Can't start the bike! XS1100

[e.m.vans]

I recently bought a XS1100 and started working on it for myself. I replaced the started button, completely redid the fuse housing, fixed the negative battery connection (broken off), got a new battery, turned it over to make sure it wasn't frozen and then got new tires. When it came back, I changed the oil, new oil filter, new spark plugs, new gas and gas lines (the 'mechanic' I got it from cut the lines, so they had to be replaced). Now having said all that, what is next? I can't get it to start. The starter works and the engine turns over it just won't start. I just notice the license plates on the bik are from 1998... so it could have been sitting for quite awhile before I got it. Any ideas? I haven't adjusted the idle or gas flow (not sure how to...) and I really am out of ideas right now. Great weather and I want my bike to work!! Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
e.m.vans

[allisonmo2]

one thing to check is to make sure the plug wires are going to the right cylinders. the guy i got mine from sold it cheap because it needed a total carb re-build and synchro. turns out when he replaced the plugs he somehow swapped th two inside cylinder wires.

it would crank and crank and once in a while it would start but then it would run real rough and backfire. sometimes it wouldn't start at all.


i would also open the petcocks to make sure fuel will pour out when on. they may be gummed up.

i am by no means a mechanic though so don't take my word as gospel. this is just what i have seen in my small time as an xs owner

[Parr8hed]

Need some more info...Are you getting spark? Are you getting fuel to the carbs? If the answer is yet to both of those I would say that your carbs need to come off and be cleaned. The carbs on these bikes can be a bit of a problem until you get them cleaned right. Follow all of the tech tips on the left of the page. Read all of them, some great info. Once you read them, get into the carbs and come back here to ask lots of questions. Lots of great people here with a wealth of knowledge.

[e.m.vans]

How to test for spark & fuel in carb???

What do I need to do this? how can I test for spark? what about finding out if the carb is getting gas? thanks
Eric

[allisonmo2]

for spark pull a plug and put the boot back on. try to start the bike while holding the plug next to a cylinder fin. there should be a nice fat spark arcing across. repeat for all 4 cylinders.

[thumperjsa]

I don't recommend holding the spark plug or wire while cranking. Just lay it on the side of the engine. If you see spark and it is constant on/off, then you need to check other areas like fuel/air.

If you don't get a constant spark, then check the coils and the pick up wires.

[allisonmo2]

a little jolt never killed anybody


i hope he doesn't have a heart condition!

[desert1]

cabs,carbs,carbs

Stuck carb floats, dirty carbs, fouled carbs, the answer is probably the carbs unless you have a broken pick-up wire then its electrical.....time to learn a bit about XS engines and there pitfalls.
Bruce

[e.m.vans]

Wires and Carbs

Going to try the spark plug check, then how do I look into the carb for gas? I can hear a faint deepening of the cranking when I apply gas while trying to start it. So, I think gas is getting there. Also, I pulled the tilt switch and cleaned and put that back... I tested the switch by itself, but could it still be cutting the engine from starting??? thanks
Eric

[John]

Try by passing the tilt switch. You really don't need it.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey E.M.Vans,

You can't just "look" into the carbs throats for gas. And the sound you're hearing is just the deeper sound getting thru cause you're opening up the butterflies of the carbs when you turn the throttle, but there is NO fuel pump in the carbs, so turning the throttle doesn't PUSH any fuel into the engine, it's all vacuum controlled.

Also, the CHOKE/fuel enrichener circuit won't work very well when you open the throttle, it's better just leaving the throttle alone. The jet in the fuel bowl that meters the fuel thru the choke circuit is probably clogged with varnish. Do a search, recent threads posted on this, how to clean it, where it is, etc., with PHOTOS!

Please stop, and take the time to READ the tech tips, lots of info on almost all aspects of the bike, then you'll be better prepared to tackle the job at hand!
T.C.

[LoserShoes]

Is this a Special or Standard? Try putting the petcocks in the Prime postion. These have vacumn operated petcocks, you mentioned changing fuel tubing. might not have connected vacumn line correctly.

Steve

[xser1]

Re: cabs,carbs,carbs

Originally posted by desert1
Stuck carb floats, dirty carbs, fouled carbs, the answer is probably the carbs unless you have a broken pick-up wire then its electrical.....time to learn a bit about XS engines and there pitfalls.
Bruce

Hi Bruce it is Terry been trying to contact you for a while. Live by the miller guy.