Author Topic: Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks  (Read 2037 times)

Offline Sandman

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Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks
« on: February 05, 2015, 04:43:08 PM »
I Have a 1998 ST that's done 155,000 k's. Timing belt was changed at 145,000 ks and I recently had it serviced, spark plugs were changed and the usual tuning etc.
I work overseas and leave it at the Airport Car park (under cover). I am away for between 3 and 5 weeks and last few times I've had some issues starting the bike.
It turns over ok (at the start), choke is on. It takes about 10 goes of 10 to 15 second kicks. It eventually gets going but it is drawing on the battery by the end.
I'm not sure if its the battery on the way out, or if the mechanic I gave it to (and I don't know him well) didn't do what he was supposed to do.
It starts first go after it's run for a while.
anyone had similar problems or have any solutions?
Is there an easy way to check the battery level?
 

Offline saaz

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Re: Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks
« Reply #1 on: February 05, 2015, 05:16:22 PM »
A really simple test is to measure voltage after it has been sitting a day or so, and it should be at least 12.8 or more. The best test is to go to a battery place and they can load test it.  Three weeks is not really long enough for the petrol to dry out from the float bowls, which can cause problems on the ST1100 as the vacuum tap will not let fuel through until the bike starts and there is vacuum. But if the bike turns over reasonably, a well running ST1100 should start first go.

I have stored mine over the last year, and put in a product called Stabil that supposedly keeps the fuel fresh while in storage. You dose it up, run the bike for a bit to get the fuel through, then let it sit. Mine starts first go every few months.
John
(Ridden on and forever in our hearts)
1996 Honda ST1100P
2014 Triumph Trophy SE
Ozstoc, STOC #7239, Farrider #461 Ulysses #061681, IBA #59143 and some others
 

Online Brock

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Re: Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks
« Reply #2 on: February 05, 2015, 06:12:05 PM »
It could be a slightly low battery, the clock does draw power and over time the voltage drops. If my bike isnt started while I am away in Thailand,the battery is usually near flat. 

Yuo may want to put a small solar panel on the dash, or somewhere in the sun to help trickle charge the battery.
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA
 

Offline Sandman

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Re: Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks
« Reply #3 on: February 05, 2015, 06:41:45 PM »
Thanks guys, I'll try both. I have a Battery World near me so I'll see if they can help.
I'll give Stabil a go as well.
I really appreciate the insite.
cheers
 

Online Brock

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Re: Trouble starting after sitting idle for 3 weeks
« Reply #4 on: February 05, 2015, 06:43:41 PM »
PS,

I rarely use the choke, even in winter.
Brock
Asian Correspondent
2003 Honda ST1100PY



Ulysses #32829
STOC #8239
OzSToc # ??
Kinross WA