My GS won't start.

[dwburman]

Short version:
Engine not turning over or at all. Tried jumper cables and push starting it. When push starting the rear wheel did turn much or at all (could the 15t sprocket, not the greatest tread and fairly new driveway be factors?). Also, possible fuel leak.


Long version:
Last Saturday I rode my '97 GS500 (used to be werase643's bike) to a friend's house in the afternoon. We left town and it was after dark at a bit chilly. I got on my bike and started it up, only it was reluctant to start.  It would turn over but not really kick in.  I put the fuel valve to pri and tried again. At any rate after a few attempts it finally started and rode it the ~9 miles home. I figured it might just be cold. The next morning I tried starting it. The same 'turning over' happened but this time the engine didn't start. It was the first time I tried starting it in the morning after a cold night. again I thought it might just be cold. After church I tried again (around 52 degrees F with the bike sitting in the sun). Again there were futile starting sounds only after a few tries it'd turn over less and less before givining up. later when I demonstrated it to my roommate, it really only clicks. Not the clicking like I've heard in a car, you know, just the solenoids or whatever clicking. This sounds like a motor starting to turn and immediately hitting resistance. Yesterday it was nice and warm outside (in the low 70's) so I tried again. Again, just the clicking or on the first attempt a little turn then the stop. I looked in the gas tank and saw it was low so I added some fuel. Tried it again and still just the same click.

I had noticed some wetness under the carbs. Now after adding the 1/2 gallon of fuel or so I noticed a definite leaking of fuel from the carbs or above the carbs. The bike was on the side stand. I took the tank off and drained most of the fuel out of it so it wouldn't mess with the driveway and not waste it all.

Later yesterday we tried starting it with it connected to my car via jumper cables. Same dead end click. Then we tried push starting it by getting it rolling and releasing the clutch. As far as I know the rear wheel didn't turn at all and there are a few skid marks in the driveway to prove it.

dwburman

[pixelmonkey]

what is the oil level at???

gs bikes are known for using oil, and it sounds like the motor may have siezed.

just a though... have to eliminate all the possibilities
chris<pixelmonkey>

[se7enty7]

engine seized.  The carbs leaked gas because they flooded while on prime.  unrelated to engine not turning.



how is the oil level?  can you push it in neutral? that eliminates chain problems.

[The Buddha]

Mine got goats syndrome and was exactly the way you describe ...80 iles on sunday, and no start monday morning...
BTW yours might be a bad battery also ...
Cool.
Srinath.

[se7enty7]

yeah but neither would explain the back wheel not turning... I guess of magnets (HUGE) chunks got into the ... I dunno.. starter gear?




When you tried push starting it, it was in like 3rd gear right?  If first then yeah it wont turn.. but it needs to be in third

[dwburman]

I did think of the engine seizing but how can an engine seize when it isn't even running except from starter activity?

The oil level is still at full. When I got it (around around 1500 miles ago) it was over filled. I've been checking the oil regularly. I haven't gotten around to changing the oil and I know I should've but it's always had some in there.

[dwburman]

Nope, it was in first. I'm still new to this stuff.

yeah but neither would explain the back wheel not turning... I guess of magnets (HUGE) chunks got into the ... I dunno.. starter gear?




When you tried push starting it, it was in like 3rd gear right?  If first then yeah it wont turn.. but it needs to be in third

[se7enty7]

Nope, it was in first. I'm still new to this stuff.

yeah but neither would explain the back wheel not turning... I guess of magnets (HUGE) chunks got into the ... I dunno.. starter gear?




When you tried push starting it, it was in like 3rd gear right?  If first then yeah it wont turn.. but it needs to be in third

well good.. maybe your engine isn't seized.  Put it in third and try push starting again.  Then, charge/replace battery.  When you jump it from the car the car MUST NOT BE RUNNING.

Then, if your battery is still dying... take the case cover off.  You might have goats. (see thread about goats syndrome)

[JetSwing]

When you tried push starting it, it was in like 3rd gear right? If first then yeah it wont turn...

i've bump started from the first gear many times....

[se7enty7]

When you tried push starting it, it was in like 3rd gear right? If first then yeah it wont turn...

i've bump started from the first gear many times....

really?

I haven't tried on my gs yet... but any of my dirt bikes would lock the rear up in first... too steep of a gear.  





again, try third and get back to us

[JetSwing]

i've tried on first and second...never tried on third though

[dwburman]

Here's a quick video of me trying it in 3rd gear. It consists of putting it in third. Turning the key on. Engine kill switch is set right. Holding in the clutch. Rolling forward a bit. Releasing the clutch. Skidding to a stop.

http://dwburman.com/webpix/gs500_seized.wmv
The file is around 109k.

The wheel still locks up.

If indeed the engine is seized, what (if anything) can be done with it?

[JetSwing]

you would have better luck jumping it from a non running car.

[coll0412]

I would possibly try to pull the plugs, and try to turn the motor over by hand via it on the centerstand.

Put the bike in third gear and turn the rear tire and see if you can get it to turn over, or try using the starter with the plugs pulled.

Just my two cents

[JetSwing]

oh yea, check your plugs and make sure they are clean.

[coll0412]

What I meant was for the plugs to stay removed, that way you would not have to battle against the compression, just to check if the engine is seized.

Also stick your face really close to the plug hole when you turn it over so you can see if it is siezed, perferbly you eye, when its open.... :nana:

JUST KIDDING....DONT DO THAT YOU COULD GET SOMETHING IN YOUR EYE...ALWAYS WEAR EYE PROTECTION WHEN WORKING!!!!

[se7enty7]

Hmm.... maybe your starter is seized/bad?

[The Buddha]

You might just have a bad battery man... check it... maybe with a non running car... and do first with plugs out, then put plugs in and see.
Cool.
Srinath.

[coll0412]

dwburman did you find out what is wrong with the bike yet?

[dwburman]

Not yet. The sparkplug socket I have doesn't fit the spark plug on my bike and I haven't gotten around to buy/borrowing one yet. Does anyone know the size off the top of their head?

dwburman did you find out what is wrong with the bike yet?