Engine turns over, but won't start -- what to do?

[spyme]

I've had my Spyder sitting unused in a Phoenix garage for six months of hot summer weather. It was on a battery charger that whole time. It has fuel. Today, eager to go on a long overdue ride, I went out to start it... fail. Battery seems fine, it tuns over, and over, and over, but won't start.

Suggestions short of having it towed?

 

[NancysToy]

Fuel -Air - Spark - Battery (& connections)...that's what you check. Take a look at the spark plugs, and change them if they are suspect. If they are wet, it is probably a spark issue. If dry, it is fuel delivery. One common cause of such issues is mouse damage. That can mean anything from a clogged air intake to chewed wiring. Another possibility is bad gas if it was not stabilized, or condensation in the fuel if the tank was not full during storage. I'm afraid there is no substitute for checking and evaluating one system at a time. That would be more thorough and much quicker if it was hooked up to BUDS at the dealer. I'd have it towed in if you don't find something obvious.

 

[spyme]

Kill switch -- not that -- it wouldn't turn over if the kill switch wasn't in the "on" position. It cranks over just fine.
Mice & wiring -- nope. No mice here. Clean, rodent and bug-free, totally dry enclosed environment. The engine is cranking over, but not roaring to life.
Spark plugs -- only 3,000 miles on them.
Fuel -- that seems the likely issue. Either no fuel getting to the engine (?), or the fuel went bad. Fuel gauge reads 3/4 full.

Is there any equivalent to "priming the carburetor" on this engine?

--Spyme

 

[boborgera]

Is there any equivalent to "priming the carburetor" on this engine?

--Spyme

Yes, sort of, A Shot of ether [starting fluid] in the air box. ''Not for the faint hearted though''.
:dontknow: I use on my atv,s and my Diesel loader if they been sitting for long period's [carefully]

 

[NancysToy]

The age of the plugs doesn't matter. Pull them and take a look at them. If they are wet, you have a spark problem...which can be deteriorated plugs among other things. If they are dry you have a fuel delivery problem. No priming procedure that I am aware of, just a flooded engine procedure. Spray some starting fluid in the air intake. It may allow it to run enough to purge the system. I still suspect bad gas or water in the fuel (from condensation).

 

[smurfette]

Just my 2 cents

Have your dealer check the throttle body...

 

[spyme]

OK, tow trailer just hauled it to the nearest dealership. ($60 total, not bad really.)
I'll learn in the next day or three what the issue allegedly was and what it'll cost me. I'll post back just so we can close out this thread.

--Spyme

 

[Rayelljay]

In storage for six months......?........I'd reckon lousy fuel and clogged injectors.
Could you smell unburnt fuel vapor from the exhaust...?

Question: Is there any way to completely drain the fuel system...?

 

[NancysToy]

In storage for six months......?........I'd reckon lousy fuel and clogged injectors.
Could you smell unburnt fuel vapor from the exhaust...?

Question: Is there any way to completely drain the fuel system...?

No, the tank must be siphoned.

 

[spyme]

The dealership called last night. They claim I need a new fuel pump. $990 total bill for parts and labor! Seriously?!? This bike has less than 3,000 miles on it. Yes, it's out of warranty, but does it sound right that I need to replace the fuel pump after so little use? I'd like to hear some opinions on this from the group. I'm having a hard time justifying spending $1,000 on a bike that's hardly been used.

--Spyme

 

[boborgera]

The dealership called last night. They claim I need a new fuel pump. $990 total bill for parts and labor! Seriously?!? This bike has less than 3,000 miles on it. Yes, it's out of warranty, but does it sound right that I need to replace the fuel pump after so little use? I'd like to hear some opinions on this from the group. I'm having a hard time justifying spending $1,000 on a bike that's hardly been used.

--Spyme

The pump alone is about 5 hundred dollars, then the rest is labor.:shocked:
I guess you at this point have to believe the dealer.:dontknow:
But it does seem odd???

 

[BajaRon]

The pump alone is about 5 hundred dollars, then the rest is labor.:shocked:
I guess you at this point have to believe the dealer.:dontknow:
But it does seem odd???

This is your 'Environmentally Correct' Ethanol fuel, and your tax dollars at work to provide it. Thank you!