My bike seldom sits for more than a few days at a time. I started it to ride to work the other day, it ran about 5 seconds and died. It will turn over but not start. I've checked everything I can think of and some others have suggested. The only code it shows is one for an O2 sensor running rich. I don't hear the fuel system pressure up when I turn on the run switch. All the fuses are good. I was told by an HD service tech it was a system relay. So I dropped the $10 bucks for one but I can't find one on the bike that looks like what I bought.

Any thoughts?

 

Does it have a tach signal when cranking? If not, look at the crank sensor. Should really start with the basics. Do you have a FSM?

 

When you turn your ignition on the fuel pump should run and if it doesn't get a signal from the Crank Position Sensor in 2 seconds it shuts off. If the pump doesn't turn on with ignition switch check the fuse and system relay in the drawing below. I believe you can swap the brake and system relay. Look at the fuse block diagram and see if it's the same as your bike.
Good Luck

 

So, I've replaced the system relay on ecm fuse block. No change and then I changed out the crank sensor with the same result. cranks but no start...

 

You are assuming that the problem is electrical. It could also be fuel related. Does the fuel pump prime when you turn the system on?

 

My very first reply asked if he had a FSM. Unless he starts with a systematic approach, it's just going to be guessing and the parts shotgun. More time and money will be wasted than the cost of the FSM. In fact, it already has cost more in parts than a FSM.

 

Yes I have an FSM, yes the fuel pump runs when the ignition switch is turned, yes the tach needle moves when cranking. The troubleshooting starting chapter in the FSM mentions several fuel related sensors, but it smells of wasted fuel when cranking. Battery reads 12.9 after charging...I pulled a plug and cranked it, got spark but looked weak to me, maybe I didn't have it grounded good enough?

 

Does the IAC plunger move in and out when key is turned on/off? If not, it could be as simple as a stuck IAC.

Does bike start if you give it throttle while cranking?

Did you do a fuel pressure test?

Was the plug wet when it smelled like fuel? If not, did you check the other one?

To properly check spark the plugs must be installed and an inline spark tester used. You have to test for spark under compression and also if both plugs are out the Delphi system won't know when to throw spark.

How many miles are on the bike? Has it ever had a fuel filter?

 

Did you throw a code?

 

@ Ed
1) I've not checked the IAC.
2) I have cracked the throttle before cranking but not during.
3) no
4) plugs are not wet
5) I did not use a inline tester
6) the trike has about 20K miles, I've never changed fuel filter