I have a video this time. I got it to back fire the second time I tried and then I stopped before I did damage.
I figured it was the carb not tuned right.
Ducati Monster wont start. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EzHyJRYIywg#normal)
My M750 usually backfired on attempted starts for two reasons. Weak battery being the first. The hesitation after you hit the starter (having to hold the starter to continue spinning the motor is odd. My '99 M750 doesn't do that. The other reason for mine backfiring was being overly rich. I rarely twist on the throttle like you're doing in the vid. Usually one twist was all it took. When my battery was weak, my overly rich bike was really hard to start. Usually it took three attempts. Nothing on the first, a massive (flame from the pipes) backfire on the 2nd and a successful start on the third.
JM
The only reason I turn the throttle like that is because it causes more air to go into the carborator. If I just push the starter the carb never opens up. I have gotten it to start like that twice now but I think the carb is untuned due to a crap being in my old gas tank. Also my mechanic about a year ago said to change the points the next time I go to do a tune up because they looked like they weren't in the best of shape. Is it possible it's flooded? I know nothing about engines.
Quote from: TrevOwnz on March 16, 2011, 07:10:23 PM
The only reason I turn the throttle like that is because it causes more air to go into the carborator. If I just push the starter the carb never opens up. I have gotten it to start like that twice now but I think the carb is untuned due to a crap being in my old gas tank. Also my mechanic about a year ago said to change the points the next time I go to do a tune up because they looked like they weren't in the best of shape. Is it possible it's flooded? I know nothing about engines.
twisting the throttle does not let more air in and it doesn't squirt gas either.
your bike does not have points. It has a completely electronic ignition.
Quote from: TrevOwnz on March 16, 2011, 07:10:23 PM
The only reason I turn the throttle like that is because it causes more air to go into the carborator. If I just push the starter the carb never opens up. I have gotten it to start like that twice now but I think the carb is untuned due to a crap being in my old gas tank. Also my mechanic about a year ago said to change the points the next time I go to do a tune up because they looked like they weren't in the best of shape. Is it possible it's flooded? I know nothing about engines.
Neither does your mechanic if he/she looked at the points. If your mechanic found them he had a hallucinogenic experience. First step is look for a new mechanic. Yes, it is possible it is flooded. If so, try starting with no choke and add l little at a time. Don't crank the engine too long, the $tarter will not like it. If it doesn't start after a few times remove the spark plugs and see if they are fouled.
Points lol I was thinking of my bug. I meant to say Needles. I was half awake when I typed that. I know all about points I have had to replace them many times on the side of the road haha.
I did remove the spark plugs already and they were all fine. I think it's either flooded or so untuned it just isn't getting the right mix, has happen in my bug before I had to retune it in a parking lot to get going again but I don't understand how it would have gotten out of tune that bad.
Funny thing is I know it's something small but I just haven't had the time lately to have anyone help me look at it.
How long has the bike been sitting?
Quote from: TrevOwnz on March 17, 2011, 02:55:05 AM
Points lol I was thinking of my bug. I meant to say Needles. I was half awake when I typed that. I know all about points I have had to replace them many times on the side of the road haha.
I did remove the spark plugs already and they were all fine. I think it's either flooded or so untuned it just isn't getting the right mix, has happen in my bug before I had to retune it in a parking lot to get going again but I don't understand how it would have gotten out of tune that bad.
Funny thing is I know it's something small but I just haven't had the time lately to have anyone help me look at it.
Ah, that makes a lot more sense. It is the needle jets that are more prone to wear, though it is considered good practice to replace both. Worn needles and jets affect part throttle. Are you sure you are getting spark?
Going to be honest this bike has been sitting for a while but the sitting isn't the problem, it did this when I got home from school one day and wouldn't start. I didn't have the money to fix it so it sat for 3 months, I know that is really stupid but I had no money. I pulled off all the plugs and they all looked new. I don't know how else to check for spark then looking at the wear on a plug, but I didn't see any.
It's not like my riding did this. I have only opened this bike up on the road very few times on trips into the country to see my dad and I only ride to work every couple of days so it doesn't have a history of heavy riding on my part.
Questions:
1. is there fuel in the tank?
2. do you have a spark at the plug? get a spare plug, plug it in to one of the wires hold it by the rubber against the frame and crank. if you see a spark move to the next question;
3. does fuel get to the carbs? if not there might be an issue with the pump, filter, petcock or tank. easiest check is to detach the fuel tube from the carbs and crank, if fuel pours out move to the next question;
4. when were the carbs last cleaned? take 'em apart and see if there's any junk in there. you might need to buy new jets for them; while you're at it check the idle mixture and other screws (pics and details here: http://www.ducatisuite.com/jetkit.html (http://www.ducatisuite.com/jetkit.html)).
