Cranks but won't turn over

[GSJoe]

At request of Hoomgar, I have decided to post this here.

Last fall, I made the stupid mistake of not storing my bike properly. No stabil in a full tank of gas plus accidently left the 'cock on "PRI" and the choke set to full. :roll: The thing will crank but not even try to start.

One of the MSF instructors from the class I took last year came into the store tonight and I asked him about it. He said that a plug could be fouled. I kinda agree and also think that the carbs might also be gummed. Any other opinions?

[Planecrazy]

How easily does it crank over?

I found out the hard way that if my starter draws too many amps away from the rest of the system it won't start, even when it shows what appears to be decent spark.

If yours was marginal last year it's possible that the mild "gumming" that may have occurred PLUS additional corrosion inside the starter could have pushed you over the edge.

Here's a test: Try push starting the bike with a few friends. If it fires right up then it's time to check your electrical connections to the starter and maybe even open up and rebuild the brushes in the starter (or at least clean and grease the insides).

Good Luck!
Steve 8)

[Jethro]

Assuming the problem is a result of the petcock being left on prime over the winter (which it may not be), I'd be pulling the petcock off and rebuilding it, and going through the carbs 100%. I'd be suprised if your float needles are freeing up. Do you get any coughing at all? Even fouled plugs usually fire a little, unless it's really bad.

[Hoomgar]

Make sure you drain and replace the gas before you try Steve's idea.

If you can't get it started that way then you have to do what Jethro said.

The carbs will need to come out and be opened up. Your going to have to
see what is in there. A good cleaning never hurts anyway.

[GSJoe]

I just wish I had the time, tools, and money to work on this myself. I just might wind up saving up some cash and taking it to a shop.