Topic: Pointer to...

[auro]

... a troubleshooting manual / procedure of some kind?

I have looked at the FAQ and Tips & Tricks sections, which are both absolutely great, but seem to give you posts/indications for specific problems or issues.

Is there a first-step procedure to try to narrow down a problem, first?

In my case for example, I have my bike not wanting to start, despite the battery being fully charged and the starter motor doing its job.

It'd be nice to build on existing knowledge to see if I can find where the problem is coming from... 

 

any tip/pointer is much appreciated

 

[aperry]

In the FAQ, there's a "General FAQ" thread which has a couple of links to basic troubleshooting, including "where to start" when your bike won't start.  Here's one of them, for example:
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/Rstart.html

Aaron

[madmtnmotors]

Almost always fuel or spark.

Spark:
*Check static timing
*Check for spark at all plugs while cranking (Inductive timing light works well)
*Is the kill switch in the "Run" position?

Fuel:
*Start at the source. Pull the fuel line and check the flow from the tank at the fuel valve (petcock). Does it flow freely, or just a trickle?
*How long did it sit? If it sat too long the carbs may have to be inspected. A shot of ether (SPARINGLY!) before cranking may isolate a fuel delivery problem. If it starts on ether then the fuel flow is the problem, either the fuel filter or the carbs.

What bike are we talking about?

The manual for the CB750 can be found here: http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb750/cb750k/books-manuals-guides/

[auro]

thanks for the tips.

i indeed found some starting points in the general faq, especially with regard to checking spark plugs and fuel.

the bike was running before, got grounded only on the basis of the battery being out of juice, which is not the case anymore.

i'm ruling out the fuel flow for now, as nothing at all was touched there.

not sure why the spark plugs could have gone mad, but taking them out for a check is easy. i'll do that in the next few days.

again, many thx for the advices! 

[DJ_AX]

If it's been sitting... the carbs may have gummed up somewhere in there.


In fact the carbs go mad more often then the spark plugs.

[iron_worker]

Or if it completely just died mysteriously ... check the kill switch. lol

Easy stuff first.

IW

[madmtnmotors]

The CB550 manuals can be found here: http://www.sohc4.net/index.php/cb550/books-manuals-guides-2/

Scroll down for the free, downloadable manuals (usually pdf)