2002 F4i No-Start - HELP!!!

T

tbell_1

Member
Hey everybody, need some help diagnosing my f4i.

It had been stored since november. I was thinking of selling it, and had a potential buyer set to come over, so I took the bike out the nigh before, and it took lots of cranking, but finally started and warmed up, no problem.

The following day, right after work, I started the bike, fired up no problem, as if I`d been riding it everyday. 2 hours later, potential buyer stops by to take a look at it, and do you think I could get that bike to start? NOPE. Lots of cranking. Fired a few time times, but wouldn`t go.

Stupid newb question, is it possible to flood a FI bike? Tried again first thing this morning and same thing, lots of cranking, will not fire though. Fuel pump comes on for 3 seconds or so when I turn the bike on (like normal).

This is a 2002 F4i, 16k, and other than my high performance ebay carbon fiber mirrors, its completely stock......

I realize this must be divine intervention, a sign that I should not sell the bike, which I`m ok with, but If I`m keeping it I would like it to be running! Ran August-end of october with no trouble at all. Changed the oil right before I stored it, and had the tank topped up with premium, with stabilizer.
 
tbell_1 said:
Hey everybody, need some help diagnosing my f4i.

It had been stored since november. I was thinking of selling it, and had a potential buyer set to come over, so I took the bike out the nigh before, and it took lots of cranking, but finally started and warmed up, no problem.

The following day, right after work, I started the bike, fired up no problem, as if I`d been riding it everyday. 2 hours later, potential buyer stops by to take a look at it, and do you think I could get that bike to start? NOPE. Lots of cranking. Fired a few time times, but wouldn`t go.

Stupid newb question, is it possible to flood a FI bike? Tried again first thing this morning and same thing, lots of cranking, will not fire though. Fuel pump comes on for 3 seconds or so when I turn the bike on (like normal).

This is a 2002 F4i, 16k, and other than my high performance ebay carbon fiber mirrors, its completely stock......

I realize this must be divine intervention, a sign that I should not sell the bike, which I`m ok with, but If I`m keeping it I would like it to be running! Ran August-end of october with no trouble at all. Changed the oil right before I stored it, and had the tank topped up with premium, with stabilizer.
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WOW!

Check basic things like
1. spark - how nice are the plugs - how old are they? -I've seen it numerous times where a new set of plugs solves issues like this one.
2. fuel - how is the flow rate - blocked filters etc?!
 
I do plan on changing the plugs, but I don`t think that could be the issue here. What are the chances of all four fouling at once? I would think slim. If just one plug was bad, wouldn`t the bike start, but run really rough?

From other things I`ve read, it sounds like maybe the fuel pressure regulator? but again, would that work one minute, then completely conk out an hour later with no warning signs?

What would the easiest way to check to make sure all four coil packs are getting power?
 
tbell_1 said:
I do plan on changing the plugs, but I don`t think that could be the issue here. What are the chances of all four fouling at once? I would think slim. If just one plug was bad, wouldn`t the bike start, but run really rough?

From other things I`ve read, it sounds like maybe the fuel pressure regulator? but again, would that work one minute, then completely conk out an hour later with no warning signs?

What would the easiest way to check to make sure all four coil packs are getting power?
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high! Plugs need to fire a imperfect air/fuel mixture when the motor is cold, so a optimal spark is key here.

rich6969 said:
3 basic rules. spark, fuel , compression
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if its a compression issue - there would be a lot more symptons...

My basic rules -- fuel / spark / air


rbjeepthing said:
Is it sitting outside? Is it winterized?
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yes this would cause issues!
 
Replace the fuel filter, and disconnect the hose from the fuel pump see if the pump is sending any fuel. It sounds like a fuel issue to me.
 
Start with the basics. I would start with the plugs also.

When u switch it to on, do u let the fuel pump prime? Some of the fuel could have evaporated and need to reach the injectors
 
Thanks for the replies everyone.

