Hi Guys.

Getting the Scarlet Harlot out of hibernation and she wont start.

Things I've done so far.

Checked for spark. Spark good.

Plugs damp from petrol. Noticed the plugs have carbon on them, so thought mixture might be too rich.

Pulled tank and carbs, cleaned carbs (though clean anyway), reset pilot screws to 2.5 turns out.

Refitted carbs, fresh fuel, checked for spark (OK), tried to start, no good.

Hooked up booster battery from a spare car battery in the garage, still no good.

Charged both batteries overnight with battery tender, both fully charged and battery tender says they are good, turns over nice and fast with both batteries, but still no charge

Air filter is almost new, but would it be worth trying to start it with the air filter removed?

Suggestions anyone?

P.S. I have started her during the winter every 3/4 weeks and she has sat with battery tender hooked up the whole time. The only thing I've done is change the rear tyre and replace the rear brake pads.

 

Try squirting a bit of oil in the cylinders through the plug holes (about a tbsp each). If you have spark and fuel, compression might be the problem.

 

Despite the plugs being wet, I'd temporarily disconnect the vacuum line on the petcock, put a tube on and suck on it for about 20 seconds to make sure the carb' bowls were completely full of fuel.

If you've had it running every few weeks then one would presume/hope that its not too serious.

 

+1

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll try them in the morning.

 

Damn 'Hawk.

Looks like all of the basics have been covered.

By you and everyone else.

Funny, how it'll start every time in mothballs but fail when it's time to enjoy that late winter sun

I've no clever answers, 'cept luck to ya'

 

If the plugs are fouled she's getting fuel

I think the plugs getting fouled up on ya Steve might have been just enough
to hold her from kicking in - clean 'em good - maybe treat her to a new set.

Pull the air filter then spray a little " quick start" on the airbox right off the bat to persuade her.

My 90 did this last week

 

Cheers Mark will get some new plugs tomorrow, that was going to be my next port of call, as I've tried everything else I can think of.

Let you guys know how I get on.

BTW Happy Paddies Day Mark

 

Yep, I'd clean the plugs and spray some starting fluid in there. That should wake the stubborn bitch up at least a little bit.

Reminds me of when I used to carry a piece of emery cloth and a spare plug on my thumper. I never knew when I'd need it, but it was usually when I wanted her to start quickly. lol..

 

Hawk,
your bike isn't running rich, at least not the last time I heard it.

What a bummer. I'm going to have to consult the oracle on this one. I'll get back to you as soon as the answer has been sent to me from the Honda spirit..... it will come!