It turns over but won't start!

[Jricho]

Hi guys my 98 bandit has been playing up, it was running fine until Friday now it turns over but won't start.

First I though it was carb icing because I live in the top of Scotland and it's pretty cold up here, now though I think the battery isn't feeding the alternator enough power to start, the battery read 12.65v standing 12.35v ignition on and 11.5v turning over but won't start?

When it did start on Saturday it wasn't smooth and cut out straight away at low revs, it's got an aftermarket stubby on but the carbs haven't been jetted since could this be the problem?

Thanks in advance (sorry for the long post)

[TimR]

Has it been running ok since exhaust done at all ?

Have you got enough fuel in it or recently run low on fuel .

Carb icing would have to be near freezing temps

Any history of recent work on the bike ?

[Jricho]

Has it been running ok since exhaust done at all ?

Have you got enough fuel in it or recently run low on fuel .

Carb icing would have to be near freezing temps

Any history of recent work on the bike ?

 

Yeah it was running fine for a week after I fitted the exhaust, it got a2 restricted a couple of weeks ago and I fitted dual dominator headlights last week which I've heard can drain the battery. That's it

[Mr Fro]

Have you got access to a set of jump leads? I'd try starting it up rigged to a car/decent battery first off.

[Joeman]

Those voltages don't seem too bad.

Is the starter motor turning the bike over ok? Tried different choke settings? Can you get a plug cap off and check for a spark?

[TimR]

Rather than you have a huge foray of posts .

Check kill switch is in correct position

Any alarm/ immobiliser is disarmed

check fuel level is sufficent

Check tap position

Check the tanks fuel output by disconnecting pipe ( fuel may leak )

Listen to see if fuel pump is priming

If no priming noise check fuses for relevant fuse is intact

Check other fuses related to ignition system

Check fuel pump output by finding the engines input pipe and disconnecting and turn ignition on ( again fuel will/may leak)

Either purchase an inline spark tester or remove a plug and reattach lead and rest plug on engine . Try starting engine looking for a strong blue spark.

Battery voltages seem within limits

[Jricho]

Have you got access to a set of jump leads? I'd try starting it up rigged to a car/decent battery first off.

 

Yeah I'll try that in the morning thanks

[Jricho]

Those voltages don't seem too bad.

Is the starter motor turning the bike over ok? Tried different choke settings? Can you get a plug cap off and check for a spark?

 

Starter motors turning the bike over just fine, tried the choke in all positions and no luck, ill spark check tomorrow thanks

[Jricho]

Rather than you have a huge foray of posts .

Check kill switch is in correct position

Any alarm/ immobiliser is disarmed

check fuel level is sufficent

Check tap position

Check the tanks fuel output by disconnecting pipe ( fuel may leak )

Listen to see if fuel pump is priming

If no priming noise check fuses for relevant fuse is intact

Check other fuses related to ignition system

Check fuel pump output by finding the engines input pipe and disconnecting and turn ignition on ( again fuel will/may leak)

Either purchase an inline spark tester or remove a plug and reattach lead and rest plug on engine . Try starting engine looking for a strong blue spark.

Battery voltages seem within limits

 

Thanks for the advice, I'll check the fuel input, fuses and spark tomorrow

[Jricho]

Update!

Tried jump leads to no avail

Checked plugs - they're all sparking

Switched fuel to reserve and it fired up!

There's about half a tank in as well!

Turned the bike off switched fuel tap back to on and it fired up again and ran just fine no cutting out or spluttering at all, now I don't have a clue what was wrong with it or if it will happen again.

[TimR]

Update!

Tried jump leads to no avail

Checked plugs - they're all sparking

Switched fuel to reserve and it fired up!

There's about half a tank in as well!

Turned the bike off switched fuel tap back to on and it fired up again and ran just fine no cutting out or spluttering at all, now I don't have a clue what was wrong with it or if it will happen again.

Could be something in tank that blocked the tap especially if the internal filter has got holes in it or been dislodged . It may have worked its way into the tap and switching it has dislodged the obstruction .may be worth draining the tank and inspecting the taps internals and give the tank a flush .

[Grumpy Old Git]

Update!

Tried jump leads to no avail

Checked plugs - they're all sparking

Switched fuel to reserve and it fired up!

There's about half a tank in as well!

Turned the bike off switched fuel tap back to on and it fired up again and ran just fine no cutting out or spluttering at all, now I don't have a clue what was wrong with it or if it will happen again.

Could be something in tank that blocked the tap especially if the internal filter has got holes in it or been dislodged . It may have worked its way into the tap and switching it has dislodged the obstruction .may be worth draining the tank and inspecting the taps internals and give the tank a flush .

 

Or, simply an air lock!

Worth a check though.