1500 Interstate will not start

[Celtic_Crusader]

Hope someone has seen this issue before.

Bike won't start. Turn the key hit the start and all I hear is what I assume is the starter spinning. I had it running a week ago after taking out of storage from the winter. Then tried to start it and nothing. just some odd spinning noise.

I talked to a few guys and suggested to test the battery by using jumper cables to my truck (Truck Off). still same issue. I then tried to replace the starter relay and that did the same thing.

[Avanti]

You may need to pull the starter and check the starter and gears.

[gordonv]

Put the bike in gear and turn the engine over a little. Then back in neutral and try again.

I suspect you had a hydro lock (or a PO did), hit the starter a second time, and broke some gears off. This is why the starter is spinning and no messing with the gears.

Scroll down and look for the gears. You should be able to see this after the starter has been removed.
http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,70846.0.html

That is IF the starter is turning.

[Moonshot_1]

Pretty much the diagnosis from what you have posted would lead folks to believe this is a result of hydrolock. Gas got into a cylinder and locked it up breaking the starter gears and now the starter just spins as it no longer engages.

But it could be something different.

More information is needed.

How long have you had the bike?

Have you recently had previous issues with starting?

You said you had it running a week ago. How did you get it started then?

I would remove the spark plugs, put it in gear and roll the motor over. If it is hydro locked, gas should come out the plug hole. If it does, then the starter has likely lost its gears and the motor must be disassembled to get to the damage.

That is beyond my pay grade. Others here can get you through it I'm sure.

This also would mean that you would need a petcock rebuild.

But it could be something completely different so greater detail is needed. Any previous work, any previous oddities, any previous mishaps that you might feel might be associated with this, lay it on everyone.

But right now the odds are looking like a hydro lock issue. And that is not good.

[gordonv]

waiting on reply. Also you might want to add your location in your profile.

Either a follow up, with more info, what you found out, what it's doing now, or how you fixed it for others benefits.

[Celtic_Crusader]

Thanks for all the feedback. From everyone's posts and the troubleshooting I have done it looks like i need to find a professional to look at the possible hydrolock issue. One I find someone to look at it I will post the fix.

[gordonv]

No reason to get a paid person to look. One reason I asked for you to post your location, Ask for help.

It's easy. First roll the engine over using the bike. If the engine turns over, then there is no current hydro lock (research hydro lock).

If the bike stops, the engine wont turn over, then in neutral, roll it outside, remove the plugs, back in gear, and roll it again. Any fuel in the cylinder will be ejected thought the spark plug port.

Now you can try to start it again.

You looked at the link I posted? If shows missing teeth. After turning the engine, those gears may be messing now, you aren't at a dead spot, and the engine might turn over and start.

If the above happens, then you've mostly confirmed hydro lock.

I'd remove the starter and look at the gears, they're right there to be seen, and the starter is easy to remove.

Now you can decide if you want to continue here with all the help, how-tos and posts, and do the job yourself, or then go to a shop. But the shop I think will be something like $1K.

[Celtic_Crusader]

Update:

Now that is stopped Raining in Ohio I had some time to test this out.

I pulled 2 spark plugs put in gear and was able to roll it a little. I then put the 2 plugs back in..... Bike started but I heard a sound that sounds like gears trying to grab. Once the bike started a small amount of fuel came fro the bike and stopped. Only a small puddle of fuel came out. Bike is currently running. I have not stopped it to try and restart.

I assume there are a few things to worry about.

1. Fuel spilled from somewhere
2. the Gear trying to catch sound
3. Will it start every time now?

[Hook#3287]

Where is the gas leaking from?

It's had to grasp what is going on, but the "Gears trying to catch sound" does not sound good.

If you experienced a hydro lock with damage, which is what is sounds like from your description, it may start sometimes and the starter gear may just spin at other times.

You should remove the starter and inspect the visible gears, as gordonv suggested.

[Celtic_Crusader]

Not looking good........ I pulled the started just enough to look in there...... I see broken gear and housing....

Anyone know a mechanic in Central Ohio who can fix this?


Here is the Pic
https://jmp.sh/0Fv6Wvp

[JimC]

I would try Mark Donges (sp) his handle is Mad6Gun on this board.
You can go to this link and send him a private message (down toward the bottom)

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php?action=profile;u=362

He is in NE Indiana, New Haven I believe.   He is a member here, a long time mechanic, and does very good work.    It would be worth your time to get hold of a trailer and bring it to him.

Any dealer or independent shop is going to bend you over big time.

Jim

[MAD6Gun]

Not looking good........ I pulled the started just enough to look in there...... I see broken gear and housing....

Anyone know a mechanic in Central Ohio who can fix this?


Here is the Pic
https://jmp.sh/0Fv6Wvp

 Matt. PM sent....