Gpz500 was running and now it's not

[rice-pudding]

So the gpz was running well, gave it a service and it ran better. Washed it the other day and then started it, ran for a minute or so then cut out and wouldn't start. Checked the plugs and there was water in there but I've dried it all out and left it sitting the sun for 2 days and still nothing.

I press the start button and it will make an attempt to start for about 1 second and then cuts out completely.

Think I've knackered some with the wash!

[Via]

Probably water in wiring elsewhere as well, give the wiring and plugs a spray with some contact cleaner (I won't say wd40 as thread will descend into a why not to use wd40 versus I've always used it and been fine debate).

Just for completeness also double check battery and give it a good charge.

[Bender]

Your saying cuts out as in spins but won't fire or just clicks?

[rice-pudding]

I've got some contact cleaner in the shed, I'll give that a go.

It sound like it turns over a bit, then nothing, then clicks eventually.

I just can't get head around how it ran fine, cut out and now won't start!

[Justarn]

Battery on its last legs, check the power with a multi meter, should be above 12v.

[rice-pudding]

I've tried to give it a jump but I only have car jump leads and they don't fit the bike terminals

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

I agree - that does sound like the battery. Check it at rest and it ought to be above 12.5v. But make sure you also check it under load as a weak battery will see the voltage collapse as soon as there's any load on it.

Mine last battery died the same way. Fired up fine, ran for a few minutes then it cut out and refused to start. The battery was showing 12.7v until I turned the ignition on - as soon as the lights come on the battery dropped to about 2v.

WD40 used for dispersing moisture is fine - it's what it is designed for. WD stands for Water Dispersant. What it is not good for is use as a lubricant because it's dispersant properties actually drive lubricant out of things rather than providing any long term protection.

Do not jump off a car battery - it's too powerful for some bike electrics.

[JRH]

Its generally OK to jump off a car battery AS LONG AS the car engine is NOT running.

[fastbob]

Crap in the starter motor. Let me re phrase that , there may be some debris inside the starter motor . Or you have a dirty or loose battery connection that fails under load .

[fastbob]

Probably water in wiring elsewhere as well, give the wiring and plugs a spray with some contact cleaner (I won't say wd40 as thread will descend into a why not to use wd40 versus I've always used it and been fine debate).

Just for completeness also double check battery and give it a good charge.

 

This is one thing that WD40 ( Water Dispersant ) IS good at but not on actual contacts.

[fastbob]

I noticed that the chain on a work colleague's bicycle was absolutely bone dry and red with rust . " I can't understand it , I put WD40 on it every week " she said . Enough said .

[rice-pudding]

Wee update, used a pair of grips to get down the positive terminal and hooked it up to the car (not running) and grounded on the rear axle nut and hey presto it started up. Disconnected everything and it ticked over for about 10 minutes by it self before slowly grinding to a halt.

Tried to start on the bike battery only and now it's totally dead, just clicks.

Suppose I'll have to buy a new battery!

[Tango]

Possibly battery, but also possibly the charging circuit components......

[rice-pudding]

Uchhh don't tell me that!

[fastbob]

Uchhh don't tell me that!

 

Could still be the starter motor , I bought a new battery thinking mine was knackered but it turned out to be a handful of carbon dust inside the starter motor causing it to work intermittently. Worth stripping it and cleaning it . If you do you will have to remove the generator casing as well so you can relocate the splines on the little drive sprocket. Strange that the bike ran and then stopped though.