Mechanic

[chris]

Anyone know a good mechanic in the Sunderland area? I cant get the bike to start.

[fossie]

Hi Chis its been a while since we saw you posting mate, anyway not knowing anyone in that area and not knowing your circumstances I will presume to teach you to suck eggs!

So Assuming it turns over .

Pop ups ( which I'm presuming this is ) can't have that much to stop them coming out to play .
The first thing to do is drain the carbs via the 10mm drain bolts on the bottom, this can be done in situ just lay a rag to soak up the spillage under them....run the tap on prime for a short while with drain bolts out. Replace and tighten ( apply a plaster to finger knuckles to 2-3 finger wher it scraped th starter motor cover!)
Take the spark plugs out clean them off ( replace with new ones )
Ensure battery is decent voltage , if possible get it drop tested, ( batteries that are left or are older keep their voltage but loose cracking power.)
Clean lead from starter motor to solenoid , under tool tray .
Check that the voltage breaker under the tool tray hasn't popped .
I'm sure you done all this but like being in the pub there's always !

[chris]

Thanks Fossie. I haven't hadthe chance to post. Changed jobs a couple of years back and haven't had much time for anything else. It is a pop-up and my mechanical knowledge is limited. Plugs spark and are new. Battery has been replaced.

[fossie]

Has it been stood for a while with E10 petrol in it ? It'll be that the float bowls are now full of water not petrol . Pop ups generally are very forgiving ...

[chris]

Thanks Blix. Im guessing its around Richmond

[chris]

I havent used E10, carbs were cleaned earlier in the year. Bike was running and was a way for a bit. Its when the bike stopped running.

[fossie]

Oh dear ..still drain carbs , it's the simplest thing and the first thing a mechanic will do.
Does it turn over , make any encouraging sounds at all.?

[chris]

Its not firing, engine seems to be turning. It seems to be flooding.

[fossie]

So now we are at a conundrum. There is no finger pointing or embarrassment intended or required here , but what can be done with the tools and knowledge at your disposal?

Given that you've been trying to start the bike and it hasn't the plugs will be fouled anyway now, so taking the tank off and getting to the plugs to clean them. (Heat the ends over a gas flame to dry any vapour and it'll heat the plugs .. Old 2 stroke method)
While there check airfilter element and wash out with petrol (not a lot) squeeze it out and lightly coat with clean engine oil . To dislodge any winter inhabitants
Drain float bowls as described .
Check the spark on each plug before you refit by holding it against the rocker cover while its in the HT lead .....


OR push it 1/2 mile from your house and call breakdown service!

[jmac]

The fact that it is flooding tends to rule out any sticking needle in the carbs, but it won't do any harm to give them a clout or three with a suitable implement just in case.