Stupid question - hard to start

[Serk]

Stupid question - Lately my Valk's been getting harder and harder to start. When I hit the button it turns over repeatedly and usually really quickly, just takes quite a bit of time to actually start.

On the occasions where I've run the battery down trying to start her up when I jump start her she fires to life almost immediately.

So my first thought is the battery doesn't have the amperage any more to turn over the engine AND energize the ignition coil and should be replaced. Sound theory?

(Just wanted a quick sanity check before I ordered a new battery. It's probably time for a new one either way, but figured couldn't hurt (Other than to my ego) to ask first...)

Thanks!

[Daniel Meyer]

Voltage could be the issue. Often a weak cell can drop the voltage yet still leave the amperage for cranking. The Valk needs over 11 volts to even energize the module (while cranking).

You do know the choke trick/issue, right?

[Jess from VA]

Sounds like the battery to me.  Mine just slowly began to require more cranks to fire, yet turned over like a champ (so well you would not think battery was the issue) (lights, horn & radio fine), but longer and longer to fire (5-8 seconds, beyond which I let go and start over).  Even thou it tested (best I could do) about NL, it was not NL, and a new battery made it fire in 2 seconds like it always used to.  It was likely the original battery in a '99, changed last year (24 X 7 on battery tender since '05).   What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.

[Serk]

You do know the choke trick/issue, right?

Yah, how when ya' put the choke on you've gotta put it on, the force it a further 1/8th of the way or so to REALLY get the choke on.

Kinda figured it was just a battery, In 109,000 miles this is only my 2nd one, so it's probably time to replace it anyway, just wanted a quick sanity check...

Thanks!

[Serk]

What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.

I'm on my 2nd alternator anyway, but the first one was replaced under warranty at least...

[Jess from VA]

What worried me was that this puts more strain on the alternator eventually, and I don't want to ever have to service that if I can help it.

I'm on my 2nd alternator anyway, but the first one was replaced under warranty at least...

Sixty five bux for a battery, and a one beer job, vs an expensive case of beer job and no skin left on my fingers.      

[Daniel Meyer]

You do know the choke trick/issue, right?

Yah, how when ya' put the choke on you've gotta put it on, the force it a further 1/8th of the way or so to REALLY get the choke on.

Kinda figured it was just a battery, In 109,000 miles this is only my 2nd one, so it's probably time to replace it anyway, just wanted a quick sanity check...

Thanks!

HA! I know where you live! THREE years out of a battery is a miracle in our weather! Yep, it's probably time!

[Disco]

Sanity?  Check!

I, too, am betting battery.

[Tx Bohemian]

Wow!! Really Serk?!?

You've been around here long enough to know that some people get their panties in a wad when you don't put in enough information!!

You know like - yr model, miles, color, what tires you're running, what oil you use, vin #, Darkside, rear bearing mod, etc...

I learned my lesson soon after I joined!

But enough of the sarcasim.

Being a self-proclaimed Valk starting expert, because of the issues I've had with mine, I'd bet too that your battery is getting weak. 
Especially since you've stated that with the "car battery boost" it fires right up.

[Houdini]

Did you try Seafoam?   

[LL]

Yeah, I'd top the battery with a shot of Seafoam.
I'd even go as far as a triple shot in your energy drink, it fixes everything!

[Serk]

Well that done did it...

Put a fresh battery in this morning. Now all I hafta do is THINK about starting it, if I wave my hand near the starter it fires to life almost instantly...

Thanks ya'll! Nice to have a Valk I can depend on again.

[Daniel Meyer]

 

Now remember...and another half-dozen years or so you'll need to buy another battery!

[Serk]

Now remember...and another half-dozen years or so you'll need to buy another battery!

Necro'ing this thread just for giggles:

The battery I replaced in this thread finally failed and was just replaced... 11 years ain't a bad run! (And it wasn't even a Yuasa!)

[Jess from VA]

Mine all last that long keeping them on Battery Tender Jrs 24 X 7 when not riding or on the road. 

I've had a spare on a shelf indoors with acid on the side for some years.

Same deal with the even smaller battery that starts my big gas (whole house except 220) generator.