Engine quit and won't start again

[ekiM]

Any advice would be appreciated. Here is what happened.
I replaced the battery with a new one that I made sure was fully charged before installation. I put everything back together (no extra parts lying around) and took it for a test ride. It ran great, for about 3 miles, and then the engine just quit. I couldn't get it to start.

Lights come on brighter than ever and it seems to crank, but after the engine quit when I try to start it there is a loud noise, and it won't start (I assumed it was the starter). On the way back to the house where I'm garaging it I coasted downhill and tried to start it in 2nd gear by popping the clutch--it didn't start.

After getting it back to the house I removed the gas tank, after trying to start it again several more times. Still the loud motor noise, which I assumed was the starter). With the gas tank off I tried to start it (knowing that it wouldn' actually run) because I was curious as to where the noise was originating. When I tried to start it without the gas tank on there was no loud noise. Now I wonder whether it's the fuel pump.

Any answers, advice or wisdom would be very much appreciated.

Thanks to All,
Mike

[Airman]

ekiM,

You might try looking at your side stand switch. That has been the source of several mysterious "won't start" problems I've seen on this site. Probably is not related to the battery change. The switch gets dirt or something in it and sticks, though I'll admit the failure this usually seems to happen after parking, not during operation. You could probably eliminate the switch by installing a jumper in the plug. The failure to bump start points to something killing the ignition. Another less likely spot might be the fuel pump. Check and see if you have spark. This should be simple to find.

[ekiM]

Thanks. I'll try the spark test tomorrow, when I go back over to the garage. I just checked the sidestand switch a few days ago, but I'll check it again, too. I'm thinking that it's related to the fuel pump because the loud noise doesn't happen when the gas tank (and therefore the fuel pump) are removed. And the loud noise started after the engine cut out while riding, and it only happens when you try to start it.

Thanks again!
-Mike

[Jax]

I wonder if one of your gas line quick connects did not seat well and has come loose? Seems like I have heard these same symptoms before on another board. Wouldn't hurt to check them and the electrical plug that connects the tank to the system.

[ekiM]

Jax,
You may be on to something. I'm not sure that I got the supply hoses connected all the way. They are on, but one of them is very difficult to snug up all the way. I think I'll put the old battery in and put it back together and see what happens. I only replaced the battery because it leaked slightly--it is still very powerful. I'll make sure the fuel lines are connected all the way (I'm sure that the electrical connection between the tank and frame-mounted part was secure).
Thanks again,
-Mike

[Smoothrider]

Check your fuel filter hasn't burst or got disconnected.

[Dauntless]

Where in Maryland are you?

[ekiM]

Geoff,
Thanks, I will check that.

Dauntless, I'm in Annapolis. You in MD too?

-Mike