K11 Owners Group

ken · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:05 pm Post subject: Won't start?

1997 K1100LT
Just put a new fan, and radiator in.
Sprayed things off when tank was setback with water.
Started ran verified that the radiator didn't leak.
Put bike back together. backed out of garage, started it, drove it 20' turned it off.
locked garage.
started bike, put headphones in and helmet on.
Put bike in gear.Stalled.
Tried to start again.
Battery dead. (it had been sitting and lights on occasionally while rad work was done.
Charged battery.
Tried to start. won't start.
Sprayed ether into air intake.
spark, because it hits on whatever is making it past filter.
Add gas.
Same results.

Fuel filter? I have never replaced it? Everything has been working fine. I didn't notice a drop in performance, or sputtering prior to this incident.

When key is turned on....fuel pump runs as normal.

Any ideas before I tear the entire fairing off again?
Ever had a fuel filter just plug all at once?

Starting to want a naked bike.

Thanks
Ken
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Ken in Denver

Stoked Steve · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 6:57 pm Post subject:

I'd strongly suspect the battery. If was already dead once, it must be on it's later legs. Get it load tested and see if it still can crank, or just replace it any way for peace of mind.

The fuel filter probably should be replaced, but it's unlikely it would totally plug up all of the sudden.

These bikes like a strong, fresh battery and don't do well with a weak one.
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

DLBass · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 8:19 pm Post subject:

Sidestand switch fault?
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There is only now, yesterday is gone and is unchangeable, tomorrow is uncertain. Live in the moment.

Flying Duck · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:14 pm Post subject:

If you're not careful with a hose and the gas cap seals are old then you can get water in the tank - which sinks to the bottom because it's heavier than gas.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Geoff · Posted: Mon Sep 20, 2010 9:15 pm Post subject:

In addition to the items suggested above, check the battery cable connections. Also, make sure the main connector and ground wire attached to the Motronic unit are secure.
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2000 R1100RT
2008 H-D Electra Glide Ultra Classic

ken · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:14 am Post subject: Won't start

Thanks everyone.

Battery has never been replaced, and although not dead, it has been getting weaker. I have had the bike 5 years ish, and never replaced it.

Not sure the kickstand switch is connected, it starts and idles with the kickstand down. I did find a wire without anything to plug into it in that area though, so I will look at it and make some measurements, see if I can figure out what it is. when I looked at it, I thought it might be a battery tender plug. I have never used a battery tender, because I ride it regularly.

It is garaged, and I didn't spray the top of the gas tank, I just sprayed the engine area under it, I was afraid maybe I had unplugged something with the pressure, but it was just a garden hose, so I didn't think there would be enough.

I guess I will review the kickstand switch, and then go get a battery.

Thanks all.
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Ken in Denver

Jim · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:53 am Post subject:

If you've had the bike ~ 5 years and haven't replaced the battery, that's probably it. Do you know how old the battery is? Or how old it was when you got the bike?
_________________
Jim
1997 K1100LTSE 94,000 - still has gremlins!
1995 R100RT Classic 16,650 crashed - repaired!
1992 K75RTP 46,000

"We shall not all die, but we shall all be changed."

Ted · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 10:58 am Post subject:

It is also long past time to replace the fuel filter, might as well replace the crankcase breather hose while you are at it (these fail over time and cause lean running conditions that very well may not stop the bike from seeming to run properly but will affect performance.)
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Ted

KOG#1

Scott_Anderson · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 12:18 pm Post subject: Re: Won't start?

ken · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 2:40 pm Post subject: won't start

Nope, not the $75 battery, although i think it was close to time for that anyway, it didn't fix it.

Thanks for the fuel pump runs, not the kick stand.

Ground to grey box was fine.

Out to check the resistance of the coils.

Open to further suggestions.

Thanks
Ken
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Ken in Denver

ken · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 3:12 pm Post subject: wont' start

So.....I pulled the coil wire off of the coil, and got no spark....then called my mechanic, who has already told me to get what I can out of it and upgrade.....said I pulled the coil wire off and got no spark....he said......you didn't do that!...if you do that it nukes the ignition module?

anybody have another idea? Heard of this being bad bad bad?

Thanks

ken
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Ken in Denver

ken · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 3:59 pm Post subject: won't start

Went back out and reviewed the situation again....

Key on kill switch on....fuel pump
Key on kill switch off....no fuel pump.

My theory

Power from key to Inition Control Unit because the fuel relay comes out of the Ignition control unit.

The next place is ignition coils....there seem to be 4 of these....it isn't hitting on any of the cylinders, so super weird that all 4 coils go bad at the same time.

I am thinking the ignition control unit was the problem in the first place?

Does this make sense to others, or know if there is a way to test this?
_________________
Ken in Denver

Flying Duck · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 5:05 pm Post subject:

http://k11og.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2110
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

ken · Posted: Tue Sep 21, 2010 7:18 pm Post subject: wont' start

Thank you Drake!!!

It flashed a code that didn't match what was on the information sheet...then .... it started running the fan intermittently.....I assume completed the test......it did something that directions said.........turn it over and start the test again. Turned it over....it started!!!!

YES!!!!!! I am guessing that the low battery screwed with the brain.....then when the codes reset......it cleared and started.

Thank you K11 OG for all of your help.

Aspen viewing this weekend Ken.

woop woop woop
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Ken in Denver

Stoked Steve · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 3:45 pm Post subject:

Glad to hear it, a low battery can be a source of many troubles on these bikes. Now you also know you have a good battery that won't leave you stranded anywhere.

A battery tender ($30) is a good investment that will make that battery last for many more years.

You ought to change the fuel filter as well, as someone else mentioned above, if it's been that many years. It is inside the gas tank, but if you get the fuel down low, it's not too messy or difficult to change.

Happy riding!
_________________
Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

Ted · Posted: Wed Sep 22, 2010 6:32 pm Post subject:

Great advice on the battery tender - I got the battery tender junior, I think I paid $25 for it and another $15 for the powerlet plug so I can just plug it into the bike's accessory plug.
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Ted

KOG#1

Stoked Steve · Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 3:46 pm Post subject:

I also have the Jr. and the BMW powerlet plug, it's plugged in right next to where I park my bike in the garage. I have a hook on the wall and just unplug the cord and drape it on the hook when I go for a ride, then plug it right back in when I return.

I'm embarressed to say that I'm on 5 years now with a Yuasa wet cell battery and it still works fine, but I know I'm approaching the end of days with it. But it just goes to show how the BT can extend the life (and regular topping off of the water inside).
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Steve
Virginia Beach, VA
93 K1100RS Mystic Red SOLD
12 Suzuki DL650A VStrom

garynali · Posted: Thu Sep 23, 2010 5:01 pm Post subject:

It works, six years on an Oddessy sealed battery and still going strong. Always plugged into a 500MA tender. I work away so usually up to a month between rides.
Gary C
93 K1100RS

ken · Posted: Mon Sep 27, 2010 5:58 pm Post subject: Thanks All again Pleasant suprise

Put the fuel filter in, I don't know why i had feared it so much. Not bad at all. Used a MGD 33023BP from O'Reilly. < $10. As far as i know it works. If I have a problem I will let you know.

Thanks all

Ken
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Ken in Denver