1999 Monster Won't Start

TrevOwnz · March 16, 2011, 02:57:05 PM

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.

the_Journeyman · March 16, 2011, 04:45:30 PM

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

TrevOwnz · 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.

ducpainter · March 16, 2011, 07:15:28 PM

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.

Howie · March 16, 2011, 08:41:19 PM

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.

TrevOwnz · 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.

ducpainter · March 17, 2011, 04:19:24 AM

How long has the bike been sitting?

Howie · March 17, 2011, 04:27:45 AM

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?

TrevOwnz · 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.

The Mad King Pepe' · March 17, 2011, 02:00:02 PM

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).

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 for your bike.

Hope this helps, cheers and good luck.

ducpainter · March 17, 2011, 02:10:03 PM

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.

zooom · March 18, 2011, 07:20:23 AM

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?!?!?!

TrevOwnz · March 19, 2011, 07:53:47 PM

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.

Howie · March 19, 2011, 09:36:20 PM

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.

TrevOwnz · March 19, 2011, 10:18:37 PM

Is it possible to get a picture? if not I will look tomorrow.

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1999 Monster Won't Start