It is stored inside an insulated (but not heated) garage. It doesn`t freeze in the garage. All I did before I put it away was change the oil and top up the tank (and add fuel stabilizer).
 
yes I let the fuel pump prime. and I`ve attempted to start it at least half a dozen times in the last day and a half, so it should be well primed. I`ll try the plugs first...
 
Carbon_600 said:
Replace the fuel filter, and disconnect the hose from the fuel pump see if the pump is sending any fuel. It sounds like a fuel issue to me.
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dont throw parts at it....figure out what the issue is first

RockerGuy said:
Start with the basics. I would start with the plugs also.

When u switch it to on, do u let the fuel pump prime? Some of the fuel could have evaporated and need to reach the injectors
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+1 try priming a few times before you attempt to start it....

tbell_1 said:
yes I let the fuel pump prime. and I`ve attempted to start it at least half a dozen times in the last day and a half, so it should be well primed. I`ll try the plugs first...
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LET your bike f ully heat up and go throught heat cycles...plugs will foul and don't fire as well if you do a lot of cold starts.....the fuel will leave a lot more deposits on the surface if you don't let it cycle well.
 
frekeyguy said:
LET your bike f ully heat up and go throught heat cycles...plugs will foul and don't fire as well if you do a lot of cold starts.....the fuel will leave a lot more deposits on the surface if you don't let it cycle well.
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...plus in this weather, lots of condensation. Once u start it, make sure it is thoroughly warmed before u store it away, or else if u repeatedly do this, the water formed there might turn to ice in your garage
 
frekeyguy said:
high! Plugs need to fire a imperfect air/fuel mixture when the motor is cold, so a optimal spark is key here.



if its a compression issue - there would be a lot more symptons...

My basic rules -- fuel / spark / air




yes this would cause issues!
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Do explain...
 
rich6969 said:
Do explain...
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motors are basically air compressors.....even if there is a compression issue - leak somewhere it should still start....it will be very down on power, but will still start.

Lets just say this motor does have compression issues - it should be hard to start when HOT, not cold.

if this motor does have compression issues....the symptons would be something along the lines of...(ring related)
- lack of power
- oil burn
- loss if fuel economy

im no expect when it comes to motors....i can get them going and make them work...
 
frekeyguy said:
motors are basically air compressors.....even if there is a compression issue - leak somewhere it should still start....it will be very down on power, but will still start.

Lets just say this motor does have compression issues - it should be hard to start when HOT, not cold.

if this motor does have compression issues....the symptons would be something along the lines of...(ring related)
- lack of power
- oil burn
- loss if fuel economy

im no expect when it comes to motors....i can get them going and make them work...
Click to expand...


...hence why i said check compression....
 
rich6969 said:
...hence why i said check compression....
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My opinion: lack of compression isn't the issue here, its more spark/fuel issue.

When its lack of compression.....the motor will start....it won't keep running too well. But if it has a spark or fuel issue - it will cause these type of symptons.

I can bet you - put a set of plugs into that motor - she will start right up..



When a motor is started up....there is a lot of compression coupled with the cold mixture....so you need a intense spark to ignite it. Even when a plug is firing, it needs to fire with a nice strong spark to ignite this mixture.
 
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frekeyguy said:
My opinion: lack of compression isn't the issue here, its more spark/fuel issue.

When its lack of compression.....the motor will start....it won't keep running too well. But if it has a spark or fuel issue - it will cause these type of symptons.

I can bet you - put a set of plugs into that motor - she will start right up.
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I agree 100 % with you.. i dont think its a compression problem also but again it goes back to the 3 basic.....fuel, spark, comp ...tête dure:p
 
tbell_1 said:
Does $22/ea about normal for plugs?
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call up GLEN @ FLYING SQUIRRLE MOTORCYCLE - he can prob get your better pricing

Flying Squirrel Motorcycle
388 Carlaw Ave #102D
Toronto, Ontario M4M 2T4
416.889.8769
 
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