Starting Problems?

[snwolff]

Hi All, I've been a lurker for quite a while (on the suggestion of scotteq over at ST-Net.), and now I could use some help.

I've got a stock except for heated grips, '01 Falco with just over 8K miles on the clock that won't turn over. I replaced battery and it still won't give me any more than a few "putts." Also, when trying to start it, I see gas start to spatter out of the first spring-connection on the right hand side of the exhaust. About a week and a half ago I changed the oil and mistakenly put in the wrong weight. I used honda racing 20W-50 fully synthetic instead of 15W-50. I realized the error with less than 30 minutes on the engine, and bought lighter oil, but I haven't been able to crank it over since then to warm the engine up to change it. It's well below freezing outside, but she's stored in a garage. I've ridden in temps below freezing before, but not quite this cold ( ~ 15F)

Could it be that it's just too cold? It started several times before. Perhaps the heavy oil with the cold, is just creating a drag that won't let the starter spin the motor fast enough? Is the gas coming out of the exhaust a sign of something... really bad? Or just unburned fuel? What's the potential consequence of using too-heavy oil?

Thanks in advance,
Shawn

[BikerGeek]

It has been my experience that with temperatures below 30-40 degrees(F), you must do the following to successfully start the Falco:

1. Make sure that you use a trickle charger to maintain full battery charge.

2. Open the choke before starting.

3. Pop the throttle(a quick twist) as you turn the key to activate the starter motor.

The oil that you had mistakenly installed in the bike should not have caused any problems. If you contine to having starting trouble, you may want to follow the instructions in the manual for removing and drying the spark plugs. Are you sure that you didn't put too much oil in the bike?

Good luck and ride safe.

[snwolff]

Thanks,
I was pretty careful about the level of oil. And, I've got the twist with the key thing down, but still no start. Of course it's actually below 20 degrees. I'll try pulling the plugs tonight...

[Mintaka]

I'd bet it's the battery's charge... This bike needs a strong start.. especially in the cold. 11.5 V... even 12V in that cold a temp will be tough.

side note.. anyone know... the temp gauge reads what? complete oil temp? or cylinder head temp?

thx..

[gi02sl]

My bike has had 20W-50 since new and I just started it at about 0 F a couple days ago. Turned over easily and fired right up. Point is, I doubt that you have an oil issue. My battery is stored indoors during the winter on a Battery Tender, but had been "untended" outdoors for about a week before I started the bike. I would still suspect your battery though.

[r100gs]

Sounds like a weak battery and now your plugs are fouled. As suggested, pull and dry them. Get a battery tender also. They are great for a bike with such a small battery. Oh yeah, don't try to start your bike with 20w-50 when it's -20F. Not good. Wait till it warms up some. If you actually ride the bike at that temp. I would suggest something like 0w-50.

[Prov431]

Have you checked the LCD display for the battery voltage? No guess work required, push the button and read the display. If it is well below 12 volts, well then I think that's the problem.
I also regularly leave my bike plugged in to a battery tender when I'm not riding it. Summer/Winter, all the time!
IMO, the oil is not the problem.
-Dan

[snwolff]

Thanks for all of the good advice.

Well, I haven't had a chance to pull the plugs yet. I've had to work 2nd shift the last two weeks, and after dark it's just too bloody cold! I've got it plugged into a Craftsman Float type battery tender/charger, that is supposed to maintain 12.0 - 14.4V. The voltage reading generally gives me about 12.1 - 12.3V before I try and crank it. Would a 'battery tender' be better than the craftsman? I did put a new battery in it last weekend though.

Is there a danger of damaging something by trying to start it when it's that cold?

Cheers,
Shawn

[r100gs]

Snwolff, I'm not familar with the Craftsman unit. Just sure make it does not have the ability to overcharge your battery. Is it bad to start your bike at -20f? No. But I would'nt if it was my bike. Most of the wear on engines happens at start up. The oil is cold and does not flow quickly enough to your engines vital moving parts. Go grab at bottle of 20w-50 and set it outside in that -20f degree weather for an hour. Open it up and give it a pour. You will see what I mean.