Triumphrat

peterk · 02-20-2010, 08:51 AM

Rode the 98 Daytona 2 weeks ago, got soaked, put the bike away, shed got flooded 2 weeks of heavy rain, now bike won't start! All the lights came on except headlights, and stayed on including all 4 blinkers (not flashing just illuminated), bike wont turn over. Is this just a dead battery or something more sinister? Turned ignition off, lights still on??? Only way to get lights off is to disconnect battery. Its the weekend here, can't get bike to auto electrician as i won't start but will take battery on Monday to determine it's condition, a reasonable starting point I thought, any ideas?
Also went to remove tank to look at wiring and spray some WD40 around, removed back bolt and loosened 2 front bolts but tank wont budge, what am I missing (besides my brain).
Any advise, ideas appreciated, thanks...

bradtx · 02-20-2010, 09:15 AM

peterk, I have to remove the bolts at the front of the gas tank to remove it. The rubber disks come out with the tank. There are two electrical connectors, besides the fuel lines that need to be disconnected, just in case.

Left hand switch gear looks like a good place to start as turn signals and wiring for a manual lights switch (even if there's no actual switch) reside there. After two weeks there's the possibility of corrosion (I take it that the bike wasn't submerged, but more or less not accessable.)

While unlikely the starter can't turn the engine due to water in the cylinders, it's still a consideration and worth pulling the plugs before trying to spin the engine again. Did you try to spin the engine after the fuses were removed?

Brad

MarkShelley · 02-20-2010, 04:08 PM

On my `97 T595 there is a small electrical connector on the wires that go from the left clutch/switchgear. Sometimes this comes loose and the bike will not even turn over. A quick squeeze together and all is sorted. I think it has something to do with the circuit that stops the bike from starting unless you have the clutch pulled in.
Worth a try. Good luck!

peterk · 02-21-2010, 04:59 AM

Firstly thanks to bradtx and MarkShelley for your imput from 'downunder'. Parked the Tona in the hot sun (thought it may dry moisture, desperate measures) after work today and managed to get the tank off (shame I can't get it back on now, another story), pulled both sets of switch gear apart and sprayed wd40, sprayed every wire and connector i could find, started getting dark so pushed her back into the shed, sat the tank in place, re-connected everything, put the batter in and connected, had the fingers crossed turned key and the headlights came on and the ecu did its little whirl noise, YES, i'm very encouraged, hit the started and it turns over a couple of times but battery is very obviously almost dead, so stop, (have read the posts about possible starter sprag damage from low battery). Will take battery to get charged tomorrow and if i can get the bolts back thru the not very well aligned holes will secure tank and i will be a very happy chappy!!! Yee Ha...

bradtx · 02-21-2010, 10:17 AM

peterk, Congrats for the progress so far. Even if the airbox isn't removed (can be a story of it's own to properly install), the tank can require a bit of muscling to align. Double check that there aren't any hoses or wiring harnesses interfering.

Brad

peterk · 02-23-2010, 07:30 AM

Yep that's what was required Brad, a bit of muscling, all back together now. Decided to buy my own battery charger (hopefully tomorrow) rather than taking the battery to the shop. I know it will run low again, so might just give it a charge every month or so and hopefully keep it healthy...

bradtx · 02-23-2010, 08:05 AM

peterk, That charger may save you it's price ten times over. If you would, please put your model year in your profile for the future.

Brad

peterk · 02-26-2010, 07:35 AM

You are right Brad about the charger. Gave the battery a charge, back in and fired up nicely!!! will try and sort the profile thingy...