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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: balkanbase on April 02, 2007, 08:57:35 PM

Title: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: balkanbase on April 02, 2007, 08:57:35 PM
Ok so today after driving around for a bit, I got out on the freeway and opened up on the straightaway. I got to top 3rd (around 10ish-11k RPM) and backed off the throttle because a slow car pulled into my lane up ahead. The bike started backfiring pretty obviously as i was slowing down (still in 3rd) and started dying off. I pulled off the road and it was completely dead.  :2guns:
The bike keeps cranking but just won't fire up. Also, there is some oil on the right side of the engine (possibly coming from valve cover?) which I don't recall seing before, but I may be wrong. Tried the switching the fuel position, still won't crank. Have about 3/4 tank of gas, fresh plugs....anyone have an idea what the problem could be or what I should try to look for?  :dunno_white:
By the way, the bike in question is a 1990  500E if that helps in any way.
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: Turd Ferguson on April 02, 2007, 09:20:30 PM
Did you switch the petcock to "prime" to allow fuel to fill the bowls?  Just in case it was some sort of fuel delivery problem...
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: balkanbase on April 02, 2007, 09:31:00 PM
tried switching it to prime as soon as it wouldn't fire the first 3-4 times, still the same
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: colobluefox on April 02, 2007, 09:44:30 PM
You said fresh plugs?  When i was working with my jets I had a few backfire's through the carb and then the bike wouldn't start.  When I pulled the plugs one of them had the insulation broken.  So even if the plugs are new, I'd definatly pull them and make sure that they aren't broken.  My 2 cents.
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: balkanbase on April 02, 2007, 10:43:19 PM
wow I hope that's all there is to it. I'll check them first thing in the morning, thanks
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: Raydr on April 03, 2007, 05:28:27 AM
Please let us know what you find.
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: Jughead on April 03, 2007, 06:37:55 AM
Change the Plugs.If they are Champions switch to NGK,Denso or Autolite.Usually 2 Plugs won't go Bad at the same time.Even if one goes bad one cylinder will fire.Sounds like the CDI to me.I have a Good Spare one I'll sell if yours turns out to be Bad. ;)
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: balkanbase on April 03, 2007, 08:28:59 AM
spark plugs didn't help apparantly  :icon_confused:
I'm not a bike genious, usually work on cars, so what is the CDI? How can I see if that's broken? and how much do you want for it if mine is gone?
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: balkanbase on April 03, 2007, 03:16:49 PM
just tried push-starting it while i was trying to get it back to my house and noticed a few things:
- clutch seems weird, almost like it wont pull in all the way
- chain is abnormally lose to the extent where it is rubbing off the frame

I'll take the cover off tomorrow and check it out further, but has anyone ever had a similar experience???
Title: Re: weird backfire then died, cranking but won't start
Post by: Jughead on April 03, 2007, 06:28:31 PM
The CDI is the Capacitive Discharge Ignition Box.It's what Makes it go Vroom. :thumb: If it goes Bad your Motor comes Unstarted. :laugh: :laugh:  Sorry Couldn't Help it I've had a few Beers this Evening.Oooo Look its almost time for........ a Beer. :cheers: Gotta Go I have a Case to Solve. :thumb: