Another R1150R that stopped running. Help!

[vcarlew]

My 04 R1150R quit running. I have gone almost 10,000 miles with no problems until now.

I just replaced the fuel filter and left it stock (inside the tank). At the same time, I switched to a y pipe and Remus Genesis exhaust.

The bike ran better than ever for about 15 miles after making the changes and then the engine just quit while going about 60mph on the freeway. I haven't been able to restart it. The lights on the dash all light up normally and the engine turns over when I hit the start button, but no start. If I give it some throttle while pushing the start button, the engine turn-over speeds up.

Here is what I have done so far:

Reset the Motronics. Fuse 5 out for 10 seconds, key on, throttle on and off twice. There was a ticking sound which matched the blinking of the red ABS brake failure light, but this did not change during the reset. I thought there was supposed to be four clicks that confirmed the reset, but this did not happen.

Ear to the tank while turning on the key and I can hear a whirring sound which I assume is the fuel pump functioning normally.

I checked the kick stand switch and it was properly installed.

I disconnected the QD's and pushed the tank-side "button" on the end of a QD. Fuel leaked out. (Would trying this while attempting to start the bike be a method to check the fuel pump?)

I disconnected the spark plugs on both sides and checked for spark. Each side had an orange spark that I thought looked kind of weak, but there was definitely a spark. I did not check the bottom spark plugs. (Is there a way to quantify the quality of the spark?) The electrodes on the spark plug appeared whitish.

Is there a way to determine that gas is getting to the cylinder head?

My next step will be to remove the tank and make sure all hoses are connected inside.

All suggestions will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks

[towerworker]

My first guess would be one of the fuel lines has popped off the filter inside the tank. What type of hose clamps did you use?

[vcarlew]

I replaced the BMW crimp clamps with screw/nut fuel injector clamps.

[AndyRR]

You can pull an injector to see if it's getting fuel. You would see the spray when you hit the starter.

[zbodan]

Another way is to feel the pressure in your fuel lines by squeezing, then turning the ignition and letting the fuel pump activate. If the lines still feel squishy and not solid, then a hose probably was blown off.

How full was your fuel tank when you were riding?

[vcarlew]

The tank was full. With finger pressure, I was able to compress the lines above the QD's about 1/3. I felt no change in pressure/squishiness when I tried to start it. I haven't pulled an injector yet.

Thanks for the help.

[vcarlew]

I checked the fuel injectors. There is a very fine pulsing mist on both sides.

This is crazy. I have gas, I have spark.

[towerworker]

Forgive me for asking a silly question but the kill switch is in the run position isn't it?
Just trying to cover all the bases. We need to get CycleRob in on this problem.

Rob....where art thou?

[vcarlew]

Well, I feel more than a little stupid.
I siphoned all 4.5 gallons of gas out of the tank and pulled the fuel pump assembly.
Alas, one of the new fuel injector clamps I installed wasn't tightened sufficiently and the hose had come off.

In hind sight, when I checked the fuel injectors, fuel did spray out in pulses, but I don't know what a healthy injector sprays like. Once everything is put back together, I will need to spend more time exploring how my bike functions normally.

Tomorrow, I will externalize the fuel filter (like I should have done in the first place) and go for a long Ride to help ease my embarrassment.

Thanks for all your help.

Ray

[iowabeakster]

Either Wayne (towerworker) is psychic or we've seen this happen before.

Don't be embarrassed, these things happen.

Lesson learned, ride, have fun.

[towerworker]

I'm psychic.

Any one else need a reading?

[dasronin]

I'm psychic.

Any one else need a reading?

Where were you 2.5 year ago when I needed you?

R1100R low gas, pull in, fill up, hit starter. Engine acts as if seized. No tools other than a under seat tool kit. Bike towed, spark plugs out, engine will not manually rotate. Apparently seized. Couple of months pass, get laid off for 2 years.

Back to work, catch up a few months. Now have tools and lift, bike out of storage.

Project begins. Pull plugs, pull starter, now can manually rotate engine. Apparently STARTER seized while on starter ring. Replace starter, replace battery, fresh gas, a little prayer that the injectors are not gummed. Hit starter purrs like kitten.

Ya know... a vision from you a couple of years ago would have prevented much sadness and the expectation an engine rebuild was in order!


An visions pop up... let me know!

[towerworker]

All my current visions involve beaches and bikinis. I didn't see your bike anywhere!