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Bummer - Won't Start
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:58 am
by FalcoJock
Well, I'm typing this instead of going on the mission I had planned for this morning. She won't start. Engine is turning over fine, but no hint that it will fire up. I think she has been sitting unridden for too long. Mid November outing for an MOT then about three weeks ago for a short blast (started first time then).
A bit more charge in the battery and try again, then the mission will have to be done by car.
Hey ho...
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 11:23 am
by DavShill
This is not uncommon. There are a few threads on the "turning over but won't fire up" subject. Usually means its flooded with unburnt fuel. Try.... no fast idle, throttle fully open and hit the starter. When she fires up settle her quickly on the fast idle. It's happened to me twice and this advice worked for me.
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 11:32 am
by DavShill
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 12:06 pm
by FalcoJock
Thanks DS, I've tried the full throttle technique (used it before) but no good. It might be bad fuel as suggested in the thread. It has been a couple of months last since being filled. I'll get some fresh and try again.
Also drained the battery to the point of a panel reset, which hasn't happened for a long time. Still, sun's trying to come out - maybe this afternoon I'll get going.
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 1:48 pm
by D-Rider
Have you got sparks?
Pull your plugs and while they're out clean and gap them and then test to see if they're sparking (usual way - connect them in the plug cap and lay them so that the threaded part is resting on the head - and turn the engine over .... making sure you don't grab hold of the plug ...)
Oh and take care when removing the plugs - especially on the front cylinder - a lot of road crap / grit can accumulate there - you don't want that falling in your engine.
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 3:55 pm
by FalcoJock
Sparks fine. I had lost faith that it was just flooded but a quick call to a local friendly expert convinced me to leave it a couple of hours and try again using the anti-flood technique and it fired up straight away.
So I've been for a 50 mile run - no problems - and mission accomplished.
Going out with the IAM group tomorow so that'll definitely give it a good run...
Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 4:59 pm
by DavShill
Been too wet, slippy and foggy here today. Hopefully going out tomorrow.
Glad you've got it sorted.

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 7:46 pm
by HowardQ
Same down our way as well Dave.
Have a good run FalcoJock, hope you enjoy it.
Fingers crossed it's a bit better round here.
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2010 2:29 pm
by FalcoJock
Just got back. Brilliant run (1st this year) 90+ mile round trip. Falco behaved impecably and started first touch this morning - excellent. The roads looked a bit damp, but she felt sure footed and I didn't get left behind even though "progress" was order of the day.
Do I really need to fit the replacement shock???
Happiness!