Died and won't restart

[Cynic]

Pulled up to a stop sign and my 99 std died on me, now it won't restart. Has fuel and getting spark, but won't start when it turns over.

Any ideas on where to start? New to me and I can do maintenance type stuff, but I'm not a mechanic

[Valker]

First, check the kill switch, next try to jump the battery.

[Hook#3287]

Any idea on the batteries age?

[The emperor has no clothes]

First, check the kill switch, next try to jump the battery.

It wouldn't turn over if it was the kill switch would it ? I think you are right with a jump.

[Cynic]

Has plenty of juice, kill switch is set to run (rode a mile before it died).

[The emperor has no clothes]

Has plenty of juice, kill switch is set to run (rode a mile before it died).

These bikes can be funny starting. When the battery starts to go south it can have plenty to turn over the engine well. But not enough to fire up the bike. If you have a car nearby it would be easy to check this off the list. Don't have the vehicle running when you jump it.

[Hook#3287]

Has fuel and getting spark, but won't start when it turns over.

I'm guessing this means you pulled a plug and checked for spark?

And the plug was wet?

[Cynic]

Has fuel and getting spark, but won't start when it turns over.

I'm guessing this means you pulled a plug and checked for spark?

And the plug was wet?

No, I actually didn't pull a plug, I meant the starter was trying to turn over the motor. I'm going to try jumping it when I get home.

[Hook#3287]

Has fuel and getting spark, but won't start when it turns over.

I'm guessing this means you pulled a plug and checked for spark?

And the plug was wet?

No, I actually didn't pull a plug, I meant the starter was trying to turn over the motor. I'm going to try jumping it when I get home.

It's like Rob (Meathead) said, these bikes are funny in that the battery has enough juice to turn the motor over like it should start, but lacks the juice to fire the plugs.

Try the jump from a fully charged battery or one in a non-running vehicle.

Hope that does it.

Good luck.

[Chrisj CMA]

Since it died while running, if it starts with a jump you probably have some alternator work to do

[Cynic]

Unable to jump start it.

Any other suggestions before I call the stealership?

[signart]

Explain the method you used to determine getting fuel & spark. Don't give up on the techsters here, many will be better versed on these bikes than you will find at the dealer these days. Better, cheaper, faster

[Gryphon Rider]

What work has recently been done to the bike?
Does your bike have an aftermarket auxiliary fuel tank?
When the bike died, did it behave like it was running out of gas, or did it quit without warning?
Before it died did you notice the tachometer stop working?
Have you put a charger on the battery to fully charge it (1.2-2A overnight should do it)?
When you put a voltmeter on the battery (everything turned off), what does it read?

[The emperor has no clothes]

Has fuel and getting spark, but won't start when it turns over.

I'm guessing this means you pulled a plug and checked for spark?

And the plug was wet?

No, I actually didn't pull a plug, I meant the starter was trying to turn over the motor. I'm going to try jumping it when I get home.

I just reread this. Did the motor actually turn over at a brisk pace ? If so, I would move on to pulling a plug and checking for spark. If you have spark, I would then check that you are getting fuel. Either test your petcock to see if t flows or open a bowl drain to see if its full.

[Chrisj CMA]

I would at least do the starter button maintenance before letting the dealer brake stuff!

[Cynic]

So, Initially I said I had spark when it was trying to turn over. This morning I pulled one plug and was getting spark. A honda mechanic in KC that I know suggested pulling fuel line from petcock to see if I had fuel flow...fuel flows to petcock, but not thru it. I needed to head out of town for a preplanned party, so I dropped it at a v-twin mechanic I know to look into the petcock problem. $15 for a trailer rental and an hour labor later ($35) and he got it cleaned and running again. He recommended replacing the petcock due to wear.

Thanks for the suggestions. Next question...stock petcock? Or is there a recommended aftermarket?


Again, thanks for the quick assistance. Actually glad it died yesterday evening rather than today during my ride from home to KC.

Daryl

[Hook#3287]

Some like the OEM, some don't.

I do because I have chrome hangers and I've rebuilt several.

You can rebuild yours, with minor skills and a cover set.

COVER SET, PETCOCK
16953-MBZ-B51

$28.84

[The emperor has no clothes]

Some like the OEM, some don't.

I do because I have chrome hangers and I've rebuilt several.

You can rebuild yours, with minor skills and a cover set.

COVER SET, PETCOCK
16953-MBZ-B51

$28.84

+1 

[Cynic]

Ended up rebuilding the stock petcock. When I reassembled everything, I wound up with a leak in my fuel line, which ended up being due to the P/O having installed an auxiliary fuel tank (keg style) and splicing the hose into the line between the petcock and the splitter before the carbs. Idiot used a plastic vacuum connector, rather than a metal connector, so it eventually ate through the plastic enough to drip (who knows how long that had been happening).

