Triumphrat

CrazyCroc · 02-04-2005

I can't believe what I did tonight! I put down my Legend on it's left side at very low speed, (less than 5 mph). The bike doesn't look too bad off, although I need to get a better peak in daylight. (no physical damage to me ... just emotional).

Something is really puzzling me though - although it seems that everything is connected, I cannot restart the motorcycle. It has plenty of juice (lights come on, etc.) but when I try to start it, it won't even turn over or anything. Zero response. Seems like an electrical thing maybe.

At this point I'm probably going to just get it in to my Triumph shop. I'd like to hear if there is anything else in particular that I should get checked after putting a bike over like that. Worried about fluids going somewhere they are not supposed to, that sort of thing.

- Anthony

durkster · 02-05-2005

It could have dislodged / damaged the sidestand lockout switch or perhaps the clutch lockout switch., of course many other things may have gone wrong instead.

Check for any battery leaks that may have occured as getting acid off before it does any damage might be advisable.

Good luck

upNorth · 02-05-2005

Check the kill switch next to the right hand grip.

:whoops:

fbird · 02-05-2005

Definetely check the kill switch, did the same thing on my TBS, pushed it home then realized it.

CrazyCroc · 02-05-2005

thanks for the replies. Definitely tried the kill switch ... that is if by Kill Switch you are referring to the large red engine cut off switch on the top of the right grip. Of course if you are referring to something else, then I'm probably missing it ...

Got a better look at her in daylight today. Seems generally okay. It was a grass landing so only minor scratching.

Quote:

It could have dislodged / damaged the sidestand lockout switch or perhaps the clutch lockout switch., of course many other things may have gone wrong instead.

On this one Durkster, how do I check the clutch lockout switch? Obviously I still need to get my hands on the repair manual. I just got the bike in December. (picture me crying ...)

Anthony

MickMaguire · 02-05-2005

I wish I had seen this thread before now.

If a "classic" 900 Triumph falls on its left hand side, especially with the engine running there is a real danger of destroying the engine. what happens is that oil comes up the crankcase breather pipe and enters the airbox. If the bike is on it's side long enough the quantity of oil will be sufficient to cause the engine to hydraulically lock with damage to pistons, rods etc. This can and does happen! It may have happened to your bike, and yes it may have caused serious damage.

Before you do anything else you need to do the following:

You need to pull oil the plug from the airbox drain and let the oil that has got into the airbox out. The airbox drain tube comes down the left side of the bike and the end can be found underneath near the rear suspension linkage, it has a 1" long plastic plug in it. You need to pull out this plug and let the oil out. Do not leave the plug out or you will suck dirty air in from the road surface and foul the air filter. Next remove the spark plugs and chase it over before you restart to clear the bores of oil. If there is oil in the bores it will come flying out of the plug holes and make a mess. Clean the plugs and refit them, then, and only then shoudl you attempt a restart.

My usual advice is, if the bike falls on it's left get to the kill switch immediately. If the bike has been on its left side for more than a fraction of a minute or the bike stalled on its left side do not even attempt to start the engine until you have done the above, as the lock can occur on the restart attempt.

02-06-2005

had the trouble myself m8 oil breather is on left side so ya air filter fills with oil £45 to replace with genuine triumph if the bike was on the floor for 30+ secs chances r filter is flooded with oil .i just replaced and topped up with oil and got away with it

hope this helps @ least you aint the only one

CrazyCroc · 02-06-2005

thanks again for more replies, fellas.

Quote:

Next remove the spark plugs and chase it over before you restart to clear the bores of oil.

Mick, on this part of your post, can you clarify 'chase it over'. Do I need to blow it out with air or something? Also, if I find oil in the airbox, is it also an automatic that I should replace the air filter like skip-rat mentions. Any input on the clutch lockout switch? Thanks for all your help.

- Anthony

PS, Mick - GO PATS! Assuming your a fan of course, being in New Hampshire. I'm in NC now with USMC, but originally from Maine (Springvale/Sanford).

MickMaguire · 02-06-2005

Sorry - 'chase it over' reeals my English origin! :-D

I mean pull all the plugs out then use the starter motor to spin the engine - it wil spin fairly fast and easily with no compression, and if there is oil in there it will come flying out of the spark plug holes. If the starter wont work with the plugs out then hydraulic lock (as described above) is not your problem - but this always needs to be checked first thing after a left hand spill like you had.

It's best to change the filter if you have flooded the engine with oil, but if you have drained the airbox (which contains the filter) it will be safe to start the bike up to check everything is ok. Basicly the answer to changing the filter lies in the "how much oil" got up there question. If it has been enough to stop you starting the bike then the answer is likely yes you will need to change it.

Hope this helps! Let us know how you get on.

TexasTri · 02-22-2005

CrazyCroc,
Did you ever get this thing figured out? What did it take to get it going? Inquiring minds want to know. :-D