Cold Start Help

[unicorncomputer]

I am in Vermont, and we are starting to get some cooler nights. When I try to start my 79 special and its below 55, I either won't get it started it will take a long time to get it going.

Is there any tuning or advice for getting it to start better in cooler weather?

Is it stored outside(no garage) but is covered.

Thank you,

Steve

[Gallaecus]

usually when you cover a bike outside, condensation forms under the cover, especially a waterproof tarp. and it traps moisture inside. buy a hygrometer and thermometer for a couple bucks and that may tell you whats going on under your cover. plz build a shed.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey there Steve,

Okay, a little more info is needed!? When you go to start the bike are you engaging the 'CHOKE/Fuel Enrichener" lever on the carbs???

Secondly, if you ARE....then have you cleaned the carbs....and paid special attention to the float bowls...the little jet down in the bottom of the bowl? It's the starter jet, and if it's clogged, then fuel can't flow thru it thru the long brass pipe on the carb body that fits into the bowl.....and so it can't get the extra fuel it needs for cold starting!

If using the "choke", and the float bowl jets are clear, be sure you are NOT opening up the throttle/butterflies....they need to be closed=no twist of the throttle to create the required vacuum to suck the fuel up from the bowls when using the "choke".

If all of the above are correct, then, you could also have a leak around the "CHOKE" plunger mechanism in the carbs, and would require removal, separation from rack and disassembly to check and replace.

Finally, what condition is your battery in? If a bit weak, then it may not be providing adequate juice to spin the engine quick enough for creating good vacuum, or a weak spark??

T.C.

[MaximPhil]

While "spinning a long time" suggests the battery is ok I would still try boosting the battery and see if that cures it ( quick easy test)
Volt meter on the battery while you try the starter will show voltage drop.
The 'box" needs 10.5volt to fire.
I would hate do all the carb suggestions to discover I needed a new battery

Phil

[skids]

Check ignition fuse? Kill switch?

[Courtney]

Hey there Steve,

Okay, a little more info is needed!? When you go to start the bike are you engaging the 'CHOKE/Fuel Enrichener" lever on the carbs???

Secondly, if you ARE....then have you cleaned the carbs....and paid special attention to the float bowls...the little jet down in the bottom of the bowl? It's the starter jet, and if it's clogged, then fuel can't flow thru it thru the long brass pipe on the carb body that fits into the bowl.....and so it can't get the extra fuel it needs for cold starting!

If using the "choke", and the float bowl jets are clear, be sure you are NOT opening up the throttle/butterflies....they need to be closed=no twist of the throttle to create the required vacuum to suck the fuel up from the bowls when using the "choke".



If all of the above are correct, then, you could also have a leak around the "CHOKE" plunger mechanism in the carbs, and would require removal, separation from rack and disassembly to check and replace.

Finally, what condition is your battery in? If a bit weak, then it may not be providing adequate juice to spin the engine quick enough for creating good vacuum, or a weak spark??

T.C.

Wow TC, great coverage of the things to check, as I'm having the same difficulties with cold start. It runs great once it's warmed up though. I for sure will be checking the starter jets.

[skids]

Yeah, those jets and passages in the float bowls can go solid with gunk...just like a U-Trap in the bathroom sink.

[Bigfoot]

I was having cold start issues. The bike would not start on choke when cold, so I ended up cranking and cranking until it started firing, then pulling the choke lever. Eventually I would get it started or drain the battery. Had the carbs off many times trying to resolve the issue. I changed out my coils to resolve the problem I had with it missing in the rain and the cold start problem went away.

[oldnortonrider]

I am in Vermont, and we are starting to get some cooler nights. When I try to start my 79 special and its below 55, I either won't get it started it will take a long time to get it going.

Is there any tuning or advice for getting it to start better in cooler weather?

Is it stored outside(no garage) but is covered.

Thank you,

Steve

In colder weather, one of my helps for stubborn starting, is to try to keep a bit of acetone in the gas; I think it sorta evaporates after 3-4 days; I'll add more if it's not starting and/or running well; About 1-2 ounces for around 3 gallons gas; Here's a few postings , down around no.40 , having to do with acetone~~http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...one#post413573

There are several other threads with postings re acetone, on the site. Need to add the acetone, the first time , when it's easy enough to start; so the next time cold start, you'll have the gas in float bowls with the acetone.

[unicorncomputer]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I did clean the carbs very well 2 or 3 times last year while I was battling what turned out to be a leaky petcock.

I was using choke and I was using throttle - this I will stop.

I should be able to let you know how I make out tomorrow.

It is supposed to be in the low 40's tomorrow morning.

Thank you,

Steve

[CatatonicBug]

I'll add that as the temps drop, you need to change the oil viscosity. 20W50 is fine for summer temps, but you need to switch to a lighter oil when the temps drop, or it gets too thick on cold mornings.

[unicorncomputer]

tried not using throttle, still having issues on cold morning. just bought some acetone, going to put some in tonight and see what happens in the morning.