Choke on (wont start) - Any help?

[RubyBones]

Evening all,

 

bike was running like a dream, starts every time on the button, no choke needed at all….ever. 
 

hadn’t ridden for nearly 3 weeks (weather) and suddenly bike won’t start unless choke fully out and also engine cuts whenever choke put back in. 
 

also ever 3 or so times I try to start it, starter  switch won’t even do anything. 
 

have: 

- checked/cleaned fuel lines 

- checked/cleaned petcock

- removed carb, cleaned and checked jets

 

carb back on but no change. 
 

thought might be air leak as intake manifold boot looks a bit cracked and old but I would have thought bike would turn over but just have high revs due to getting lean mixture? 
 

next steps or help or advice welcomed 

 

thanks all 

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

When it wasn't run for three weeks did you have the battery on a maintenance charge? Just wondering whether it's dropped charge and you're getting a weak spark. It would account for the failure to turn over after three tries.

 

As the weather changes the starting characteristics of carbed engines will vary. My CBF never needs choke during the summer. These mornings it needs choke to start, then I hold it on the throttle until it will rev cleanly, and push the choke in pretty quickly. 

 

When it gets colder it will need choke for longer, but never more than a minute.

 

If you've not had the bike through a winter learning it's starting tricks can take a while.

[RubyBones]

Sadly no I didn’t. Which I can see was a huge error. Good shout thank you. I’ll check the battery and go from there. 
 

also I’ll have a play around with the choke as it’s my first winter with this bike so yes could certainly be a need to find it’s winter starting needs 

 

thank you

[husoi]

If possible drain the carb bowl and add new petrol.

3 weeks is not a long time for the petrol to degrade but it doesn't hurt to try.

The bike starting with no need for choke makes me think that maybe your mix is too rich and when you actioned the choke you maybe have flooded the plugs.

Having said that, if he bike runs fine at normal temp then there is nothing wrong with mix

As @Mississippi Bullfrog says, a battery that isn't fully charge could not be producing a good spark to start.

[stikflote]

 My triumph was standing for a while ,i booked in for MOT went to day before it wouldnt start

.it was connected to a Optimate charger which had failed ,bought new battery and new optimate

all ok now  and MOTed 

PS optimate was over 20 yrs old 

[TimR]

Triumph triples  ....do not let the battery drain as attempting to start on a weak battery destroys the sprag  clutch .

[onesea]

You don't say the bike type, your profile says Suzuki 125.

 

Unless you have an alarm your battery should be fine for 3 weeks plus unused.  If it is a weak battery which it could be, I would change the battery. I have left mine for 2-3 months and she has started fine.

 

Agree fuel should not go off in 3 weeks, however when did you last put fuel in it?

 

It's the bike stored outside? Can rain get into fuel tank? 

 

As others have said starting in cold weather is different damp plays havoc on all areas of the bike...

[stikflote]

Thanks  Tim, 

for the Tip about Triumph Triple 

[RubyBones]

That’s all, a few great tips to get me checking things and getting stuck in to the bike. 
 

After some further checks I found out my carb intake boot is cracked and causing air leak which naturally I’m assuming is either the cause of or adding to the issue/s as well. 

 

Will check all the above and see how I get on 

 

thanks all. So glad I joined the forum