bike won't start after gear change

[shamg]

hello

i have recently bought my first bike (very new to all this) and all was running well until today when upon shifting from first to second the engine cut out and will no longer start. it will also not bump start, but is turning over. the kick starter has also gone quite slack. bike is 1988 suzuki dr125, any suggestions please.

[Guest Richzx6r]

Have you checked the side stand switch if it has one, from there I'd check if theres a decent spark at the plug after that then its delving in deeper to the engine to see if anything is amiss there.

Where there any crunches or bangs right as it stopped working?

I feel the description is kinda vague

[shamg]

Bike doesn’t have a side stand switch so it’s not that, I’ll check if it’s sparking right when I get a chance. Fairly sure there was no bangs or anything like that when it cut out, I just can’t figure out why it cut out immediately after a gear change to second. However, upon further inspection it sounds as tho there could be a chain rattling somewhere.

[ThePhatomfart]

I'm sure the 88j has a side stand switch, and does the neutral light operate as it should (lit when in neutral)

[Guest Richzx6r]

Could be the cam chain adjuster if it has one

[shamg]

Thanks for the replies

The neutral light works as intended and lights up. Is what I’ve circled in the pic the cam chain adjuster or some kind of well for the spark plug? Just curious as I recently swapped the bolt that goes in it as it fell out

[ThePhatomfart]

Yes mate, that bolt secures the Cam Chain Tensioner Blade

[ThePhatomfart]

Have you taken the engine out , if not maybe you might have to ,if you say you lost that bolt then the timing chain could have jumped, might be worth a look inside, or at least take the top end off

[shamg]

In the case that it has jumped, is it just a simple job of slipping it back on? I haven’t taken the engine off but like you say it’s worth a look this weekend.

[ThePhatomfart]

I Think you could get away with taking the top off the engine while its still in the bike , check out the valves have had no interference, set up the timing and return top hopefully . do you have the workshop manual for it

[shamg]

I don’t but I’m sure I’ll find one online, thanks for your help if owt else goes wrong I’ll be back lol

[ThePhatomfart]

Think I have one ,I'll PM it to you

[ThePhatomfart]

Check your messages

[Guest Richzx6r]

Defo sounds like cam chain problem I'd be surprised if it hasn't done damage to the top end at very least

[shamg]

Thanks for the manual mate

[shamg]

Hello again. So I’ve taken off the cylinder head cover and had a look. It doesn’t appear the chain has come off as it spins freely when I pump the kickstart, however the thing (I’m not sure what it’s called) I’ve circled in the picture is lose and comes off in my hand unlike the other one. Is that normal?

[EX GASMAN]

That is the valve spring. I think the timing slipped then the valve hit the piston and broke off. Unless you're very lucky it may need a piston as well. You will have to take the head off to check.good luck.

[shamg]

Yes, I think you’re right as I’ve also just noticed the back blade on the chain was not secure, which most likely caused the timing chain to slip.

[ThePhatomfart]

Yes matey ,it lost the blade when you replaced the bolt, looks like the collars are still on the valve ,so the broken piece is inside the cylinder, you'll have to take the head off to inspect

[shamg]

How difficult a job is it to fix if I need new pistons?

[ThePhatomfart]

You will have to take the engine out ,strip it and check out components, if you have never done this before , and with the cost of doing it, it could be easier acquiring another engine, but you wont know until you investigate the damage

[shamg]

Do I have to remove this last part? Or does the piston look okay?

[shamg]

I should also add that when I move the kick stand the piston goes up and down

[EX GASMAN]

It there is no damage to the piston it should be OK. Look on you tube about replacing the valve. You may need to hire/buy a valve spring compresser, although you can sometimes get round that but it's not easy.

[fastbob]

Hello again. So I’ve taken off the cylinder head cover and had a look. It doesn’t appear the chain has come off as it spins freely when I pump the kickstart, however the thing (I’m not sure what it’s called) I’ve circled in the picture is lose and comes off in my hand unlike the other one. Is that normal?

 

Sorry , didn't read all posts .