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New Bike, cold start problems

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  • #1

    New Bike, cold start problems

    Hi everybody,
    I want to start off by saying that I've been lurking the forums here for the last 4 months or so, since my Uncle gave me his 1979 11 Special, and the vast amount of knowledge and experience on here has been a huge help. The bike was in pretty good condition, and only took some minor work to get running again. Changed all the fluids, bled brakes, new battery, etc. and had it running fine. It was a little cold blooded, but nothing that caused any problems.

    Last night I drove it the ~150 miles to Spokane without a hitch. However, when I woke up this morning, it wouldn't start. It would turn over a few times, but never took off, and the starter started disengaging and spinning free every third starting attempt or so. I had to get to work so I didn't get a chance to check for spark or anything. It was about 50 degrees out when it was doing this, any ideas? Or was it just too cold?

    Thanks guys,
    Matt
    Tags: None
  • #2
    Welcome to the furum.
    It should start cold.Even here in Spokane.LOL.
    Did you choke it?.Mine starts fine.Check to make sure its getting gas and spark.
    It sounds like you need to charge the battery first.It needs to be like 10.4 volts at least.If memory serves correctly.Then try and see how your starter acts.Mine on occasion spins free,so I bought a new one on ebay a few months back.I havent installed it yet though because I rarely have problems with it.Anyway starters are available.There is also a guy named Andreas weiss on here that sells a lot of used parts for XS's.And he lives up by Omak I believe.
    As you have already observed it sounds like you know that there is a wealth of experienced knowledgeable people here.And some great comraderie.
    Good luck with the new bike.
    80 SG XS1100
    14 Victory Cross Country

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    • #3
      The starter clutch that causes the "free spin" is in the case, NOT the starter. The type and weight of oil can make it spin. In colder weather, try a lighter weight oil, a 5W/40W maybe. You may find it starts easier if you have the "choke" out all the way, and just hit the start WITHOUT twisting the throttle. The spark plugs also have a lot to do with ease of starting. An old plug takes more voltage to "jump" the gap than a new plug. A wider gap, .035 instead of .032, can also help the cold starts. The last check would be the plug caps on the wires from the coils. IF you have not done it yet, unscrew the cap, cut about 1/4" off the end of the wire and then screw the cap back on. This will clean up the connection, and can also give you more spark.
      Welcome to the forum!!
      Ray Matteis
      KE6NHG
      XS1100 E '78 (winter project)
      XS1100 SF Bob Jones worked on it!

      Comment

      • #4
        The starter clutch on mine doesnt slip.On mine once in a while the bendix dont throw the gear out and the starter motor spins and the "throw out gear" dont engage the ring gear..
        80 SG XS1100
        14 Victory Cross Country

        Comment

        • #5
          Throw out that idea

          There is no "throw out gear" or bendix type arrangement on the 1100. The starter gear meshes with the sprag cluch starter gear inside the case. If you check the IPB you'll see what I mean. Inside the starter is just a set of small plantary gears that transmit the torque from the armiture to the output gear. If the starter is slipping and not turing the engine over its the sprag clutch thats the problem. Like was said. change to a lighter oil for the cold and hope for the best. To rebuild the starter clutch is a case split job no way around it.
          wingnut
          81 SH (Daily Ride)
          81 650XJ (Brother in laws bike, Delivered)
          81 650XJ Jane Doe (Son's Ride)
          82 750XJ Project bike (Son in law's future ride)
          81 XS 400

          No man has a natural right to commit aggression on the equal rights of another; and this is all from which the laws ought to restrain him.”

          A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have.

          Thomas Jefferson

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          • #6
            Oops,sorry.Yea I just went out and looked in the box and I understand .It kind of looks like the starter off my Virago.I should have figuered that since I just had the starter,starter clutch and flywheel off of it to fix the starting system on it.
            On the Viragos the the area where those planetary gears are can slip and one of the recommended ways to fix it is withshims.

            The XS's have to be built a little different I would suspect since they dont seem to typically have starter problems. Is that correct?
            80 SG XS1100
            14 Victory Cross Country

            Comment

            • #7
              There is only one solution to the problem. Roll the bike into the living room and keep it company. Actually, a space heater aimed at the oil pan to warm the oil could help. Like the man said, lower viscosity oil and no full synthetics!
              Skids (Sid Hansen)

              Down to one 1978 E. Stock air box with K&N filter, 81H pipes and carbs, 8500 feet elevation.

              Comment

              • #8
                Problem solved. I changed the fuel switch over to "Prime" and fully choked it and it started right up. Granted, it was also 15-20 degrees warmer out.

                Also got a alarm system for it and tomorrow it's getting a cover. Then I'll be prepared for my wonderful neighborhood, haha

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