R1150GS Adventure starting issue

[DoctorZippy]

Hi All,

I'm currently in Peru on the Globebusters TransAM and am experiencing an unusual starting problem with my 2005 R1150GSA...

When the bike has been stood for a while (overnight or after a long stop for a hearty lunch) it turns over but doesn't fire. If it's only been stood for a short while it starts OK, sometimes needing a few turns other times starting first crank of the starter. We've checked the plugs and there is a spark (although it does look a bit feeble), but the plugs don't seem to get fouled with fuel even after it's been cranked for ages, suggesting a fuel supply problem. When the bike eventually starts it runs perfectly, a steady idle and pulls as good as always, which suggests that once going, the fuel supply is just fine.

We recently replaced the fuel filter in Honduras when it stopped dead as a result of one of the fuel hoses coming off the filter due to the pounding its been taking.

What's got us flumoxed is that it runs great when going, it just takes ages to get it fired up. Any ideas?

We've a rest day coming up on Saturday, so any pointers would be most welcome...

 

[roddy]

how does the 'turning over' sounds slow/sluggish or the usual whiz ?

Buddy of mine had similar starting issue's recently and eventually traced it to a duff starter motor, but only after it fried the battery, he mentioned in hindsight that he thought the bike turning over sounded different to previous healthy times, hence my question.

 

[Steptoe]

We've checked the plugs and there is a spark (although it does look a bit feeble), but the plugs don't seem to get fouled with fuel even after it's been cranked for ages, suggesting a fuel supply problem. .

Undo the two bolts holding the injector to the throtle body, leave the fuel supply pipe attached and then turn the engine over - does it spray fuel ? ( don't try this with a spark plug exposed , or point it towards your face).

If no fuel check if the injector is getting a signal, i.e. similir to a spark plug getting a spark. Use a test bulb ( or a noide if you have one or can borrow one)) on the two injector terminals and see if it flashes as you turn the engine over.

 

[DoctorZippy]

Thanks guys...

Turns out both responses were right...

The issue was an intermittent signal to the injector during starting, which apparently was caused by a drop in voltage as the starter was drawing too much current as it was all clogged up with shit. Having stripped and cleaned it, it now starts first time just like it should (although the starter's on the way out and will need replacing soon).

Thanks again for the advice, this forum once again proving its worth at a time in need...

Cheers from Nazca, Peru