Topic: Rebuilt carbs, it ran, turned it off, won't start

[Skonnie Boy]

So, on my K3:

I recently cleaned out the tank, with moderate success (damn flash rust).  I also rebuilt and cleaned the carbs, as they were filthy.  Replaced the in-line fuel filter, cleaned the lines.  Started it once, and it ran terribly.  No big deal, I realized I improperly adjusted the cam chain.  I adjust the cam chain and decide to replace the oil just because.  I start it again and it sounds marvelous, considering I have tuned the carbs with the eyeball and ears method.  It runs for about a minute, I kill it, and attempt to restart it not 10 seconds later.  Nothing.  Just the sound of the starter.  A bit perplexing, to say the least.  Any ideas, given this vague description, on what's happening?

I'm racking my brain trying to think of all possible details that might help someone help me with a diagnosis.  I did notice a slight bit of smoke (hardly visible, but still) coming from the clutch case when it was running, from a bad seal I've known about for a bit.  When it ran it would deposit a silver dollar sized stain in my garage after running, but I monitored the oil levels closely.  When I changed the oil, I noticed it was lower than I expected, but that's because I checked it before after it ran awhile, so it was warm.  It just seems odd that it ran well, then wouldn't start at all 10 seconds later.  It turns over when I try to kickstart it, so I know the engine isn't seized.  Any ideas?  After 5 months, I'm no longer bummed or surprised at these things, I just have another lesson in front of me.  Theories, anyone?  It would be good to narrow things down a bit. 

Thanks to any and all responses.       

[jdpas29]

drop your float bowl drains and make sure that they have gas in them preferably the same amount. 

if it ain't that, it sounds like your timing has gotten off.

[Skonnie Boy]

I'll check out the bowls, definitely.  But I have Dyna S ignition, so messing with the points is a moot point. There could still be timing issues, but it seems odd that it prevents the bike from firing at all.

[scondon]

  It runs for about a minute, I kill it, and attempt to restart it not 10 seconds later.  Nothing.  Just the sound of the starter. 

   I've lost count of how many times I've forgot to check the "run" switch. It's one of the simplest things that can turn a running bike into one that won't even backfire or sputter, just the sound of the starter motor spinning.

[Skonnie Boy]

That's an astute observation, and it even made me doublecheck and try to start it again.  But nothing.  It did almost fire, which was a slight improvement.  But, uh, I refuse to speculate on whether it was on last night.  Ahem.

Carb floats are in order, are level and even.  Things that make you go hmm.   

[750goes]

did you put another filter in place ??

[jdpas29]

ahhh i didn't realize it wasn't firing at all.  have you pulled the wires off plugs to see if you're getting a spark out there ?

[scondon]

   Also,you can try priming the cylinders. Turn the "run" switch to "off" position, fully apply the choke, twist the throttle to wide open and kick the bike over several times. If there is fuel to be had it should be in the cylinders by now and ready to fire. Turn switch to "run" and see if bike will start.

 

[Frrrrunkis]

Check the wires going to the coils, sometimes one of them on my 400 will come loose if I take the tank off. spent an hour trying to start it one time, pulled the tank off poked at the connector, and it fired right up. I've also forgotten to check the kill switch sometimes, and run the battery down trying to start it, before I see that it's off.

[Skonnie Boy]

I'd bet money on the fact I left the kill off the first time, but after I "fixed" that, it still wouldn't start, tho it did fire a bit.  I did replace the in line fuel filters, but not the pod air filters.  The pods have only about 300 miles, so I didn't think it necessary.

I'll definitely put some oil in the cylinders and check the coils (again).  I went through the plugs and cleaned them when the bike first died, and they seem fine, but I'll doublecheck.

Related question:  I cleaned the tank with Metal Etcher, worked great, but flash rust is quick.  Given the nasty nature of phosphoric acid, is it safe for the tank to give it a quick once over again?  Don't want to take off too much good metal.

Thanks all.