Won't start?

[pshaw]

I have an 81 Midnight Special that I haven't started in about 4 years. I put a new battery in, turned the key, neutral light is on, stop/run switch is on Run, nothing... It ran when I parked it 4 years ago. One thing, I had 2 spark plug out for some reason (too long ago), so maybe that has something to do with it. Any ideas? Thanks

[natemoen]

Ummm, does it turn over? Or does it just not start but turns over?

[Rasputin]

May be a dumb question but was the clutch handle pulled in? There is a lockout on the 81 MNS that prevents it from starting if the clutch is not pulled in. It can be defeated in the headlight bucket by either unplugging it or installing a jumper wire but I forget which and know bugger all about electrical.

[pshaw]

It doesn't turn over. Oh, and that isn't a dumb question because I didn't have the clutch pulled in...just in neutral and press start. I will put the battery in tomorrow and try...feeling kinda dumb if that is it. But better than the motor ceased.

[natemoen]

Isn't there a kickstand safety on the LH as well?

[bikerphil]

Isn't there a kickstand safety on the LH as well?

No, that's an XJ thing.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Pshaw,

Some more info would be helpful. It sat for 4 years..but WHERE? In a climate controlled garage, or outside?? IF outside, then it has a bunch of corrosion built up in the electrical harness, especially the handlebar switches, the Emergency Run/Stop switch...as well as the starter button switch, not to mention possibly other connectors..ie. the TCI plugs, fuseblock, etc.!

As mentioned, can you actually physically turn the engine crankcase, like removing the left hand crank cover, and putting a crescent wrench on the large square shape of the timing plate and rotate it clockwise, just a little to ensure that it's not actually rusted/frozen. IF you had 2 plug out, and was outside, even under a tarp/cover, humidity could have gotten in and formed RUST inside the cylinders and locking the pistons/rings to the cylinder walls! Remove the other 2 plugs before attempting to rotate the engine. IF it doesn't rotate, you can then squirt a little bit of Marvel Mystery Oil, or ATF, or penetrating oil, your choice, let it sit for hours/day and then try again. Also the timing plate is not very strong, so if you need to really wrench on the crank to get it to break loose, either use the large hex nut on the right end of the crank...the ALT rotor bolt, or put it in gear and rock it back and forth to use the rear wheel and tranny to break it loose.

T.C.

[pshaw]

The bike has been stored in my garage, not outside. I removed the left side crankshaft cover and am able to turn it over clockwise. So I guess the good news is the motor isn't locked up. I tried to start it with the clutch in, kick stand up, and moved the run/stop switch back and forth....nothing. What's the next thing to check? Thanks for all of the replies!

[Rasputin]

You could try jumping the connections at the starter solenoid to see if the starter kicks in. That could remove a few possibilities and open a few others in a hurry. You have of course checked all fuses.

[pshaw]

Fuses look good. How do I jump the starter solenoid?

[bikerphil]

Screwdriver between the 2 large terminals on the solenoid. Make sure bike is in neutral.

[pshaw]

Thanks! Only sparks.

[pbjman]

Was there fuel in it when you parked it? Do you know if the carbs are gunked up?

[pshaw]

Yes there was fuel in it, and probably need to clean the carbs...but it should at least turn over and puke fuel all over the place

[bikerphil]

Battery may be weak, try with a jumper pak/jumper cables.