OK, quick background: 1999 883 > 1340cc , mikuni carb, andrews cams.

I rode this bike non-stop all last year. It wouldn't start about 2 months ago, so I checked and had fouled plugs, just build-up over time, not a sudden thing. I put new plugs in, and it started immediately. I also bought a new battery and it is always on the battery tender.

Now, on a fully charged battery, with brand new gas, and I even pulled the carb (looks clean) and it just will not fire up. You can hear the starter solenoid trying like crazy until it drains the battery down, but won't fire up. I haven't changed any jetting or anything since it sat for about 3 weeks. Should start no problem. I do get some backfires / fireballs, from giving it too much gas. We tested, and it has spark.

So, an intake vacuum leak? Relay issue? Some sensor or ignition? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Thanks,
Jimmy

 

So ..to clarify,the motor is turning over ..but will not start ..?? Have you checked the voltage on the battery ? .have you checked battery cable connections .?

 

Do you mean the relay is clicking away repeatedly, or the starter is turning the engine over without starting? If the engine is not turning over, then either the battery is not fully charged (the usual symptom), or there is another problem.

 

Try performing a leak down test. That could at least get you pointed in the right direction. If it passes the leak down you at least know it isn't mechanical. Then I'd start with the fuel system. Just because the carb "looks clean" doesn't mean it is. Remove the carb again and try spraying carb cleaner through all of the jets. Make sure it's coming out the other end.

 

Well, not really...

You could be missing the pushrods, lifters and rockers and still get a good leakdown test...

But it doesn`t matter anyway. The OP is long gone I think...never even came back to see if his question was answered.

 

three things are needed for any engine to start fuel spark compression for spark use a tester plug ground side of plug bent completely away from electrode spark should jump 100 thou gap for it too be able too fire under compression try alternate fuel source keeping face and all fuel sources at a safe distance check compression with known good tester throttle wide open when cranking engine should read minimum 140 psi