Triumphrat

Colin_In_Ottawa · 04-29-2008

Get a spark tester tool from a local auto parts outfit. They look like a spark plug with a grounding lead.
In the morning see if you have spark. If no spark you have an electrical glitch... Coils, pickup or ignitor. If you have spark then you have a fuel supply issue. Try the old unscrew the tank cap trick and see if she goes.
That is step one.
If you have no spark and connections to everything looks good then go grab a hair dryer and take off the seat. Warm the igniter for 2 or 3 minutes then wait another 2 minutes or so for the heat to "soak in". Thats how I diagnosed my igniter issue with the same symptoms. If not the igniter, do the same thing with the coil. If not the coil tell the dealer to get you a pickup coil.
That is step 2
If it starts when warming a component then try the same thing the next morning. Once could be a fluke. 2 or 3 days running and you'll know for sure.
That is step 3
Step 4 is to convince your dealer that you know what your talking about so they don't waste a week trying to duplicate the problem in a nice warm shop... Step 4 is the toughest step.

slowgator · 04-29-2008

Came home this afternoon and disproved my own theory... now she won't start in the afternoons either. Tried all the suggestions (thanks!) and will try once more in the morning after leaving the bike uncovered overnight in case that is an issue. If she won't fire up I will have the dealer tow it in and fix it as it is still under warranty.

After researching on this forum, it seems like this is relatively common problem with the carbed Bonnies; perhaps EFI is not such a bad idea?

At any rate, I will post what the dealer finds to help anyone with a similar problem.

bonza · 04-29-2008

must be some sort of timer device that blocks starting in the AM.

oops! see that it wont start in the afternoon now as well. there goes that theory.

over here you can get a pressure pack can of "start you bastard". might want to give that a go.

Derby Boy · 04-29-2008

OK, I am wondering if it could be a starting procedure problem. 70 degrees should be an easy start. Are you opening the throttle at all? If so you are leaning it even more than stock. I live in AZ (hot but much drier). Pull the choke, hit the button, no throttle and always fires in 2-3 revs. The only time I fiddle with the throttle is after stopping for fuel after hard, hot runs. I have to open about 1/4 throttle to let some air in.
Just a thought.

Kirkus51 · 04-30-2008

Sounds like somethings getting wet to me. never had a problem starting with my Bonnie, but I live a dry climate. Sounds like a condensation problem to me, or a bad ground, like Scratch"s Scram.

gonzo'st100 · 04-30-2008

I would also check the battery terminals. If they are not tight, sometimes they will not give enough juice to start the bike.

slowgator · 04-30-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonza

over here you can get a pressure pack can of "start you bastard". might want to give that a go.

MAN! What a roller coaster ride. She fired up this morning after refusing to go last night! Ran in, put on my jacket, helmet, gloves, excited for the ride in to the dealer. Had her half-choked, sounded like she was dying, pushed choke in, she was ready to die, gave her some throttle, she died. And wouldn't fire back up. Now the battery is worn from trying to start so much.

Time to call the tow truck.

Bonza, I'll pay premium price for a can of that stuff!

Bottle_Fed · 04-30-2008

Change your spark plugs, it sounds like they are fouled.

Greg

slowgator · 04-30-2008

Thanks Greg,

You may be right. But since the bike is still on warranty and I have a plan with the dealer that provides free towing, I will let them figure it out. They can fix the problem that may be fouling the plugs if that is the case.

Just curious, did you buy your Bonnie in Jax? If so, where?

Bottle_Fed · 04-30-2008

I bought it second hand from a girl that works with my wife. I'm not sure where she got it from. The only dealer here in Jax is Cycle Accessories West.

Greg