Susan,
Note my comments inserted below:
----- Original Message -----
From: Susan Sande
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 2:16 PM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Re: Please advise!!!!
Dear Gene,
I love you. In a Nighthawk kind of way only of course!!! This is exaclty
what I was looking for. Sure I went to my Clymers book and read up on
troubleshooting. But it does not have the anecdotal information that helps me
like your email does. I am headed to Harbor Freight at lunch if I can sneak
away. Below I've inserted comments based on what I have done to date.
Thanks so much!!!
Susan
On Tue, Oct 21, 2008 at 11:25 AM, Gene Henry <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
You might try to narrow the problem down to fuel or ignition/spark. With
the choke fully on, throttle closed, crank it for 15 to 30 seconds. Remove a
sparkplug (or two), and see if they are wet or dry. If dry, your problem is
probably fuel. If wet, probably ignition, or too much choke. To clear engine
with too much fuel, crank with throttle fully open for 5+ seconds. (Sorry,
probably is the best I can do!) I've tried choke in all different positions on
different tires/different dates same temp conditions. We are talking cold start
here.
<deleted>
Your description seems to indicate that it will fire and run briefly,
repeatedly, even if not well, before it quits running, and once running well,
will continue to run well until you turn it off. Fires and starts briefly when
I get to tries number 13-15.
Are you saying that you crank it "briefly" for _?__ seconds each time, then
wait _?___ seconds and it takes 13-to15 such brief tries before it starts?
What happens if you just keep the starter cranking for 20-30 seconds?
Thoughts: Is this problem worse with cooler temperatures? If so, probably
fuel. Ambient temp makes no difference.
Can you observe the choke operation at the carb(s) to insure that the choke
is pulling the mechanism on the carb to its full on position? I;ve watched and
the rocker mechanism does move, but to full on? I'm not sure. May need
adjusting! Try reaching in with something and attempt to move the rocker
mechanism more from the position that the choke cable pulled it to. If you can
move it further, then adjust the cable. If unsure, try to adjust the mechanism
to operate it fully.
Have you replaced the spark plugs recently? I'll give that a try next. If
not, good place to start, and will remove a problem possibility.
Have you tried Sea Foam in your gas? This too, I can stop by auto parts
store at lunch too. I would suggest a large amount in a partial tank of gas.
Mix is not critical, but keep it "strong".
When experiencing the problem, do not try a variety of solutions quickly to
keep it running, such as choke position, throttle position, invoking or cursing
a variety of gods, etc.This might be my problem , I don't know how to cuss in
Japanese. I know the rule, you must curse in the same language as the origin of
manufacture. I am ok cussing in Italian (had Fiats and my Dad had Moto Guzzi's
and Alfa's) Remember, this is an imported cycle, that meets American
standards. American profanity should work OK! Try (and hold) a choke and
throttle position until you are sure it will not work, then change only one or
the other until you are sure that is not going to work, then try another. You
may be able to find the one "that aligns the stars". Your cycle has a right to
be as idiosyncratic as you are. Or is that "unique"?
If you have a battery charger/maintainer, I would strongly suggest you have
it hooked up and the batter fully charged before you experiment. OK so this
will sound lame too, I have't removed any body panels yet. I can see the
positive terminal (or something that is decorated as one) under the seat, and I
know where the battery is because I can see it. Remove/isolate another possible
problem. Not sure for your '85 450, but the '83-85 650 and the '83 550 side
covers just pull out at the front then slide forward to release the covers.
I would suggest you be as specific as possible if your report further on
your problems: I will!!
"With the temp at 56 degrees, and the batter fully charged, the choke fully
on, and the throttle fully closed, it cranked for 10 seconds before firing at
all, then ran roughly for 5 seconds before quitting. I waited 2 seconds and
tried again, with the same throttle/choke settings, and it cranked for 5
seconds before firing, and then ran 15 seconds before quitting. etc. etc. etc.
Or you could send us an audio recording, complete with profanity! ;~} You need
to know that profanity directed to the Gods voids prayers to them!
(And if you're putting it up for sale, notify only me!) (I will, are you
close enough to come pick it up? There is a toy in Seattle calling my name...)
Sorry, I'm really too far away. Would love to have a 450, though. What is
the "toy in Seattle's" name? ;~)
Gene
----- Original Message -----
From: Susan Sande
To: [email protected]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2008 11:47 AM
Subject: [Nighthawk Lovers] Please advise!!!!
Ok I am about to put my little ol' 450 up for sale cause I can't spend
any more time waiting for it to start in the morning (or afternoon or evening
for that matter). Once it starts and holds she runs like a champ. Please any
suggetions on how to get it to start/what I can change out etc/look at. If I am
lucky and the stars are aligned it takes me 13-15 tries to get the combustion
to hold and keep the motor running. I want to try what I can before I have to
haul it down to the local Honda place - that is, if I can get it started!!
I use the choke (I've tried without and in different positions), I've
tried the 15-30 seconds between attempts suggestion, I've changed out the air
filter. What more should I be trying? Seems to have a nice strong battery.
New spark plugs?
Choke cable adjustment?
Send me a picture of where to spray some ether?
Send me a picture of where I can easily access the carb intakes without
tearing apart the whole thing (and having to spend time putting it back
together before I can ride) so I can maybe ungunk something?
Bueller? Bueller?
Anyone else have this problem???
Thanks in advance,
Susan
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