She's Not Starting Captain

[Heed]

I've had my lovely '96 M900 tucked up for winter just starting her and running ocaasionally. I was out on the bike 2 weeks ago and she was starting fine. Upon trying to start her a few days ago she woulnd't start and the starter motor seemed sluggish. I've bought an optimate and left that connected for a few days and now the battery is fine.

However she still won't start. By the smell of things I have fuel present as I can smell it if I remove the air filter. I'm guessing that it's no spark. I need to get the plugs out and check them but can't at the moment as I need to get a long reach 18mm socket. Assuming that there isn't a sprk where is a good place to start checking? I'm no genius with bike engines so feel free to completely insuly intelligence. I'm good with the elcrics/electronics but don't know my coils from my carbs!

Any ideas would be massively appreciated as the tail chop is now complete and she's looking good for the road.

[nik_the_brief]

Obviously the first move is to make sure there is a spark - if there isn't then that'll be your problem!

Here's a link to a page i found that may help a little - http://www.800-airwolf.com/pdffiles/ARTICLES/part%2058.pdf

Or try having a look here - http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=26550

or

http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=26351


Good luck.

[carrot]

I had a similar problem last year the kill switch had corroded over winter so after a quick clean up it worked fine. :gromit:

[Heed]

If the kill switch had corroded the bike wouldn't turn over though. I should have said that the last time I had the bike out the starter button stuck in and was in for 10 mins or so before I realised. Not sure if this could damage anything as the motor seems to be working properly and is turning the engine.

Cheers for the help so far guys.:mand:

[Scotty]

yes it would kill switch only kills the spark

[Heed]

For some reason on my bike the kill switch kills everything. I've just been and checked it while I was checking out the spark plugs. I can't get my plugs out as I can't get a long reach 18mm socket until dinnertime but I tried another plug in the lead and it's sparking brightly. I'm going to change my plugs to be on the safe side but can't do that until I get the 18mm deep socket.

Any other things to try before then? Thanks for the advice so far guys. I feel like I'm actually getting somewhere with the fault now.

[nik_the_brief]

If it's sparking brightly and there's a strongish smell of fuel are you sure you've not just flooded the carbs when trying to start up?

Easiest thing to do is to take out the plugs once you've got your socket and let the fuel evaporate. Then replace them and try again.

It's a good idea to inspect the plugs too, it may be that they're in need of replacement and that may be your problem. Since they're not that expensive you may want to replace them anyway to eliminate that possibility.

Just a thought.

[Heed]

Cheers Nik. I got hold of a deep dish 18mm socket and removed the spark plugs, cleaned them up and put them back in. She started first time. :D

So I'll be getting some new iridium plugs tonight. Any reccomendations on good plugs for a carbed monster?

[nik_the_brief]

My pleasure - glad to help - try here --> http://www.ukmonster.co.uk/monster/showthread.php?t=26762&highlight=iridium

[Heed]

Looks like it's NGK iridiums then. Thanks again Nik.

[carrot]

NGK Iridium All the way! bike behaved ever since I put them in :thumbsup: