Sudden cut out, won’t turn over

[anzacinexile]

so removed a spark plug in each cylinder and tried to move I manually, couldn’t move it.

How?

I would get her on a stand and put it in 6th and try gently to turn the motor over. Trying to turn it over in any of the lower gears (even with the plugs out) is really tight

[Noeli0]

Thanks Anzac, my last machines (inline 4’s) I’ve managed to turn the motor manually in 3rd, but not the falco, got it turning in 6th though,- whew thought I’d goosed the engine.

Got the starter out (with effort) and it’s ok so it looks like a new solenoid for me. Still can’t understand why it just suddenly died, can a battery just give up the ghost like that? It’s the only reason I could think that’s why the clocks reset.

[Willopotomas]

It's rare for a duff battery to cause problems while the engine is being run as the alternator will supply the electricity needs. The only explanation for a good battery to turn bad in a short space of time would be faulty regulation. The battery should be getting around 14v when the engine is running. Any more than this and it'll boil dry, over heat and short out. The battery shorting will put a massive load on the alternator which in turn will over heat and fail.

While the engine is running, use a DVM (digital volt meter) to test both rectification and regulation. To test rectification, set the DVM to DV Volts and probe across the battery.. You should be getting around the 14v mark. Switch the DVM to AC Volts and probe again, you should be getting 0v. If regulation is the issue, the voltage will be way over 14v DC and will be erratic.

To rule out the starter solenoid, use an insulated screwdriver short the terminals. This will by-pass the circuit and send power direct to the starter motor. If the motor turns the solenoids gone for a burton.. But this wouldn't cause a sudden shut down.

There could be many explanations for it.. Let's hope it's not intermittent as that'll really make you scratch your head!

[anzacinexile]

Phew, that's a relief

I got a Fazer as my work hack and I can bump her no worries but the Falco - forget it. Those 2 big pistons take some shifting

As Willo says, try the screwdriver across the terminals trick but be prepared for sparks

[Noeli0]

bypassed the relay with a piece of wire - not the best idea lots of sparks and got very warm, but it did turn the starter
so I will get a new relay and then take a look at the volts - thanks Willopotomas