SOLVED- starting issues
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SOLVED- starting issues
I've finally (knock on wood) solved the starting issues on my VTR that have been creeping in more and more since mid 2019.
The main culprits were:
1- not enough choke. It just felt as if the choke was not fully pulled, as the rpm after (finally) starting was too low. Turns out (after disassembly) that the choke plunger from the first cylinder would still stay 1-2mm out with the choke cable fully pulled. Sprayed lots of PTFE grease down the cables and plungers, and slid the cable in and out multiple times. Now both plungers sit flush with the cable fully pulled. Will likely replace the choke cable and both plungers first time I'll take the carbs out, as they do show their age.
2- slow cranking. This was due to a cumulative effect of many oxidized connections. Measuring the resistance of any individual wire didn't give any big red lights, but when each connection added just a little bit, it was enough to reduce the current that got to the starter motor. Scraped clean (sandpaper and small flat screwdriver) and applied dielectric grease on all ends of: battery terminals, starter relay, starter wire.
3- fuel petcock diaphragm was slow to open at times.
note: the plugs were good, the coils were good, almost all other connections (CDI, rectifier, etc) are clean and greased since 1-2 years ago, the engine is healthy (pulls strong). The battery is one year old and sat inside and charged during the winter, and the rectifier is MOSFET type.
Thought I'd share this, it might help someone else
The main culprits were:
1- not enough choke. It just felt as if the choke was not fully pulled, as the rpm after (finally) starting was too low. Turns out (after disassembly) that the choke plunger from the first cylinder would still stay 1-2mm out with the choke cable fully pulled. Sprayed lots of PTFE grease down the cables and plungers, and slid the cable in and out multiple times. Now both plungers sit flush with the cable fully pulled. Will likely replace the choke cable and both plungers first time I'll take the carbs out, as they do show their age.
2- slow cranking. This was due to a cumulative effect of many oxidized connections. Measuring the resistance of any individual wire didn't give any big red lights, but when each connection added just a little bit, it was enough to reduce the current that got to the starter motor. Scraped clean (sandpaper and small flat screwdriver) and applied dielectric grease on all ends of: battery terminals, starter relay, starter wire.
3- fuel petcock diaphragm was slow to open at times.
note: the plugs were good, the coils were good, almost all other connections (CDI, rectifier, etc) are clean and greased since 1-2 years ago, the engine is healthy (pulls strong). The battery is one year old and sat inside and charged during the winter, and the rectifier is MOSFET type.
Thought I'd share this, it might help someone else
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