Won't Start
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 94
Won't Start
Ok, she won't go. Got my clutch all figured out, but this thing will not go!!! I've got good fire in the plugs, and she'll turn over and over, but won't catch. dosn't even sputter. will just turn till the battery goes dead. have good gas, and good gas to the carb, good fire, all connections are good, what in the world could I be missing?
maybe my clutch is too tight? will that keep it from goin?
maybe my clutch is too tight? will that keep it from goin?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 7,481
Likes: 3,677
From: Santa Klaus County, Cali
RE: Won't Start
Are you sure your timing is right..You don't say what year the bike is...pre 70 a bad condenser can defintely f*** things up....points not gapped properly can lead to no start as well. If the clutch is too tight that means that it will clunk into gear when you put it in 1st and when you try to drive away it probably die,,,will not pevent it from starting tho...
Novice
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
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From:
RE: Won't Start
Imboden,
First, could you tell us the year of your bike and components? Are you running points? Was any changes made prior to it not starting? You checked the battery, connections, fuel, spark. From just these factors, it is probably a timing issue. If it hasn't started, give us more info. Maybe we can walk you through statically timing it and get that sucker starting again.
First, could you tell us the year of your bike and components? Are you running points? Was any changes made prior to it not starting? You checked the battery, connections, fuel, spark. From just these factors, it is probably a timing issue. If it hasn't started, give us more info. Maybe we can walk you through statically timing it and get that sucker starting again.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,967
Likes: 94
RE: Won't Start
Ok fellers, still won't go. will turn over like crazy, have spark, gas, point set right.... only changes were a clutch adjustment and a replacement of the nuts that hold my jugs on. I was sure to only replace one at a time so I wouldn't break a seal there, so I can't even imagine that would be an issue.
any ideas? can I check my timing without a timing light? or should I run down to napa and get a timing light?
any ideas? can I check my timing without a timing light? or should I run down to napa and get a timing light?
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Won't Start
From what you say, you are running a points system. With the key on and cranking the engine, do you see any spark when the points break between the point surfaces? Try a test light to the lead on the points and open the points and see if it lights. Do you have a pulsating spark at the plug lead? May be a bad condenser also.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 19
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From:
RE: Won't Start
OK. This is bad, but I'm going to assume that you have a nose cone shovel and that all you said above it correct about having spark, good gas, battery connections etc...
Static timing (down and dirty):
1. pull your front intake push rod cover off to expose your pushrod
2. take out your engine timing hole-left side of case
3. Rotate your motor until the points block is on the highest part of the cam. Then set your points gap at .018 (70's or later model)
3. Now rotate your motor to set timing on the front cylinder compression stroke-see the advance timing mark through the hole. Should be a single vertical line. Also, your intake valve lifter will come down to its lowest position to let you know you are on the compression stroke in the front cylinder.
5. Now that you have your advance timing mark in the middle of your timing hole and your point is gapped, your are ready to static time.
6. Loosen the two screw holding your advance assembly. To start the points need to be closed. Turn on your ignition. Now advance (turn clockwise) slowly until the points begin to slightly open and spark. Lock down your advance assembly plate.
7. Plug your inspection hole and give her a go.
This should get your bike started so you can fine tune your timing with a timing light, but I have good experience with static timing. Good luck.
Static timing (down and dirty):
1. pull your front intake push rod cover off to expose your pushrod
2. take out your engine timing hole-left side of case
3. Rotate your motor until the points block is on the highest part of the cam. Then set your points gap at .018 (70's or later model)
3. Now rotate your motor to set timing on the front cylinder compression stroke-see the advance timing mark through the hole. Should be a single vertical line. Also, your intake valve lifter will come down to its lowest position to let you know you are on the compression stroke in the front cylinder.
5. Now that you have your advance timing mark in the middle of your timing hole and your point is gapped, your are ready to static time.
6. Loosen the two screw holding your advance assembly. To start the points need to be closed. Turn on your ignition. Now advance (turn clockwise) slowly until the points begin to slightly open and spark. Lock down your advance assembly plate.
7. Plug your inspection hole and give her a go.
This should get your bike started so you can fine tune your timing with a timing light, but I have good experience with static timing. Good luck.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2005
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RE: Won't Start
now that you mention it, I went out and checked for spark between the points when I crank it and there isn't anything. does that mean bad condenser?
how do I test light the lead on the points?
how do I test light the lead on the points?
ORIGINAL: glide
From what you say, you are running a points system. With the key on and cranking the engine, do you see any spark when the points break between the point surfaces? Try a test light to the lead on the points and open the points and see if it lights. Do you have a pulsating spark at the plug lead? May be a bad condenser also.
From what you say, you are running a points system. With the key on and cranking the engine, do you see any spark when the points break between the point surfaces? Try a test light to the lead on the points and open the points and see if it lights. Do you have a pulsating spark at the plug lead? May be a bad condenser also.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,281
Likes: 8
From:
RE: Won't Start
ORIGINAL: imboden
now that you mention it, I went out and checked for spark between the points when I crank it and there isn't anything. does that mean bad condenser?
how do I test light the lead on the points?
now that you mention it, I went out and checked for spark between the points when I crank it and there isn't anything. does that mean bad condenser?
how do I test light the lead on the points?
ORIGINAL: glide
From what you say, you are running a points system. With the key on and cranking the engine, do you see any spark when the points break between the point surfaces? Try a test light to the lead on the points and open the points and see if it lights. Do you have a pulsating spark at the plug lead? May be a bad condenser also.
From what you say, you are running a points system. With the key on and cranking the engine, do you see any spark when the points break between the point surfaces? Try a test light to the lead on the points and open the points and see if it lights. Do you have a pulsating spark at the plug lead? May be a bad condenser also.