Sudden Idle Issue

[Guest]

Went to start the bike for a quick ride. Before starting I turned the petcock to all three positions several times to ensure it wasn't stuck then back to reserve. Hit the start button and it wouldn't turn over, like something was hung. Hydrolock? Tried several times, same result. Shifted to 5th and turned the rear wheel backwards a little then forward. After that it started but only after holding the throttle about half way, like it was flooded. After riding I noticed now it does not want to idle. Drops down to about 1k then slowly decreases until it stalls. Rode a few days ago and idled fine. I'm wondering if I damaged something electrically when the starter would not turn over the motor. Or did some crud break loose from the petcock and get in the pilot jets? Haven't done anything yet but will start with the easy stuff first, electrical.

[tom203]

Went to start the bike for a quick ride. Before starting I turned the petcock to all three positions several times to ensure it wasn't stuck then back to reserve. Hit the start button and it wouldn't turn over, like something was hung. Hydrolock? Tried several times, same result. Shifted to 5th and turned the rear wheel backwards a little then forward. After that it started but only after holding the throttle about half way, like it was flooded. After riding I noticed now it does not want to idle. Drops down to about 1k then slowly decreases until it stalls. Rode a few days ago and idled fine. I'm wondering if I damaged something electrically when the starter would not turn over the motor. Or did some crud break loose from the petcock and get in the pilot jets? Haven't done anything yet but will start with the easy stuff first, electrical.

I get the impression that this bike was sitting a while since its last voyage- is this true? You hit starter button and..... did solenoid click? did starter motor turn weakly or not at all? holding the throttle half way does nothing for the electrical system. Do you still have clutch safety switch? If you suspect petcock, make sure you smell oil just in case.

[mike_of_bbg]

What do your plugs look like?

[Guest]

I get the impression that this bike was sitting a while since its last voyage- is this true? You hit starter button and..... did solenoid click? did starter motor turn weakly or not at all? holding the throttle half way does nothing for the electrical system. Do you still have clutch safety switch? If you suspect petcock, make sure you smell oil just in case.

Bike ran fine 3 or 4 days before. No issues. Electrically the starter and solenoid are fine. I think the motor was right at the compression stroke of one of the cylinders and the starter was unable to get past it. Once past it would spin the motor as expected, very fast. I'm beginning to wonder about the petcock since it is the original and on the previous ride I turned it to reserve and something came loose internally.

I'll check the plugs.

[tom203]

Bike ran fine 3 or 4 days before. No issues. Electrically the starter and solenoid are fine. I think the motor was right at the compression stroke of one of the cylinders and the starter was unable to get past it. Once past it would spin the motor as expected, very fast. I'm beginning to wonder about the petcock since it is the original and on the previous ride I turned it to reserve and something came loose internally.

I'll check the plugs.

The starter motor is designed (thru gearing) to keep spinning thru any compression stroke- if it stalls during its spin cycle, the starter will suddenly experience a big increase in current and overheat. Are you sure your battery is not losing too much voltage- this is a frequent problem? If this is a new-to-you event, you better investigate before more stuff gets tortured- like starter clutch.Yes, check for correct petcock operation, there is no need to move petcock lever back and forth before starting.

[BassCliff]

Hi,

My first thought is a weak battery or charging system.

GS Charging System Health+Quick Test

Stator Papers IV - Fault finding chart for checking your GS's entire charging system

More On The Stator Papers


Thank you for your indulgence,

BassCliff

[Guest]

Ok, I think everthing is fine. Combination of forgetting which side of the petcock is reserve and prime and the motor getting bad flooded. Also checked the voltage from your link. Readings looked good. Also doing an oil change.