Problems starting when hot

[Captain Shapeless]

Normally my VTR starts first push of the button (ok, maybe second when it's really cold), but I've noticed a problem on the bike since I bought it (back in April - she's a '99 on a T plate with around 24,000 miles on the clock now).

Whenever the engine gets hot (over half way on the temperature gauge), it will just not start. I push the button, and I get the cllick from the relay, but it sounds as if the battery is totally flat, i.e., the starter motor either doesn't spin at all, or spins very, very slowly. However, as soon as the engine cools down a bit (to about a quarter on the temperature gauge), the bike fires up no problem, starter motor spins freely and everything's ok. Apart from this problem, she runs and pulls fine, no problems at all.

This wasn't much of a problem until Friday night when it cut out (as it occasionally does when it's idling) in traffic when it was hot, and I flattened the battery trying to start it agin, meaning I had to push it home - only about a mile or so, but all uphill, and I was late getting into the pub, which is a huge no-no.

I'm assuming it's a problem with the starter motor, but I haven't got a clue what, so before I start taking it apart (or buying a new one) I thought I'd post on here - any of you clever people got any idea as to what's causing it?

[sirch345]

I like the bit about getting late to the pub

If you've not already done so I would check out the simplest things first. Check battery lead connections are good (are clean and tight) at both ends (battery, solenoid and engine connections). Check the heavy duty lead going to the starter motor, they are known to corrode badly where it connects with the starter motor if not looked after, especially if ridden all year around.

Also using a multi-meter check the charging rate at the battery terminals.

Chris.

[Captain Shapeless]

Cheers for that Chris.

Just charged the battery, but it still won't turn over - my first reaction is that the battery is dead. Unfortunately, I haven't got a multimeter, I lent it to someone - when will I ever learn? - so getting the multimeter on the battery and seeing whats happening there is first on the list before I fork out for a new battery.

Haven't heard about the heavy duty lead and corrosion before, so I'll have a look at that to see if there's any visible.

Will let you know how I get on.

Cheers!

[marravtr]

Cheers for that Chris.

Just charged the battery, but it still won't turn over - my first reaction is that the battery is dead. Unfortunately, I haven't got a multimeter, I lent it to someone - when will I ever learn? - so getting the multimeter on the battery and seeing whats happening there is first on the list before I fork out for a new battery.

Haven't heard about the heavy duty lead and corrosion before, so I'll have a look at that to see if there's any visible.

Will let you know how I get on.

Cheers!

my mate had the same prob your sayin matey and it was his lead to starter motor, changed the lead and no probs since! good luck with it

[goody]

I love it when marravtr replies to a post,
it means I get to stare at his avatar for another five minutes.

[marravtr]

I love it when marravtr replies to a post,
it means I get to stare at his avatar for another five minutes.

yeh nice aint they , thinking about goin full trans next and avin me lower arf done.................

[tony.mon]

Trans mission vamp.


(For the young ones, it's an eighties/nineties band).

[marravtr]

Ooooo yehhhhh...... i would!

[AMCQ46]

Trans mission vamp.


(For the young ones, it's an eighties/nineties band).

Wendy James mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

What beter way to hijac someones post..................that cured my hot starting problems...........from an era with proper music, not that rubbish you get today......hoes and bitches whats that all about.

Sorry but is there a "pearl necklace" joke here as well...............I'll get my coat

[tony.mon]

Nice to see a picture of her without stains on.

Lowering the tone or honest?
You decide.

[Captain Shapeless]

Sorry to drag things back to my bike, but I did say I'd let people know how I got on - if you're not really interested, the scroll down a bit, and hopefully you can see a delightful picture of the goddess that is Kate Beckinsale.

Right, battery was dead so replaced that. Checked the cable, but it's ok - you can tell it's ten years old, but not broken or anything, though I may still replace before winter really kicks in. However, since the new battery's been on, I've had no problems at all - bike idles nicely, and starts straight away no matter how hot it is, so fingers crossed.

I've got to do a service soon (plugs, fluids, filters) soon, so I'll do the cable then I think. And now, assuming I can work out how to paste images, hopefully here's Kate:

[tomekrvf]

Normally my VTR starts first push of the button (ok, maybe second when it's really cold), but I've noticed a problem on the bike since I bought it (back in April - she's a '99 on a T plate with around 24,000 miles on the clock now).

Whenever the engine gets hot (over half way on the temperature gauge), it will just not start.

You should check starting motor brushes. I had similar case in my old VFR(135000km mileage)

[Pete.L]

Excellent Post Captain
Glad you got it sorted and even more happy to have an oggle at Kate

Tomek, you obviously scrolled down too early and didn't see the fixed it bit

Pete.l

[tomekrvf]

Tomek, you obviously scrolled down too early and didn't see the fixed it bit

Pete.l

Oh, sh1t.... I focused on those lovely girls

[Pete.L]

Thought you might.

I've just been back for a second look myself

Pete.l