batt for all the cells if neccessary, then sticking it on the charger for a few hours, keep the battery and plugs away from ya clothes and bike, and wash ya hands afterwards or ya get holey jeans like mine :bye: )

250 single, small batt, a few hard starts and she'll eat up the juice and give ya a crap spark.

[Squiggles]

might help to add a bit of meths to the tank incase ya somehow got water in there but i wouldnt do that just yet, but i wouldnt bother trying that till ya replace the sparkplug and charge it standard sparkplug is a NGK D8EA incase its been swapped during your efforts

[Drum]

First stop has to be a new plug, surely.

[Conquiztador]

If she started better after the gap on the plug had been altered, then you either:
- have a poor plug,
- you cleaned the plug while altering the gap and thats why she started better but soon you got the plug clogged up again.
- Or perhaps the choke is on and by taking plug out you managed to dry the plug out enuf to get her started.

As the man said: Star by getting a new plug.

From your explanation re your understanding of the bike I think your best bet is to get someone who knows what he/she is doing to have a look at her. We just can not have you giving up biking so easily!!!

So anyone on here from PN and prepared to give Stella a hand???

Or U could buy a can of "Start ye Bastard" and give her a helping hand when cold... Amazing stuff that. Even starts my fire when I only have wet firewood. ;-)

[Stella]

thanks for the ideas.

I will get a new spark plug today.

Looking in the stuff my bike came with it got a new plug June '06 (when it had a 6,000km service, also got serviced in December at 11,000km, now at nearly 15,000km).

Thanks for asking Conquiztador, I would really appreciate if someone who lives locally would help.

Had a terrible sleep and still venting about it :angry:

[davereid]

Hi Stella

A black spark plug generally means the plug is fouling up. Its often caused by a gentle riding style, and around town use.

When you buy a new spark plug, take the old one in. They will be able to provide you with a plug that is a heat range hotter, and it will cope better with your riding style. They will also be able to set the plug gap for you.

Bikes that are hard to start when cold, but are easy to start when warm may have a dodgy choke. A warm engine needs less fuel to start than a cold one. The choke provides the extra fuel.

I have had bikes that are very touchy about choke. Sometimes its just technique - my XT400 would start well from cold if I gave it full choke and no throttle. Any throttle would cause trouble, and the bike would never start.

A second problem may be the valve clearances. As you use your bike, your valve clearances tend to change. If they decrease, it causes hard starting. Its easy for a shop to fix.

I'm not in Palmy, but if you don't find someone local to help, I'm in Levin so not too far away, just message me.

[swbarnett]

I had a little trouble starting my cold GN right from the start. I'm not sure if you'r e problem is the same but I've found the following works a treat - Pull the choke out all the way, press the starter button but don't turn the throttle. Once the engine fires up reduce the choke until it's idling at about 1000 to 1500rpm. Then either wait for the engine to heat up or just push the choke in fully at the next intersection.

[Steve 555]

I just let her run for a while to warm engine up before leaving

[Stella]

Well, I finally got so frustrated I told the shop to take it away and FIX it (needed the rear brake looked at anyway).

Turns out it was probably mostly me. As swbarnet said, they don't like any throttle when starting. :o So now she starts perfectly, first time....

A bit embarrassing, but no one had ever said, and the friend who has been helping me has to give throttle on his, so I copied.

At least it didn't cost too much, and I like my bike again,which is the main thing :)

(and I have subsequently found someone who is his own mechanic who can help me in the future)

[rainman]

Good result, and good onya for not giving up!

Happy riding...