Wont start when cold

[Tat2demon]

For the last couple weeks my E has been having problems starting when its cold (40 or lower). When I hit the button it will catch for just a quick second like its going to go but then just turns over. If I let it set a while it will happen again. Nothing if I keep cranking on it. This makes it feel like its flooded.

When this happens it seems like it kills the battery quickly. This makes it seem like it could be a weak battery.

When its above 40 or so, the bike takes off the second I hit the starter.

Ideas?

[jetmechmarty]

Jump it from your car battery and see if that fixes it. Make sure your car is not running when you do it. That should supply plenty of CCA.

[Tat2demon]

I used a jump starter the other day with no help. It turned over nice and fast but didnt help it start. It more like its flooded but the ambient temp shouldnt make a difference.

[BA80]

Are you using the enricher?

[Tat2demon]

Ive tried with and without.

[BA80]

I have found that in the lower temps 40º - 50º that it does take some finesse to coax the old fella to life. I doesn't take a whole lot to get it flooded.

I'll usually try without the choke first and if it won't fire, at the 1/2 position, then the full position if that fails.

I cant run mine on the full position or it WILL flood.

Once it tries to fire I'll cut the choke and it will usually start right up with a little throttle. Then maybe 1/2.

I usually use the throttle lock to idle it up until it's warm. It'll tell you when it's ready.

Fuel injection rules in the cold weather.

[trbig]

Make sure your car is not running when you do it. That should supply plenty of CCA.

Do we really need to go into that false myth again?

[DGXSER]

Does it use enrichment circuit to start in warmer weather? I use full choke to start year round. But typically go to half real quick above 70 OAT. Below that it takes a minute or two. I typically ride it abotu a mile before I put the choke all the way in. Just trying to compare your bikes "normal" to mine.

[BA80]

Normal is relative to how well the carbs are tuned Don. That is what I'm going off of too.

I never have to use the choke in the summer. It starts fine without until temps get to be 50º or lower.

I suppose they will vary quite a bit.

[jetmechmarty]

Do we really need to go into that false myth again?

No, not really. I know ohms law. Fire it up!

[BA80]

The thing is Marty, an alternator actually puts out less amps than a battery. The battery has on the average about 650 CCA where as your alternator only puts out about 100 amps on the average.

The alternator is there to maintain battery voltage and match or excede amp usage. It won't increase amperage from the battery.

12 volts is still 12 volts and only the amperage needed will be used.

[trbig]

No, not really. I know ohms law.

Hmmm.. Well I guess Greg is gonna give you another lesson ANYWAY!

[BA80]

Hmmm.. Well I guess Greg is gonna give you another lesson ANYWAY!

Yeah, I'm funny that way.

Besides, I type slow and miss some posts sometimes.

[skids]

Do we really need to go into that false myth again?

Not really. You know that it is true! :-)

[skids]

Check to see if the airbox has gasoline in it. It will seem flooded if the petcock or octopus and fuel valves in the carbs are leaking.