If you need to re-do your carbs, chris kelley (ca-cycleworks & ducatitech) sells factory pro sets http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/products/fuel-carbs/factory-pro-titanium-kit-3896 (http://www.ca-cycleworks.com/products/fuel-carbs/factory-pro-titanium-kit-3896) for your bike.
Hope this helps, cheers and good luck.
Quote from: TrevOwnz on March 17, 2011, 12:18:21 PM
Going to be honest this bike has been sitting for a while but the sitting isn't the problem, it did this when I got home from school one day and wouldn't start. I didn't have the money to fix it so it sat for 3 months, I know that is really stupid but I had no money. I pulled off all the plugs and they all looked new. I don't know how else to check for spark then looking at the wear on a plug, but I didn't see any.
It's not like my riding did this. I have only opened this bike up on the road very few times on trips into the country to see my dad and I only ride to work every couple of days so it doesn't have a history of heavy riding on my part.
It may not be the problem, but 3 month old untreated fuel will not work well now to figure out what the problem is.
Quote from: ducpainter on March 17, 2011, 02:10:03 PM
but 3 month old untreated fuel will not work well now
maybe some dry gas added to the fuel to change the flash point might help that issue?!?!?!
Also I don't have the slightest idea how to take the carb off or open it up, there is so much around and on top of it I wouldn't know where to begin. Also I didn't state this but when it sat there was almost not a single drop of fuel in the tank, it was full threw the lines and the fuel went up into the tank but I probably had only half a glass cup in the actual tank so I did put a gallon or two into the tank when I tried starting it so I would imagine how much I put in it when mix with the sitting fuel and be good enough to start it.
Also I'm trying to get the bike running smooth so I can sell it, but if there is anyone in the central Florida area that would want to buy it for a few hundred less than my target price would have been running I will listen to offers. It's a really clean bike just needs a mechanics touch and needs to be RIDDEN! I feel bad for the damn thing having to sit next to my brothers motorcycle that gets all the attention.
You could try draining the float bowls. There should be two plastic hoses coming down therear of the engine on the right side. Follow the hoses up to the carbs. You will see a screw with a ( I think) 8 mm head where the hose attaches to the carb. It will also be slotted for a phillips screwdriver. That screw is the drain. Loosen the screw and fuel will come out of the hoses. Do not over tighten when you close it. Dump the old fuel in the tank since you have so little anyway. A good way to get rid of the old fuel is to add it to something with a big tank like a car. Put some new fuel in. It takes a while for empty bowls to refill. A drop of fresh fuel down each carb before cranking will help.
Is it possible to get a picture? if not I will look tomorrow.
In your video it sounded like there was hesitation after you hit the starter. I reread your December post and if that is the new battery you will have to charge it fully before trying anything because it is weak. Have you been leaving the bike outside? Has she been rained upon? If so then there is a good chance you have water in your gas. Water in gas can stop you cold and since they are immiscible adding new gas will not help. I would make certain battery is fully charged (or jump it with beetle) then remove air filter and spritz some new gas or starting fluid into carb. If she fires at all then it is probably a fuel problem. If she does not fire pull plug and hold it against the engine while you press starter and look for spark. Then report back.
Quote from: tbyte on March 19, 2011, 10:21:27 PM
If she does not fire pull plug and hold it against the engine while you press starter and look for spark. Then report back.
Works just fine, but with one caveat, hold it tight and don't flinch otherwise you will get a rude awakening. Also works better at night or in the shade. Makes the spark easier to see.
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/hlep2890/bike/IMG_0386.jpg)
(http://i298.photobucket.com/albums/mm276/hlep2890/bike/IMG_0385-1.jpg)
This is how I got my M750 with empty carb bowls to start.
1. Pour a small amount of gas down the intake tubes.
2. Leave the choke closed
3. Hit the starter.
I get the same hesitation, even with a freshly charged battery sometimes, but still make sure you're fully charged.
JM
Got it running by the help of a friend. He flushed the carbs and let them drain. A greenish fluid was in the oil (gas probably) which I don't know how got in there. I know my clutch plate had some small sealing problems but I thought that just let oil condensate on the outside not sure how that is causing gas to get in the carbs. This could have been a old problem from when I fixed my tank and other things and wont return. I guess time will tell.
Thanks for the comments once again fellas.
If it was flooding trying to start, you could have gotten some gas in there that way ~
JM
Did the oil smell like gas?
Drain and change oil quickly before any damage happens to your bearings.
Is that tank propped up with the prop rod, or is it just leaning against it's own weight?