I have a 81 virago that sat for about 9 years. I push the start button and the oil level light comes on and the engine doesn't turn over. (chkd oil, its o.k.) So I hook the power straight to the starter and if both spark plugs are in, it turns a litlle bit then stops. Once I let off the juice and try again, it's the same thing. Without plugs it turns over fine, and with one plug ( it's a 2 cylinder) it will turn over but sounds kinda rough. Whichever cylinder the one plug is in, it will turn over, as long as both cylinders don't have the plug in. What could be wrong, and how do I fix it?
2007-09-16 11:59:41 · 7 answers · asked by Hunter 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
I tried jumping it from a vehicle, and still the same thing. Added marvel oil yesterday and let it sit all night, and that didn't change a thing.
2007-09-16 12:19:33 · update #1
The simple test is to jump it from a running vehicle. Contrary to Urban Legend, it is completely safe to jump start a 12V motorcycle from a 12V car. If the jump start works, your battery either needs a full charge or replacement.
Starter button problem may be corrosion, it's a ground cycle switch.
Helpful sites
http://totalmotorcycle.com/welcome.htm
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/
2007-09-16 12:09:30 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
What you're sure of is that with both
cylinders compressing, the starter motor
can't turn the engine, even with a full
12 V. and plenty of amp.s.
If it turns OK without plugs, it pretty much
rules out mechanical trouble in the engine.
Check for a bad ground to the motor,
bad wire to the solenoid/motor, bad / dirty
contacts in the solenoid, and finally partially
fried motor windings.
2007-09-16 14:52:25 · answer #2 · answered by Irv S 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are too many possibilities to hit it the first time around. Just guessing but try a starter draw test for amps.
It could be a shorted armature.
With a dash light coming on, I suspect a battery ground is missing. Your getting feedback through the body wiring.
Look for a cable rotted off.
Depending on where the vehicle was stored, you may have a vermin problem. (Chewed wiring)
2007-09-16 12:41:42 · answer #3 · answered by Wisdom 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YOU MIGHT HAVE A LITTLE RUST IN YOUR CYLINDER WALLS USE A PENATRATING OIL LIKE MARVEL MYSTERY OIL REMOVE THE PLUGS ADD SOME OIL TO THE CYLINDERS AND LET IT SIT OVERNIGHT WITH THE PLUGS STILL OUT CRANK OVER THE ENGINE .IT SHOULD LOOSEN UP
2007-09-16 12:07:04 · answer #4 · answered by joesautonaples 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Battery or starter is bad. If engine was locked up it wouldn't crank at all.
2007-09-16 21:57:21 · answer #5 · answered by austin j 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Weak battery or worn starter motor.
2007-09-16 14:44:29 · answer #6 · answered by guardrailjim 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest you check the battery.
2007-09-16 12:11:52 · answer #7 · answered by tronary 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