I finally got fed up with my GS not starting the moment the temp drops below 3 degrees C (even with a nice charged, warmed battery) So I poured 5L of boiling water over the engine housing, through the cooling fins, and clutch area - bingo, she started on the first crank. Anyone see why this would be bad for the bike?
-Fin
My main concerns relate to the starter-motor and the chamber it sits in. I am not sure if there is a gasket or seal under the cover (its not shown on the bike-bandit parts diagrams). If water in any quantity gets into the chamber it could fill up and damage the motor or even find its way past the o ring on the end of the motor and into the engine. Bikes are generaly designed to be `shower-proof` but this is more of a sudden deluge. I think in the long term it would have negative effects.
I second my colleague's concern about the starter motor well. I have seen evidence of "pooling" in this area on more than two GS engines. With that aside, your unconventional starting method seems to be mechanical/electromechanical in nature.
"How so?" you might ask. It could be that you were able to clean off some grime or such with the hot water - not likely, but possible.
You could be unsticking a sticky valve - again not likely because even 5L probably wouldn't be enough to change the core temperature of the head. This is where the sticky valve would be.
I would check the quality of the connection of the main ground (earth) that runs from the Negative battery post to the bottom of the engine.
I would also check the quality of Neutral Switch connection. It is only one conductor and the return is dependent on the main ground mentioned above.
As an experiment, you may consider a heat lamp or using a hot air gun to direct the heat more accurately. This would help troubleshoot the problem. :)
In the mean time, why not use some detergent prior to your "starting soak" to help clean your GS up? Your friends will be impressed with how clean it is, even if it does not start. :laugh:
Whatabout the oil?? if you have the wrong grade in it will be thick when cold and causing drag, warming it up will thin it out and make it easier to start.
3oC = 37oF. Seems odd that it wont start at that temp. Is this typical? I know ive started mine at that temp or colder before.
The bike, since I purchased it used has always hated being cold. I'm dead serious when I say as soon as the temp gets low it takes ALOT to get it started. Like 20+ cranks with the starter. Would priming it help? Bump starting doesnt help. In warm weather its fine and dandy. Another prob Ive had since its been cold is stalling after coming to a quick stop from high speed, bogging down and pops when taking off from warmup (usually give it 4 minutes). I'm thinking it could be a combination of old battery, clutch adjustment and gunked up carbs.
Regarding the battery -- you are dowsing the engine proper, not the battery area.
I wouldn't think the battery being old, which it may truly be (checked the fluid levels lately? specific gravity of the fluid?), would be that affected by warming up the engine.
My friend sledge may be onto something with the "thick oil" theory.
Have you ever performed a top-to-bottom clean up and inspection on this engine?
Have you checked if maybe your choke cable is loose or broken?