Not running quite right

[grichards]

Morning Gents,

I brought the Storm out of hibernation a couple of weeks ago (because I'm a pansy and just take the car during winter!), and it's been largely fine, but not quite perfect.

Firstly, last year it would start straight away, prod the button for a second or two and it's running. But now, it almost never starts first time; I'll give it 5 seconds or so or cranking and it'll do nothing. Then I try again, and get an almighty BANG from the exhaust, and then it starts up!

My first thoughts were that there's a weak spark. But I checked the plugs two weeks ago and they were fine, the HT leads are on properly, and I've not seen any evidence of the spark 'leaking' when I've run it in the dark. I've not checked to see if the plugs are sparking properly yet, I suppose that should be next on my list. Any other thoughts as to what could cause it though?

Secondly (and this is probably related) it sometimes has a bit of a hiccup when running at constant revs and constant throttle. So just dawdling along at 3000rpm say, and it'll have a little misfire, and then back to normal again. It does this both when hot and cold. Oh and one more thing, a few times when cold I've noticed it's been idling quite slowly even though it's on full choke, sometimes to the point of stalling. The idle speed is fine when warm (1200/1300rpm), so that doesn't need adjusting.

Any ideas anyone?

Edit I forgot one problem! The indicators are playing up a bit too; when Iflick the switch to indicate, nothing happens for about 5 seconds, and then it starts working. It's a right pain when overtaking, it usually comes on just after I finish the overtake!

[tony.mon]

Sounds more fuel than anything else, assuming battery is topped up ok.

The huge explosion is just your bike saying "good morning" to the neighbours; it's just being friendly.
Secondly, airbox cough, they all do that.

I'd suggest a carb balance; if that doesn't fix it then a strip and clean of the carbs is in order.

Try using less choke, or rolling it over for a couple of seconds without choke, then pulling the choke out; it'll probably catch easier that way. It lets the fuel reach the carbs before you richen the mixture.
You might find that it'll start quite easily without choke at all, some Storms do, mine included, and no, it's not a sign that it's jetted too rich.

[grichards]

Thanks for the suggestions. I stripped the indicator switch down, gave it a good clean, and now they're working properly again!

I've had a few tanks of fuel through it since it came out of storage (so that's what... 30 miles? ), so I don't think that can be causing an issue. I tried starting it without the choke today though, and it didn't say hello or anything! Thanks for the tip, I'll keep doing that.

The carbs were balanced last summer, and it's not done all that many miles since then. How quickly do they tend to go out of sync? I've already decided that I don't want it to be a problem that needs the carbs to be cleaned, because they're a bit of a pain to get to, so it definitely isn't that!

The battery does seem to be slightly weak, it doesn't seem to crank quite as fast as it did last year. Does this make a significant difference in your experience?

Cheers!

[benny hedges]

could be the (a) choke plunger is sticking....
it couldve seized a bit over winter, especially if you left it parked up with road salt on it.

and yes, the condition of the battery makes a big difference. you might have enough juice to barely turn it over, but then not enough to work the ignition.

[Prospector]

Regarding the poor starting and weak battery check the condition of the power lead where it fits onto the starter motor if there is any sign of rusting/corrosion clean it off and make sure there is a good connection but becareful if the nut is corroded so much that a spanner cant get a grip of it.
If it is corroded this can cause poor startermotor cranking of the engine
If the nut is in bad condition use a dremel type tool to cut it off carefully and dont damage the post (apparently you cant buy them)

[tony.mon]

No, you can't buy the post as a separate piece but you can make one easily enough.

The other weak point is that the long lead that goes to the starter motor can start to fray internally, it can't be seen but some of the wires inside let go, and then the lead won't carry enough current to the motor.
When it gets too bad the lead starts to heat up, then smoke when used, then burns out completely.

Carb balance makes difference to the running, tickover stalling, and airbox cough that they all get.
They go out quite easily, but luckily once the vacuum takeoff is fitted to the front cylinder it's quick and easy to rebalance.
Search for carb takeoff, vacuum pipe, etc.

[grichards]

Cheers everyone,

The starter motor connection doesn't look too bad, but I'll give that a better clean up when I get a chance. I'm going to try jump starting from the car battery next time I start it up, that should tell me whether the issue is a weak battery or poor connection.

I've already got vacuum take off points fitted, so I'll give them a balance at some point. It'll have to wait a while unfortunately, because my homemade manometer is at my parent's house, and can't be posted because it's 6 feet tall!

MOT tomorrow, so I'll probably be back with a whole list of problems after that!