Triumphrat

barriec · 06-07-2006

hello all,

i changed the spark plugs on my 2002 speed triple, and it won't start. in considering the potential problems, i have two ideas (any help or other insight much appreciated)...

first, i did go back and put the original spark plugs back in...just in case the problem was the new plugs.

first option: when i pulled the left hand plug some water went down into the hole (as most of you are aware, water gathering around the plugs is a problem with our bikes). when i pulled the new plugs out after the bike wouldn't start, the plug end was wet > was not oil, it was water.

would one plug having no spark be enough to keep the bike from starting?

can someone remind me how to test for spark on a speed triple?

second option: i reconnected the wiring wrong...on this one, i'll just have to go back over it a third time.

any other ideas? (i've made sure the emergency stop switch is turned on). it's sort of flabbergasting > this bike has started flawlessly every single time since new, and now a spark plug change causes it to not start.

thanks in advance,

barrie

Captain_Rat · 06-07-2006

,Bump>

barriec,

That's a tough one. It certainly seems like the water that went down there is killing your spark. It's been a while since I pulled the plugs. Is there room enough to stick something attached to coat hanger to sop it up (cut up sponge maybe)?

Capt.

greenocktriple · 06-07-2006

Suggest you could turn the engine over with plug removed try and clear it that way ,but sounds as if you have either got your leads mixed up or knocked a wire loose somewhere, if you hold the plug against the engine casing whilst turning the engine over (use something insulated) you should see a spark across the gap if not its definately a wiring problem, and obviously something you have disturbed taking the tank off so best of luck ,im sure its nothing serious by what you say!!

crashmasterd · 06-07-2006

Not to belabor the obvious, but are you sure you got the fuel line and the electrical connector to the tank/fuel pump reattached correctly?

Geof3 · 06-07-2006

Even if you got water into one cylinder the bike would most likely start, or at least try to start on the other cyclinders. Does it just turn over or does it sound like it's hitting but not fully?

If it's just turning over it's one of two things... NO spark, or no fuel... Trace them both...

[ This message was edited by: Geof3 on 2006-06-07 17:00 ]

barriec · 06-08-2006

captain_rat, greenocktriple, crashmastered, geof3,

thank you all for your replies. i tested for spark across all three plugs and each had spark...it wasn't a huge blue flame, but there was definitely crackling across the gap. so, i've got spark.

so i would think it's either a mis-connected wire or a fuel issue. i'll keep update tomorrow, but any further ideas appreciated.

on the connections, there are only three, correct? one to the air breather and two to the fuel tank itself... (electrical connections...i know there are some breather tubes).

one other question: i'm not really hearing the fuel pump when i turn the key to the 'on' position, however after trying to start the engine when i disconnected the fuel valve there was pressure there. i'll focus on the fuel system and proper connections tonight.

thanks, barrie

Avi8or · 06-08-2006

You should get a fuel pump whirring sound which stops after a second or two, when you switch on the key.

I'd check the electrical plug connections that goes to fuel pump in the tank.

barriec · 06-09-2006

well, it's fixed, and thanks for the help. the fuel pump was not turning on when the key was turned. i sprayed wd40 in the connectors and it primed, bike started and all is well.

i've never had any problems with this motorcycle except on two occasions, both involving connectors. what is the best method of keeping these things clean and bright?

best,

barrie

AlaskaS3 · 06-10-2006

Di-electric grease (spelling?)