Triumphrat

TwinVee2

2002 thunderbird 9.000 miles and I can not get it started. Its charged up good and turns over good but just fires once in a while. Just bought it rode it when Ipicked it up. so I thought it was ok. any ideals why it won't start?

crazycrash

Make sure that the kickstand switch is pushed in. Also make sure that the neutral light is on. Even if it feels like it is in neutral, the light has to be on. Good luck

TwinVee2

switch and neutral light both ok and I have 13 amps on battery guess Ill try new plugs tomorrow. I have not found the right socket size yet to take a plug out to check the plugs Thanks for the help. I just got it yesterday and would like to take a ride ! Terry

crazycrash

You need an 18mm THIN WALL socket

shoggot

turns over good = the starter motor's doing it's thing, but the bike won't start?

Or do you mean that -when- it starts, it's fine, but you have trouble getting it to start, period?

If the latter, I have a similar issue. Sometimes, I'll hit the starter ( kickstand up, in neutral (rolling test), neutral light lit, and -nothing- happens. I have some small evidence that releasing the clutch a bit lets it do its thing - full clutch in, seems to be a definite fail. Not sure on this, I've only kept careful mental note of the conditions under which it'll restart for the past two or three events.

jp99tbirdnm

Sounds like your plugs are fouled. Changing the plugs should get you going. When you park your bike close the petcock, if you don't this can cause flooding and foul your plugs. To install your plugs get you a piece of fuel line and stick the tip of the plug in it. This makes starting the plugs into the head easy. You can feel if they are going in right or trying to cross thread.
Hope this helps.

__________________
I'd rather live one day as a Lion than 1000 years as a sheep.

Jerry

99 Triumph Thunderbird
05 H-D XL1200C

Tbirdnz

If it's your first time changing the plugs on a TB look at Greaser's thread which gives a step by step explanation.

Here's the link:

http://www.triumphrat.net/hinckley-c...lassics-9.html


....and the thread above that one is 'Electrical Start-up Problems' by Jimmy900 which is also worth a look.

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Ride on !

TwinVee2

I'm going to try to find a 18 mm today. Does it make a different on the plugs? Can I go to a auto parts store and tell them what I need or do I need to go to triumph dealer, which is a long drive? thanks terry

Tbirdnz

The Triumph plug socket is expensive. It is not easy getting the right size and thinness socket. Greasers thread pic shows the type you should obtain. The difficulty is the centre plug which is just under the frame, there isn't much room to manoeuvre and is impossible to remove if the socket is too long. The plug wells are deep and narrow.

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Ride on !

TwinVee2

I went to the site and printed it off that will help its just so far to a dealer but Ill have to make the trip.