Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 03:14:07 PM

Title: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 03:14:07 PM
After the bike cutoff, i tried to restart unsuccessfully. I checked the battery(new battery) connections and they are firm. I also smelled fuel so I think the fuel delivery system is working and I hear the clicking sound from the starter. Hopefully this problem is the result of a loose connection, but I'm not sure what are the likely culprits. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 03:19:02 PM
Is the starter turning the engine or just clicking?
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: greenmonster on June 13, 2011, 03:29:07 PM
I got a short in my fusebox after passing a big road bump. Don`t remember which of the 3  7.5A it was.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 03:33:07 PM
It's turning the engine.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 03:46:43 PM
Quote from: gwjcat on June 13, 2011, 03:33:07 PM
It's turning the engine.
Quote from: greenmonster on June 13, 2011, 03:29:07 PM
I got a short in my fusebox after passing a big road bump. Don`t remember which of the 3  7.5A it was.
I'd check the fuse for the ignitors with a meter or light.

I can go look at my bike if you don't know which fuse it is. I think it's marked ignition.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 03:49:11 PM
Ok, I have a multimeter and will perform continuity tests on the fuses
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 03:50:30 PM
let us know
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 04:06:43 PM
The continuity test verified an intact ignition fuse. What's the next course of action? I checked the battery voltage and it measured 13V.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 04:15:40 PM
Quote from: gwjcat on June 13, 2011, 04:06:43 PM
The continuity test verified an intact ignition fuse. What's the next course of action? I checked the battery voltage and it measured 13V.
You said you smelled fuel.

I think I'd check the plugs, both for spark and for being wet.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 04:28:11 PM
Quote from: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 04:15:40 PM
You said you smelled fuel.

I think I'd check the plugs, both for spark and for being wet.

Do you mean remove spark plug from engine, place plug near grounding point(possibly engine), crank the engine and check for visible spark? This is the 1st time doing this so I just want to be sure this is what I'm supposed to do.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 13, 2011, 04:38:32 PM
Quote from: gwjcat on June 13, 2011, 04:28:11 PM
Do you mean remove spark plug from engine, place plug near grounding point(possibly engine), crank the engine and check for visible spark? This is the 1st time doing this so I just want to be sure this is what I'm supposed to do.
Exactly...

also check both plugs for being wet with fuel precluding the possibility of them functioning properly.

Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 13, 2011, 06:10:14 PM
Ok. I didn't see a visible spark. The plugs were black and I assume this indicates a rich mixture. They weren't very wet either. How should I proceed now?
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 14, 2011, 03:14:08 AM
Another day and I took off of work to fix this problem. What should be my next course of action?
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 14, 2011, 03:34:51 AM
Quote from: gwjcat on June 14, 2011, 03:14:08 AM
Another day and I took off of work to fix this problem. What should be my next course of action?
First thing would be to either clean or replace the plugs and see if you can get spark. I'd just get new ones.

It should start even with a rich mixture.

If you see no spark with new plugs I'd check all the connections at the coils and the ignitor boxes near the battery. The ignitors are very fragile. Be careful with those connectors.

If you search you can find some threads on testing coils and ignitor boxes if you don't find that something has fallen off.
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: ducpainter on June 14, 2011, 01:48:12 PM
Quote from: gwjcat on June 14, 2011, 03:14:08 AM
Another day and I took off of work to fix this problem. What should be my next course of action?
any progress?
Title: Re: '94 Monster 900 cutoff after going over a speed bump/won't restart
Post by: Real Recognize Real on June 14, 2011, 07:33:34 PM
Unfortunately not. I checked for sparks again and I definitely didn't notice anything from both wires. I didn't notice any loose connections, but the ground going to the starter had a lot of rust. I didn't measure the ignition coil and ignitor box resistances. I think a properly working coil should have a 5ohm resistance, but I'm not sure of the proper ignitor box resistance values. Since I didn't detect any spark from both spark plugs, I think it suggests that the main problem is "upstream" of the coils.

Btw - it's not my day b/c I just noticed a nail in my new Pilot Power rear tire. [bang] Life happens!