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Starting problem...sometimes

1K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  jdthaw 
#1 ·
I read through some other posts about starting problems and while some are close I didn't quite find an exact copy. So here goes

I've never had a problem starting the bike if its the first start of the day. Starts fine with choke every morning
If I ride the bike, turn it off to get gas or go into the store or whatever and come back shortly after words, it starts fine also.
Where I have had problems 3 times now is when I'll ride the bike, park it for an hour or two (to go to class), come back and it has trouble firing. 'll hold the starter button and it will make the starter whizing sound but no engine start. I'll usually stop after a second, give it more choke, and fiddle the throttle a little while a try it. Once I hear the engine start turning is when I'll hit the throttle and it will come to life.
Now I've read about the sprag clutch and I truely hope it is not that. I went to a dealer to ask them and they said the next time it happens to hold the start button and feel if any exhaust is coming out of the pipes (indicating the engine is cranking). He said it might just be the fuel in the carbs vaporizing (or something) from the heat of the engine since it only happens when its been sitting for a bit after being hot.

Any ideas?
 
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#2 ·
It sounds like you're saying it's cranking over on the starter ok but won't fire immediately, is that right?

If that's the case, 1st thing I'd do is pull the carbs to clean them, particularly the pilot jets. If the pilot fuel screw blanking plugs haven't been removed you could do that too & reset the screws to 2.5 turns out. This will improve starting - they tend to be set rather lean, esp the US models. You'll find plenty of info here on this doing a search.

Things like the battery, spark plugs, connections etc need to be in good order too.
 
#3 ·
guess...

I don't think you have to worry about the sprag clutch..maybe some others could chime in... if your sprag is bad...you'd hear MAJOR clanking, ratteling, apparently it would be unmistakable... so..only a guess...I agree with the shop... I would check every rubber hose, tube, cap, plug that has to do with the fuel system..heat is causing some rubber? part to change affecting somehow, vapor?... fuel flow?... I think it is something relatively simple maybe small...but hard or time consuming to find...are the spark plug caps pushed down tight on the plugs??..are the connections tight and good for the 3 coils under the tank?
I have to say.. it is true for these bikes...when bought used...(I've had 2 '98 TBS's) generally speaking, you have to go though systems to insure best running...especially fuel, carbs,plugs.. air intake..true for all older bikes...
 
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