As I was re-installing the tank, I couldn't find the clamp that keeps the vacuum line on the petcock. The local auto parts store didn't have anything that small (just over 1/4" OD). Any suggestions on where to pick one up? The stealership wants over $5 for one. I'm pretty sure that either a pinch style or a screw style will work.

Thanks

[The emperor has no clothes]

Ended up rebuilding the stock petcock. When I reassembled everything, I wound up with a leak in my fuel line, which ended up being due to the P/O having installed an auxiliary fuel tank (keg style) and splicing the hose into the line between the petcock and the splitter before the carbs. Idiot used a plastic vacuum connector, rather than a metal connector, so it eventually ate through the plastic enough to drip (who knows how long that had been happening).

As I was re-installing the tank, I couldn't find the clamp that keeps the vacuum line on the petcock. The local auto parts store didn't have anything that small (just over 1/4" OD). Any suggestions on where to pick one up? The stealership wants over $5 for one. I'm pretty sure that either a pinch style or a screw style will work.

Thanks

Ace Hardware would likely have the pinch style. Are you leaving the aux. tank setup ? Is the shut off back at the tank ? If so, that seems like a lot of line with gas to do possible damage.

[Cracker Jack]

In your situation, I would just use a small zip tie for a clamp. Zip ties are commonly used for clamps on small lines, including fuel lines. I have a Johnson outboard motor with several on fuel lines from the factory. The vacuum is not trying to blow the line off, it will help to hold it on.

I'm sure the usual suspects will tell you that doing what I suggest will surely put you in line for a flaming death. You decide who you want to trust

[Cynic]

[/quote]Ace Hardware would likely have the pinch style. Are you leaving the aux. tank setup ? Is the shut off back at the tank ? If so, that seems like a lot of line with gas to do possible damage.
[/quote]

I got a straight connector and pulled the aux line completely.

I'll check out Ace today. If they don't have anything, I'll go with a zip tie.

[nogrey]

In your situation, I would just use a small zip tie for a clamp. Zip ties are commonly used for clamps on small lines, including fuel lines. I have a Johnson outboard motor with several on fuel lines from the factory. The vacuum is not trying to blow the line off, it will help to hold it on.

I'm sure the usual suspects will tell you that doing what I suggest will surely put you in line for a flaming death. You decide who you want to trust

Ha! Love this! I actually don't even bother with a clamp on the petcock vacuum line. Thousands and thousands of miles this way without a problem. Of course, I keep my vacuum line (only have the one) in great condition and even if it did pop off (again, would be a sign of poor running machine backfiring) I'd go there.

[Dale_K]

These might work.

http://redeye.ecrater.com/p/14344948/7-mini-hose-clamps-for-valkyrie-happy

[Cynic]

Ended up with a ziptie, seems to be working.

Headed out Monday morning for a jaunt through the Ozarks, from Springfield MO to Poplar Bluff MO, via Marshfield-Eminence-Van Buren, for the scenic route. Stayed a night in PB, then headed home Tuesday along US 160 (more scenery).

All told, about 450 miles of scenic country roads. Great wind therapy for what ails ya.

Hadn't done anything other than short (1-2 hours) rides since I got back on a bike after my crash in 2012. Learned the hard way that no matter how much sunscreen you apply, it's not enough!

Bike ran like a charm, averaged just over 30 mpg, and vac line is still attached

[Hook#3287]

In your situation, I would just use a small zip tie for a clamp. Zip ties are commonly used for clamps on small lines, including fuel lines. I have a Johnson outboard motor with several on fuel lines from the factory. The vacuum is not trying to blow the line off, it will help to hold it on.

I'm sure the usual suspects will tell you that doing what I suggest will surely put you in line for a flaming death. You decide who you want to trust

Ha! Love this! I actually don't even bother with a clamp on the petcock vacuum line. Thousands and thousands of miles this way without a problem. Of course, I keep my vacuum line (only have the one) in great condition and even if it did pop off (again, would be a sign of poor running machine backfiring) I'd go there.

Whole heartily agree.   

I feel you can do damage putting those ridiculous little pinch clamps back on.  The vacuum hose ain't gonna fall off unless you don't put it on right in the first place.

[Ramie]

I carry a piece of this with me on the bike and in truck, works well as a temporary clamp.

https://www.amazon.com/Pit-Posse-Stainless-AirCRaft-Aviation/dp/B005H9Y7FI/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1497535170&sr=8-1&keywords=safety+wire

[Paladin528]

same issue a few weeks ago.  new battery fixed her right up.

[Hooter]

You are one of the rare people here that kept us informed right to the end...thanks for the info and fix info!