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Newbie probs starting bike
- eMusicMan
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The bike was having problems starting when I first got it, and I replaced the battery which fixed everything. The bike started, with the choke all the way out, every time - no problems.
Now, though, I've had the bike for two weeks and these last few days it has been having problems starting.
1) When using the electric-ignition it sounds like the battery has plenty of power to 'turn over' the engine, but it never sparks (fires?). Generally (this has happened about three times) I run out of battery.
2) I charge the battery for about an hour and then try again - it will hesitate but then runs and once running it's OK. No problems. Yesterday took it on a longer drive and then after sitting again, it couldnt start. I was visiting Neil and he jumped it and hesitates again, but starts.
3) On Neil's advice I put some Sea Foam in the tank and fill it up - never having problems getting it started now. I did another longer-drive (about have the tank of gas) and run some of the Sea Foam through it. That was Sat morning.
4) Sunday morning (today) I tried starting it up and the thing wont go... and again I ran through the battery trying to get it to fire. SO it's charging now, with me wondering how many hundreds of dollars it's going to be to fix this!
Now, one thing that comes to mind since yesterday is that it was in the parking garage for my apartment... which has been foggy and very humid these last two days. Would sitting in a humid/foggy/wet environment stop the bike from starting? If so - what do I do?
Basically I think the battery is OK, the charging system is OK, and I know the bike runs very well once it's started... and according to our looking yesterday the plugs look pretty good too (Neil commented maybe 'lean' if anything).
Any thoughts? I'm new to bikes and engines too... should I maybe just put the bike outdoors in the sun for awhile and such?
Sorry for the long message... I'm just very confused and wanted to get what I know out there...
Thanks for the help KZ riders!
-Dustin
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- BSKZ650
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77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
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- AR15Ron
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Ron
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- eMusicMan
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I guess my thoughts on the garage was that in a high-humidity environment like my parking garage has been these last days that... maybe the air intake is taking in humid air, which doesnt ignite as easily? I dont know... newbie blabbering away here.
When I had it running yesterday I had the multimeter on it and was doing just above 14v as I recall.
Thanks again for any help and further tips/ideas...
BTW - I stopped at a gas station after getting it going for awhile and so it was off for about 5min... and started up first try! So does that further info help any?
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- BSKZ650
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77 kz650, owned for over 25 years
77 ltd1000, current rider
76 kz900, just waiting
73 z1,, gonna restore this one
piglet, leggero harley davidson
SR, Ride captian, S.E.Texas Patriot Guard Riders.. AKA KawaBob
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- donthekawguy
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Rathdrum Idaho
1971 Kawasaki g3ss
1972 Yamaha R5 350
1965 Suzuki Hillbilly
1964 Yamaha 125
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- kzwolfsr
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1979 KZ SR650, stock candy persimmon red and crossover pipes
1981 KZ 1000LTD with non stock and more comfortable handle bars and 4 into one V&H
Original man of the Caribbean
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- nads.com
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Post edited by: nads.com, at: 2007/03/26 15:00
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- eMusicMan
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Thanks for the help everyone - I think I am going to have to take it in due to the current lack of tools to work on everything. I will be in touch about what happens... (I am taking the bike in the week of the 9th).
Now to drown my sorrow...
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- JimatMilkyWay
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Hey pal; I'm with you in the "drowning my sorrow" dept.... :laugh: Now,,, do you own a DMM? If not, you can get one, cheap at Radio Shack. What, "precisely" is your cranking voltage on the _battery terminals_? When you have a "fully charged" battery, Check it when you first engage the starter, and then again after a full 30sec of cranking the engine over.....Now to drown my sorrow...
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- eMusicMan
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I always hated math, but here's a good question for y'all:
4 clinders - got it.
4 exhaust pipe - got 'em.
3 pipes are hot - dammit.
Why would one cylinder have a cold exhaust pipe? The bike runs down the road, so I cant think the cylinder is seized... but I certainly am not going to run it further. Simply a failing/failed plug?
Wow... I'm bewildered.
-D
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- eMusicMan
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