Lovely now she won't start

[gel9001]

back to my winter starting delemna, starting this under a new thread. I ended up starting the bike last week with a jump from my car, the bike roared on and rode back to work @ lunch time. @ 5:00 roared back on. 2 days later in 13 degree weather, bike started fine, but then stalled and wouldn't turn on. Went to work in my car and back home @ lunch to jump the battery again.
Now the bike just cranks and I get some backfiring and it sounds like it will start but it won't. I just tried again today cause its warmer 40 degrees and same problem. My guess is that the tank being less than 1/2 full got condensation/water in it. If this is indeed the problem would you guys suggest that I go buy gas and top off the tank, or should I by one of the chemicals (stabil) that gets water out of gas? This coming week is supposed to be over 45 degree all week so I would really like to ride, what do you think?
If not what else could the problem be?

thanks,
gene

[stilldking]

When I prep my bike for storage here in NoDak, I put about 1/3 bottle of Iso-heet (pure isopropyl alcohol, NOT dilluted) a shot of Stabil and top-off the tank.
That mixture should also be good to get rid of any water accumulation you might have.
If anyone has a differing opinion, I'd like to know (for my own edification).
Hope this helps
JC

[jb44]

I guess I shouldn't even mention ethanol..........

jb

[gel9001]

Just pulled the bottom plugs (2 spark) found them black and smelling of gas, didn't clean them I didn't think this would prevent bike from starting. Is that right? I guess this indicates gas is getting to the cylinders. Any suggestions, if I can't get this bike started I have to call BMW of Manhattan and get ready for a huge bill. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!

[zax1150]

replace the lower plugs,
lot of ppl think the lower plugs are just for emissions,
if they foul or break down as an integral part of the ignition system, then you don't get ignition

[mcollect]

I never have had this problem on the R' but my thirty year old Guzzi does this to me in the spring. I replace both plugs and add some 100% isopropanol and she never fails to start right off. Try changing both top and bottom plugs I bet it will start! BTW most dry gas is 100% isopropyl alcohol but check the ingredient label, this alcohol is extremely hydroscopic and should be cheap.

[cutting]

Hi,

I would be looking / checking the electrical side myself.. if not enough or no spark to the plugs that would give you the same outcome ( wet spark plugs because of no spark)
have the plugs out, still connected to the leads and turn the motor over... it's a simple check.. mind you if you have a volt meter or a lead tester that would make things easier.... if thats fine.. then move on to changing or trying different plugs

[boxermania]

gene

First and foremost the plugs are fouled and need to be replaced, I would get the Autolites as they are less expensive 3923 and 4164 for the bottom set, but make sure and check these numbers. The plugs fouled as a result of excessive running while under an enriched condition, choke and low temps. I wouldn't take the bike out until the day that you can put 100 miles on her.

I would also suggest that if you don't have a charger, get one, even a trickle charger will help.

Good luck.....

[gel9001]

yep, I'm almost positive its the lower plugs, they're fouled bad. I pulled them out again and cleaned them and the bike ALMOST started. I went to autozone, they didn't have them, went to pep boys (pepe in Miami) and they sold me some, but they wouldn't even thread in, wrong plugs. I'll replace all the plugs once I buy them Wednesday from my BMW dealer who will definately stock them.

[gel9001]

Great news!!! Got her started, replacing the 4 plugs worked. Though I suspect the bottom plugs were the real problem since they were badly fouled. I think the big picture was that before and during the winter the rides I was taking were 2.5 miles to and from work, and no rides on the weekend. I understand our bikes don't like short rides and this will cause the plugs to foul.
The battery discharged because of excess cranking trying to start her with the bad plugs. I don't think I'm going to replace the battery. I bought the bike November 2004, so the battery is not even 4 years old. I think that I can get 5 years out of it, remember its a gel battery. She's been riding lovely lately, btw, I spent 52.00 for 4 plugs, ouch at the local BM dealer

[def38]

Great news!!! Got her started, replacing the 4 plugs worked. Though I suspect the bottom plugs were the real problem since they were badly fouled. I think the big picture was that before and during the winter the rides I was taking were 2.5 miles to and from work, and no rides on the weekend. I understand our bikes don't like short rides and this will cause the plugs to foul.
The battery discharged because of excess cranking trying to start her with the bad plugs. I don't think I'm going to replace the battery. I bought the bike November 2004, so the battery is not even 4 years old. I think that I can get 5 years out of it, remember its a gel battery. She's been riding lovely lately, btw, I spent 52.00 for 4 plugs, ouch at the local BM dealer

Your short rides during winter months spell death to your engine oil. Change it ASAP. As for fuel related issues, fouled plugs are likely a result of poor qualiy fuel. Ad Stabile to your winter fuel if you will ride only intermittemtly...your fuel already is already 10% ethanol which should keep your tank dry of water. If you continue to foul plugs, switch to Autolites...they are only $2.00 each...in your climate, 15W-40 HDEO is a good choice...try Delo, Shell Rotella or Mobil 1300...all available at Wal-mart.

[tkm]

Sounds like you may have cooked the primary coils with the jump. To find out: with a charged battery see if you get any spark from the primary plugs by laying them against a ground and cranking the engine over. Then pull the secondary plugs ( the small ones)and repeat the test. If neither one sparks the problem is in the ignition and require a more thorough diagnosis. If however one set of plugs works and not the other then it is most likely the coils for that set that are shot. Hopefully its the primary's, they are very easy to replace and go for around $200-$300. Good luck..............Tkm