Won't start
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
Gas engines run on spark, gas, and compression... just start systematically going through the possibilities. Start with the simple stuff...
Was it running well and then just all of a sudden it won't start...???
There are several things that would give you a clue where to start looking...
Checked for codes....???
Any recent service/repair/mods...???
Unlikely that once a cam chest is properly assembled, the gears would just jump out of proper timing, unless of course, something broke in the cam chest.... Have you ever checked/changed out the spring cam tensioners....???
Are you getting spark....? No spark could be caused by many things on an EFI/ECM bike. Could be something simple like a bad ground or connection, all the way up to a bad ECM...
If there is spark, compression or leak down test...???
If there is spark, compression, and it's just an over fueling issue, check the fuel injectors...???
Good luck.... with your diagnosis... be thorough, be patient, and try to look for clues that can lead you to the problem....
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 26, 2020 at 09:14 PM.
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
As said, check spark. Same drill, pretty much any engine that won't start. I really doubt your timing is off, that is so far down the list of things to look at when trouble shooting. Unless you have bike apart and didn't align the dots.
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 2
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From: San Antonio
Won't start.
Was sitting for about a month. Batt was down. Charged it. Checked fuses all ok. Used an old lawn mower plug to test only got one spark then dead. Going to get a multi meter and check coil pack
was hard to start a couple of times, but thought it was that it had been sitting. Finally started and ran fine. But now nothing. Checked for codes but none came up
was hard to start a couple of times, but thought it was that it had been sitting. Finally started and ran fine. But now nothing. Checked for codes but none came up
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 7,406
Likes: 834
From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I check spark by taking plugs out, and with them on the wire, have them touching metal. Its not perfect, and they do make tools to test the strength of the spark.
How do you check fuses without a meter?
I had a bad coil, that ohmed fine.
But if it is turning over,spark and fuel are the thigns to check. Next will be to check fuel pressure. Though back firing can be to much fuel, so I'd start with spark.
How do you check fuses without a meter?
I had a bad coil, that ohmed fine.
But if it is turning over,spark and fuel are the thigns to check. Next will be to check fuel pressure. Though back firing can be to much fuel, so I'd start with spark.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,146
Likes: 11,220
From: San Diego, CA
Was sitting for about a month. Batt was down. Charged it. Checked fuses all ok. Used an old lawn mower plug to test only got one spark then dead. Going to get a multi meter and check coil pack
was hard to start a couple of times, but thought it was that it had been sitting. Finally started and ran fine. But now nothing. Checked for codes but none came up
was hard to start a couple of times, but thought it was that it had been sitting. Finally started and ran fine. But now nothing. Checked for codes but none came up
Make sure to load test the battery. A bad battery will sometimes take and show a full charge. You'll think it's good to go, until a load is applied.... a starter motor is a significant load
The load test will either rule out the battery, then you can continue your other diagnostic checks..... or the load test will tell you the battery needs to be replaced....
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