Not starting - Fuel, electrical or poked?

[stevewederell]

Well I won't get into the long story as to why, suffice to say that my baby has been resting in the garage for last month.

I was slack and didn't bother to start her up every once and a while and therefore battery died. Read about 4.5V. No bother, charged up and happy again.

Battery back in and hit the go button and she does try to start, but doesn't kick over. I try for a little while and even have a wee run start with no luck. The battery starts to run out again and I fear if I carry on I'll poke something vital to her health.

Plug the battery in, read about 11V now. Charged up, now at 12.5.

So, what the hell is wrong with her? Should I drain the carbs? Oh, yes there is fuel BTW. Kick her, swear more?

I really need to get her to Hampton for the insurance check over - don't ask

[tri boy]

Got carbs? Drain the fuel bowls. (fuel goes stale after about 4weeks) MHO

[stevewederell]

Cool, I'll try that - tomorrow

[stevewederell]

Carbs drained - started but then died, did the same when I drained them again. Cleaned plugs and started into life for maybe 5s max, then died.

Thinking maybe drain all the fuel and throw some new stuff in, any other ideas people??

[The Pastor]

Thats what i'd be doing mate, if that doesnt work, clean the carbs, also check the spark gap etc

[tychver]

Make sure to flush the entire system through when you re do it. Nothing worse than thinking you've eliminated fuel when your float bowl is still full of 6 month old fuel.

[stevewederell]

Remember the fuel is only a month old at worst...


Righto. Tank drained. Carbs drained. Go button, drained carbs another 2 times. No more fuel anywhere.

New fuel in, go button, life...then death. Argh!

Checked carbs and #1 has good amount, 2-3 a little, #4 zippo. Hmmm.

Pulled off fuel tube linky thing that goes to carb 3-4 and is full of fuel.

Should I pull off fuel line including two tubes that lead to carbs 1-2 AND 3-4?

Going to super' to buy beer. Any tips welcome

[JMemonic]

No one has pointed this out but a battery in even reasonable condition should not lose charge over a mere four weeks, unless there is some drain on the battery.

The fuel in the outer carb etc you could try open the drain on the bottom and the fuel tap on prime to fill the carb.

It it got put away running then it should still run excluding the flat battery, that being said the Duck recently had an issue with a flat battery and in the process of attempting to start fouled the plugs.

[Ixion]

You DO have the fuel tap set to 'prime' ? Yes ? If so, remove either the fuel lines , or, better, the fuel tap filter bowl (is it full of shit). Open the fuel cap, bend over and give the fuel tank a blow job. If petrol doesn't piss out, strip and clean fuel lines and tap. (I'm assuming , as you mention crabs, that you don't have a fuel pump.)

[stevewederell]

Hmmm, fuel set to reserve, but either way, fuel is still getting out of the tank, there is some vacuum thing from carbs that work that.

Plugs were fouled a little but I cleaned them all up shight and briney.

Might have to get a trailer and drive the fekker in, kinda over this shit. I'd be riding if that little punk on the 4WD ....Grrrr

[Mom]

give the fuel tank a blow job.

Well, I would not go as far as that but...

I was going to say check your plugs, but you have. If you are confident that you have fuel, good stuff, not old stuff, getting through then I would look to the electrics again. Batteries are well known for dying in the cold.

[elevenhundred]

If the battery is poked there may not be enough juice left to fire the plugs properly while cranking the starter.
Hook up a known good battery, car or bike and give it a go or charge up the existing battery and see if you can bump start it.

[NewRob]

Hi, had the same problem. Did what you did and all...clean the plugs, tested it to see if it has spark and it did but still won't start. Change new plugs and boom....started all good. Give it a try. cheers.

[stevewederell]

Cheers everyone. I hate changing the plugs, but that would be easier that trying to push her up a trailer.

The battery seems to hold the 12.5V charge, well until I try to start her up a few times. Will sort new plugs tomorrow, that's be another $50. Really missing and can hardly wait to get back out there, I hate my cage, too many wheels!

[JMemonic]

Steve your battery should be at 13.8 volts, you need to check the voltage while cranking to see what it drops off to, unfortunately batteries don't last for ever.