Bump starting solving my backfiring...?

ponchopirate · February 20, 2006, 07:26:48 PM

So my bike has been backfiring pretty regularly after attempting to start it if it's cold and/or wet. After it finally backfires it usually starts right up, however the other day it just kept backfiring and never started. I feared that I might kill my battery so I bump started it and it fired up just fine, no backfire. I couldn't see a lot of logic in why it wouldn't backfire if I bumped it. Any thoughts on what might be causing this? Thanks.

scratch · February 20, 2006, 07:32:31 PM

You, sir, are in need of a valve adjustment. When was the last valve adjustment done? It should be done every 4000 miles.

The reason what's happening is the exhaust valves are too tight when cold, allowing raw fuel into the exhaust pipes, and not sealing enough for compression to start. After, they warm up a bit, or get wet with gas, they seal enough.

annguyen1981 · February 20, 2006, 09:24:38 PM

Stupid question, but is bump starting it like jumping from a car or something?

Alphamazing · February 20, 2006, 09:27:31 PM

Quote from: annguyen1981 on February 20, 2006, 09:24:38 PM
Stupid question, but is bump starting it like jumping from a car or something?

Nope, it's a trick you can do with manual transmissions. You put the car/bike in second gear and hold the clutch in. Then you get someone to push you along (or push yourself) to a moderately quick speed then pop the clutch out.

scratch · February 20, 2006, 09:29:01 PM

It's where you put it in gear (2nd usually), pull it the clutch, turn on the key and push the bike, then let out the clutch and 'bump' start the bike.

Damn, Alpha beat me.

annguyen1981 · February 20, 2006, 09:34:26 PM

Ahhh... I see. I've never heard it called this... I've heard a different term, but for seom reason, I con't remember that term right now.

pandy · February 20, 2006, 09:36:44 PM

Quote from: annguyen1981 on February 20, 2006, 09:34:26 PM
Ahhh... I see. I've never heard it called this... I've heard a different term, but for seom reason, I con't remember that term right now.

Push starting?

annguyen1981 · February 20, 2006, 09:39:55 PM

AND THE TRUTH, SHALL SET YOU FREE!!!!
Thankz Pandy!

kalel3914 · February 20, 2006, 09:42:07 PM

i know that as compression starting...

pandy · February 20, 2006, 09:45:02 PM

Quote from: kalel3914 on February 20, 2006, 09:42:07 PM
i know that as compression starting...

And I've never heard that expression before! I guess cuz my dad didn't believe in girls working on the cars.

But my bf does, so now I have a teacher!! Better late than never!

ponchopirate · February 21, 2006, 01:52:58 AM

Thanks for the info... yeah, I kind of figured it was my valves, I haven't checked them in ages.

News:

Bump starting solving my backfiring...?