Another bike won't start thread

[xtalman]

I've got a '96 GS500E, and when I left from work tonight it wouldn't start.  I turned the key, the lights came on (headlight, dash light, etc), then when I hit the start button, everything shut off.  The lights turned off, and the engine didn't even start turning over.  I took the seat off and jiggled the battery cables a bit, and would be able to get the lights back on, but never could get the engine to turn over.

I tried to push start it, but wasn't successful.  I don't think I have the technique right.  So I got a ride home from a friend.

Tonight, I bought a battery charger and started charging the battery.  The electrolyte level was fine, so I didn't add any water.  Well, it only took an hour before it was fully charged (2 amp charger) so I don't think it's a weak battery.

Things I checked:
- clutch in
- cutoff switch set to run
- kickstand up
- bike in neutral
- gas in tank (put in 2.6 gallons 40 miles ago)
- fuel set to "on"

What would cause my bike to shut off when I hit the start button?  Maybe a short somewhere?  I did a quick search, but I'm going to dig a little in the archives here and see if there's anything that matches my problem better.

[juggernaught]

Did ya check the status of the spark plugs..??  they might be fouled.. :dunno:

[lee67]

if its definately not the battery(charge it fully and refit & test).....then its your starter motor....remove starter cover...remove starter and clean all connections to it...a sharp wack to the starter could also help the starter if its locked.........hope this helps

[Jared]

Try cleaning the cables/terminal on the battery and retightening the bolts.
The battery charger clamps might grab the terminals fine and charge the battery fine-but it sounds like you have a loose/dirty battery cable.  You get enough "juice" coming though to keep the  lights etc on but when you try to draw enough for the starter the connection gives up...

The lights just go off and not dim...right?

[xtalman]

Thanks for the help everyone.

As it turned out, recharging the battery overnight worked to get it started again.  I cleaned the battery and terminals when I brought it inside, so maybe that had something to do with it too.  I'll check and see if this problem resurfaces again over the next few days.  And yes, the lights just turned completely off, and did not come back on after turning the key on and off.

While I was messing with the frame-mounted petcock trying to get it started, I noticed it was in PRIME.  I think I have been running with it in PRIME for the whole time I've owned the bike (3 months).  I tried switching it to ON but it just dies after a block or two of travel.  Could this be a reason for my bad fuel economy?  I only get in the low 40's mpg.  Unless leaving it in prime does some damage, I'm just going to leave it like that.  I stalled twice today trying to use my bike in ON.

[Kerry]

If you're down to the last gallon or so then you'll have to use REServe or PRIme.  ON will only work for about the first 3.5 gallons from a FULL tank.  REServe will take you through most of the last gallon.

[xtalman]

Well, I filled up the tank with gas, put the petcock on ON instead of PRIME, and it started bogging a couple miles later  :x

I think I'll just keep it on PRIME.  It ran for several months that way, so I won't mess with it for now.

[paui]

i think about 70% of gs500's run only on prime
i keep mine on prime

[Jared]

Check the diaphragm in the frame mounted petcock-also check the vacuum line to the petcock.  Check your fuel lines too.

[A_Rivers]

i think about 70% of gs500's run only on gas
i keep mine on premium

Hmm interesting statistic , I use the pee 87 stuff