| Author | Message | ||
     Mbsween |
Okay bike is a well used 2001 X1 with a NHRS stage 2 kit, Race ECM White Brothers exhaust, HAM can filter (K&N) Approx 50K miles. I recently replace the battery (Odyssey PCM545) as it was 5 yrs old and the bike was running out of juice on cold days. I put a new LI battery in it and it was running great. Recently she began this behavior, it cranks over fine, for long periods, but it doesn't start. Checked the plugs and sure enough there is spark but no gas. I also tried starting with the gas cap loose, but still no joy (or rumble in this case) Now here's the weird part. I could here fuel gurgling (probably not the best term) when I move the bike around so I spent some time shaking it to hear the sound. I gave the starter a try and she started right up. Now I can reliably "shake" the bike (grab the front brake and pump the fork or move the bike side to side) and she starts right up. I've test down to 39 degrees F (thank you mother nature for the test condition this morning), she turned over for a bit (15 - 30 seconds) without a hint of starting, then I shook the bike and started almost immediately. So what would I start looking at? Tank Vent or Fuel pump? I'm guessing it has to be one or the other. Also I did replace the fuel filter, which clearly didn't do anything except make the bike look a little cleaner (the old one was original) | ||
| Harleyelf |
The vent would seem to be eliminated as a suspect by the loose cap experiment. More likely the fuel pump. The gauze screen that covers the inlet has been known to send bits of powder into the pump. There are several threads on rebuilding the pump or replacing it with a Mustang pump. Once it starts, does it run well? Does it run long enough to check the fuel pressure? Injector wires are under the tank and have been known to short out to the frame. Does loosening the tank mounting bolt and lifting the back of the tank make a difference? How about a squirt of starting fluid? Does that make it cough? | ||
| Two_seasons |
You may want to check your wiring harness from the ignition switch back through the harness. The wiring in our bikes is old. The insulation becomes brittle over time. I've actually found a wire broken inside the insulation! On my 2000 X1 Lightning. | ||
| Robr |
I would check the infamous starter interlock circuitry. Sidestand switch, nuetral switch, bank angle switch. I wired them all out years ago, they were mandated by safety gurus. Find it in the service manual. | ||
| Mbsween |
HarleyElf, Runs like a champ, recent went 150 miles or so with one stop Two-seasons excellent suggestion Robr another good one. I forgot about those. Hopefully it's just external wiring. I'll look her over then report back Thanks Matt | ||
| Harleyelf |
Sounds like a bubble is developing in the fuel pump which gets dislodged when you shake the bike. How is your fuel line and the pressure testing Schraeder valve? Ever have any drips? Ever replaced the fuel line? It is a dozen years old if you haven't. Runs like a champ once it starts - that is a very important piece of the puzzle. No vent issue, no crud in the fuel pump, no shorts to ground in the injector or coil wires. | ||
| Mbsween |
Hey Never thought of that, the lines are stock, and I haven't test the pressure. Is that as simple as putting a tire pressure gauge to the valve while running? | ||
| Two_seasons |
If you do put a tire pressure gage to the Schroeder valve, you'll fill the gage up with fuel...how do I know this  Just put a little Phillips up there and press. Not with a hot engine OK? Should shoot out a lot of fuel, should not hear any air. (Message edited by two_seasons on November 02, 2014) | ||
| Reepicheep |
I can confirm Two_Seasons observations. And I won't say how I know either.  | ||
| Mbsween |
Thanks guys, glad I waited Just as a pointy of info, is there a pressure gauge that's meant for this sort of reading? | ||
| Harleyelf |
Yes, it's filled with oil. A good pipefitter's supply house should have one. | ||
| Kalali |
Its called fuel pressure gauge not air pressure!! |
