Topic: What's the first thing that you would check? ( bike doesn't run)

[leogriss]

Its a 350f.

Bike turns on but won't like to start by both electric start and kick start.

Let's say carburetor is completely cleaned.



what is the first thing that you would check?

Also, how much would you willing to pay for a bike like this if you were me!!?


Thank you

[Gordon]

An engine needs fuel, air (compressed), and spark to run, among other things.  Check for those first. 

[fmctm1sw]

spark...  Does it have a title?  original paint?

[sadams1954]

First thing I would have to check would be if there was any spark. If there's no spark, check the "Kill Switch" If there is "fire in the wire" then I would pull the air filter and lightly spray a LITTLE starting fluid into the intake. If it starts or tries to start, then it's more than likely something fuel related. Either the carbs may not have been rebuilt correctly or not synced. Or possibly the fuel filter screen in the petcock may be blocked with crud.

[bender01]

It needs a strong battery also. Has anyone been adjusting the timing?

[MJL]

First thing I would have to check would be if there was any spark. If there's no spark, check the "Kill Switch" If there is "fire in the wire" then I would pull the air filter and lightly spray a LITTLE starting fluid into the intake. If it starts or tries to start, then it's more than likely something fuel related. Either the carbs may not have been rebuilt correctly or not synced. Or possibly the fuel filter screen in the petcock may be blocked with crud.

Make sure your petcock is on, too.

[camelman]

All right broskie.  Here's your list:

1) pull out a plug, hook it up to each wire in turn, place the end on the engine, crank it over, and look for a spark.
     a) if that checks out, then move to step #2.  If not, then come back to us with the results
2) make sure your petcock flows by pulling the fuel line off and slightly cracking it open to see if it dribbles
     a) if this checks out, then move to step #3.  If not, then come back to us with the results
3) Crank the engine over for 10 or 20 seconds, then pull your plugs to see if they have any fuel on them (they will be slightly wet, or at least smell of fresh gas)
     a) if this checks out, then move to step #4.  If not, then come back to us with the results
4) Look through your air intake system to make sure the filter is in good shape and that there are no obstructions to air flow.

If none of these items produce an issue, then come back to us.

With regards to your carb cleaning, did you pull the emulsifier tube out from under the main jet to clean it?  Did you pull all jets out and blow carb cleaner through every passage you could locate?

Final thought.  Make sure your battery is good and charged.  Even somewhat new batteries can cause issues when starting the bike, and these bikes need some serious power to get going.  If you aren't sure, then try hooking a battery charger up to the bike before trying to start it (and leave the battery charger turned on).

Camelman

[eshumaker]

+1 to Camelman, it's a pretty good check list to get started. If you have a compression tester, might as well check each as you will have the plugs out in step 3.

[BeSeeingYou]

From your comment asking how much would you pay I am guessing you are thinking of buying this bike?  I don't know what 350's are worth but if it is in good condition and fairly complete I would pay up to half of what a similar bike in running condition would sell for if it had a title.  No title, 25% or less.   You are taking a chance on a non-runner and the price has to reflect that.   I have done it twice now with good results both times.  Run it through the checklist others have mentioned.  Often it will be a combination of minor issues.

[greasy j]

All right broskie.  Here's your list:

1) pull out a plug, hook it up to each wire in turn, place the end on the engine, crank it over, and look for a spark.
     a) if that checks out, then move to step #2.  If not, then come back to us with the results
2) make sure your petcock flows by pulling the fuel line off and slightly cracking it open to see if it dribbles
     a) if this checks out, then move to step #3.  If not, then come back to us with the results
3) Crank the engine over for 10 or 20 seconds, then pull your plugs to see if they have any fuel on them (they will be slightly wet, or at least smell of fresh gas)
     a) if this checks out, then move to step #4.  If not, then come back to us with the results
4) Look through your air intake system to make sure the filter is in good shape and that there are no obstructions to air flow.

If none of these items produce an issue, then come back to us.

With regards to your carb cleaning, did you pull the emulsifier tube out from under the main jet to clean it?  Did you pull all jets out and blow carb cleaner through every passage you could locate?

Final thought.  Make sure your battery is good and charged.  Even somewhat new batteries can cause issues when starting the bike, and these bikes need some serious power to get going.  If you aren't sure, then try hooking a battery charger up to the bike before trying to start it (and leave the battery charger turned on).

Camelman

this is why I love this forum. camelman, guys like you make life a lot easier for guys who are on their way to becoming guys like you.