Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Tech => Topic started by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 02:55:49 PM

Title: Newbie troubles
Post by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 02:55:49 PM
Heah everybody. This is my first post, and unfortunately its because I am having trouble. I just got a 2000 900 monster ie from a buddy of mine. It started right up and idled and ran fine, but when I got it home and decided to take it around the block, it died about 100 yards down the road. No sputtering, coughing, just quit. I put a bit more fuel in it just to be sure. I also have verified that it has spark. Before I tear the airbox out to mess with the injectors, does anyone have anything easy that I should check before I make a mess? All lights work with the key switch, you can hear the fuel pump cycle, feels like compression with the plugs removed (farts air), I have checked all the fuses that I've been able to locate (under tank, seat). This is my first street bike, and I'm hoping this isn't an omen. Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: Ddan on July 21, 2013, 03:32:22 PM
Do you know the maintenance history?  Is it getting fuel?
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 03:36:05 PM
The plugs didn't look flooded. I am assuming that yes fuel is the problem. I was wondering if there is a injector relay, or something like that. This bike only has 7200 miles on it. The tank had to be reworked though (body and paint), and I'm wondering if it wasn't cleaned out real well and if the injectors are clogged up. Although the suddenness of how it quit seems like an electrical issue. How do you guys check the fuel system out?
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: Ddan on July 21, 2013, 03:48:20 PM
Quote from: puddles on July 21, 2013, 03:36:05 PM
The plugs didn't look flooded. I am assuming that yes fuel is the problem. I was wondering if there is a injector relay, or something like that. This bike only has 7200 miles on it. The tank had to be reworked though (body and paint), and I'm wondering if it wasn't cleaned out real well and if the injectors are clogged up. Although the suddenness of how it quit seems like an electrical issue. How do you guys check the fuel system out?
There is a screen and filter in the tank so it's unlikely the injectors are clogged. Make sure the fuel lines under the tank aren't pinched.  If they're good, take the air filter off and put maybe a teaspoon of fuel down the throttle bodies, if it fires you know you're not getting fuel.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 04:05:56 PM
I put gas down the intake, and it fired. So its not getting fuel. I have the factory manual but the troubleshooting section is missing, and I can't seem to find much if any info on the fuel injection system. Is there a relay for the injectors?
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: koko64 on July 21, 2013, 04:29:27 PM
Check the routine service schedule and do everything that is due for miles and TIME. The cam belts need to be changed every two years.. There are items like the fuel filter and fuel hoses that should be changed with any bike that age unless they were done recently.
If the PO doesn't know when these items were serviced then you can assume they weren't and are due. Normal procedure for any used 13 year old bike.
Give your new girl some lovin'!
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: SpikeC on July 21, 2013, 04:35:01 PM
 How old is the battery, and how was it maintained? Not saying that this is the problem, but check the easy stuff first. An old battery can seem to be charging fine, but then die suddenly. Or it can have a bad cell that only shows up under load, etc.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 04:41:08 PM
I have new cam belts, and I understand that they need to be changed, but it should start up. I believe the battery is probably a bit old, but it cranks the motor over fine, and as I said, if I put gas in the intake it fires up.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: koko64 on July 21, 2013, 04:58:11 PM
If you aren't getting fuel then it is reasonable to suspect kinked or blocked fuel lines or a clogged fuel filter. When checking the fuel filter look for any irregularities inside the tank.
You can have your battery load tested too.

Your bike is an excellent model by the way.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: ducpainter on July 21, 2013, 05:13:02 PM
When you turn the key on can you hear the pump cycle on then off?
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: puddles on July 21, 2013, 07:11:47 PM
Well I figured it out. I called my buddy who I got it from. He said to check all the stuff he messed with when he had the tank repainted. Turns out the fuel line inside the tank coming from the fuel filter popped off the hard line. I suppose there is a hose clamp floating around the bottom of the tank, but I'm not worried. All other lines in the tank looked fine. No cracking. Thanks for your help. Hopefully I won't have trouble changing the cam belts.  [thumbsup]
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: Privateer on July 21, 2013, 09:26:11 PM
Quote from: puddles on July 21, 2013, 07:11:47 PM
Hopefully I won't have trouble changing the cam belts.  [thumbsup]

chris at ca cyclworks has a good video on youtube for changing the belts.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: WTSDS on July 22, 2013, 04:46:45 AM
Quote from: koko64 on July 21, 2013, 04:58:11 PM

Your bike is an excellent model by the way.

Before I bought my 2000 900ie I spoke to Bob Brown, a mate of mine and a local Australian Duc guru. He said exactly that - and after 7 years of ownership I agree.

Your experience so far will have given you a great opportunity to have a good look over yer 'bike. Once you sort out the obvious glitches you should find it to be a lotta fun to own and ride.
Title: Re: Newbie troubles
Post by: Slide Panda on July 22, 2013, 06:30:20 AM
Quote from: puddles on July 21, 2013, 07:11:47 PM
Well I figured it out. I called my buddy who I got it from. He said to check all the stuff he messed with when he had the tank repainted. Turns out the fuel line inside the tank coming from the fuel filter popped off the hard line. I suppose there is a hose clamp floating around the bottom of the tank, but I'm not worried. All other lines in the tank looked fine. No cracking. Thanks for your help. Hopefully I won't have trouble changing the cam belts.  [thumbsup]

Good for you tracking this down - Bet it was a hair puller!

The belts are not hard to do on a 900 at all. Refer to the video that Privateer mentioned. The one thing it doesn't mention in the video is the oil cooler as a 620 doesn't have one. You'll just need to unbolt it to allow you some maneuvering room.

One handy tool to have for this job, though not strictly necessary, is a crank turning tool.
http://www.motomfg.com/Crank_shaft_turning_tool_for_Ducati_s_p/et-1.htm (http://www.motomfg.com/Crank_shaft_turning_tool_for_Ducati_s_p/et-1.htm)
With one, you don't have to monkey around with turing the engine via the rear wheel. While that method works, it's harder to line up the marks and needs a rear stand. With the turner, a belt change can be done on the side stand.