Rode in rain, bike won't start

RogueMnstr · September 26, 2009, 04:58:23 PM

Definitely been awhile since I've been on here... and now I've returned to the rainy NW, and have a pursuant problem

I had the bike out for a good hour's worth of riding in steady rain and road mist... I'm sure everything got thoroughly soaked (I did!). Ran fine for the ride (I even turned it off a couple of times and restarted it), but since I got it home and dried it off in the garage, it hasn't started for me, and it's been almost a week.

What could I have make the beast with two backsed to make it do that? My feeble mechanical brain came up with "maybe the plugs are wet...?", and so I had them out and dried them off... wet with gas from the multiple non-starts, but that's all I could tell.

Anyone have any better ideas?

*Edit: Bike is an injected 750

Howie · September 26, 2009, 06:34:37 PM

More information is needed. Do the gauges sweep and the idiot lights come on? Does the starter turn over the engine? Can you hear the fuel pump prime?

RogueMnstr · September 26, 2009, 06:44:55 PM

My bad. Gauges sweep, pump primes, engine cranks happily away... but doesn't catch. Even tried bump starting it awhile back... no dice.

and yes, the cut-off switch is in "run".

Howie · September 26, 2009, 08:35:02 PM

OK, your next step is to check for spark. Shade tree method - Insert an insulated screwdriver into the spark plug hold the screwdriver about 1/4'' from ground and crank engine. If you get healthy, blue spark, good! Clean or replace plugs. If not, make sure the wires to the coils are connected. Still no start? Get back to us for more info.

RogueMnstr · September 28, 2009, 05:32:18 AM

Will do, thanks for the reply.

ducatiz · September 28, 2009, 05:34:50 AM

if you have a harbor freight nearby, pick up one of these to check spark

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=4424

put it inline and it will light up if there is spark and proper ground, but it won't tell you how much spark, just if there is any.

Howie · September 28, 2009, 05:55:49 AM

Or one of these, commonly available, the first one can even be a DYI project.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2461-k-d-tools-2757.aspx
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-7200-thexton-404.aspx

RB · September 28, 2009, 06:56:05 AM

a friend had the same issue, pull the ECU plugs (2) and check for water.....dried it out and started right up.

ducatiz · September 28, 2009, 09:50:51 AM

Quote from: howie on September 28, 2009, 05:55:49 AM
Or one of these, commonly available, the first one can even be a DYI project.

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-2461-k-d-tools-2757.aspx
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-7200-thexton-404.aspx

the second one is handy for testing relative spark strength

Dietrich · September 28, 2009, 10:05:18 AM

I've heard many issues on newer bikes where the throttle position sensor can fail after a good soaking. I've been through downpoors without a problem, but maybe something to check.

gage · September 28, 2009, 11:03:52 AM

Not to be insulting but it has gas right? Gas on plugs is not indicative of the bike having enough gas to run...

RogueMnstr · September 28, 2009, 03:35:56 PM

Thanks for all the suggestions.

RB - where are these ECU plugs located?

gage - Uh, I think so...

I guess I'll go check right now.

ducatiz · September 29, 2009, 05:45:18 AM

Quote from: RogueMnstr on September 28, 2009, 03:35:56 PM
Thanks for all the suggestions.

RB - where are these ECU plugs located?

gage - Uh, I think so... I guess I'll go check right now.

ECU is usually near the battery, depends on the model. download the parts catalogue for your bike and find it.

RB · September 29, 2009, 10:54:22 AM

Quote from: ducatiz on September 29, 2009, 05:45:18 AM
ECU is usually near the battery, depends on the model. download the parts catalogue for your bike and find it.

under the tank, should be two large locking multiple pin socket type plugs.

gage · October 02, 2009, 04:27:09 PM

Was it out of gas?

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Rode in rain, bike won't start