 |
|
9 Jun 2006
|
 |
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
|
Why do bad things happen to good motorcycles?
My Dommie has done about 40-45000 miles, 20,000 of them across Africa.
Valve clearances were adjusted about 8000 miles ago.
Everything has been great until last week.
First I got the occasional misfire. Soon it got worse and would idle fine, then cut out as I applied the throttle.
Replaced spark plug and CDI.
Still misfiring. Seems to start when it gets warm. As I tried to ride it to a garage yesterday it was groaning and ticking (with spark frequency). Cutting out and no power. There's new oil in it and plenty of it! I took the oil filler cap off and there was some bizarre smoke (steam?!) curling out. Never seen that before...
Leaving it to cool allowed me to get it to the garage. The bike was not overheating according to the oil temp gauge - normal operating temp seems to be 220 f., yesterday only reached about 140 f.
Help appreciated, especially if it turns out to be something easy I can do myself....
|
9 Jun 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
|
did you check the spark plug lead itself and the ignition coil (check it's temp, v hot means v knackered).
what about the fuel pump? when it's cutting out take the fuel pipe out (the bit that goes from fuel pump to carb) to check it's not on the blink. Point it away from the engine and your lit ciggie!
it's not your air blockage thing again? Fuel tank breather is clear?
|
9 Jun 2006
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
Hello mate
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by DougieB
did you check the spark plug lead itself and the ignition coil (check it's temp, v hot means v knackered).
what about the fuel pump? when it's cutting out take the fuel pipe out (the bit that goes from fuel pump to carb) to check it's not on the blink. Point it away from the engine and your lit ciggie!
it's not your air blockage thing again? Fuel tank breather is clear?
|
Gonna change coil/lead. Was gonna do that in malawi but 2 coils got "lost" in the "post"...
Howzabout some lager soon? Email me with your availability mate...
|
9 Jun 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 762
|
|
getting the hell out of the smoke at the end of the month. man, so many "oh my god" stories from the nhs...
up for a  anytime this month, pretty much. you still idle?
at least you know it's not gonna be water in the tank, with the lack of rain.
|
9 Jun 2006
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by DougieB
getting the hell out of the smoke at the end of the month. man, so many "oh my god" stories from the nhs...
up for a anytime this month, pretty much. you still idle?
at least you know it's not gonna be water in the tank, with the lack of rain. |
Still idle. Can't knock it. Will email you re. booze...
|
10 Jun 2006
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: cardigan,wales
Posts: 249
|
|
|
Sime,
Check the carb to head rubber manifold for splits and make sure the carb hasn't popped off it's flange.A bit of "smoke"(it's vapour really)is pretty normal when you open the oil cap when the motor is hot,don't worry.If still no joy,re-check the valve clearances to be sure one hasn't tightened up.
Jon.
__________________
Just going for a short ride on my bike....
|
10 Jun 2006
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
|
|
|
When this happened to me on an XRL, the temp looked normal because the oil level had dropped off the end of the dipstick!! Still, if you say there's oil in it ;-)
|
12 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: N.Yorks UK
Posts: 79
|
|
|
Had mega problems trying to get a Suzuki DR200 to run properly (high rev misfire and felt like it was running out of fuel), turned out to be the sidestand switch, easy to bypass and got to be worth a look.
Phil
__________________
650 Transalp
|
13 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: London
Posts: 542
|
|
Doug / Simon,
Let me know if / when you guys are going for that . Keen to catch up and have a few.
cheers
Matt
|
15 Jun 2006
|
|
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Wild West (of Crete)
Posts: 283
|
|
Thanks for all suggestions so far...
Misfiring problem is gone after new coil fitted, and was running perfectly for 20 miles yesterday, then unpleasant ticking/clunking noises and loss of power.
Basically sounds like something complicated, expensive and nasty, but seems to be intermittent. When it's not doing it, it runs grrrrrreat.
|
15 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: the world
Posts: 87
|
|
|
I just had a few problems with the bike not running properly and it turned out to be the main earth wire by the battery might be worth checking.
|
18 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
|
|
|
Embarrasingly I had to call out the AA to a drizzly M3 hard shoulder when I was delivering my '89 Dommie back home. One of the wires in the suppressor circuit just above the coil was grounding against the frame intermittently, causing misfiring and dying.
I went through all of the stuff discussed by the road - earthing nr battery, carb jets blocked, you name it. Eventually the AA man twigged that he could force it to cut by turning the bars, which pulled the wire and touched it on the frame. Frustrating. Perhaps you have a problem like this?
...unless there really is some obviouslyt mechanical noise going on... PS > I think when the bike is running you can (carefully!) take off the oil tank cap and shine a torch down - you should be able to see healthy oil flow from the returnn pipe. Might put your mind at rest about faulty oil scavenger pump.
Keep us posted, eh?
|
19 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia
Posts: 14
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Sime66
My Dommie has done about 40-45000 miles, 20,000 of them across Africa.
Valve clearances were adjusted about 8000 miles ago.
Everything has been great until last week.
First I got the occasional misfire. Soon it got worse and would idle fine, then cut out as I applied the throttle.
Replaced spark plug and CDI.
Still misfiring. Seems to start when it gets warm. As I tried to ride it to a garage yesterday it was groaning and ticking (with spark frequency). Cutting out and no power. There's new oil in it and plenty of it! I took the oil filler cap off and there was some bizarre smoke (steam?!) curling out. Never seen that before...
Leaving it to cool allowed me to get it to the garage. The bike was not overheating according to the oil temp gauge - normal operating temp seems to be 220 f., yesterday only reached about 140 f.
Help appreciated, especially if it turns out to be something easy I can do myself....
|
It will be the stator I think.
I come from an XR600 background and the stators crap out after many mnay miles.
Bascially swap out a stator and give that a shot.
|
19 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
|
|
|
unless the battery is boiling, I doubt its the stator/regulator/rectifier, but check the battery. an XR6, having no battery, might indeed have these symptoms from a failing stator.
if its taking a while to go wrong, it sounds likely something is heating up and breaking down. as you've already done the coils, its likely to be something else - CDI, dodgy switch etc. some have "potted" components that take a while to get hot and bothered. if you're unlucky, one thing will have caused the other and it used to be said that you had to swap coils and CDI/ignitor together
|
20 Jun 2006
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Melbourne Victoria Australia
Posts: 14
|
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by RichLees
unless the battery is boiling, I doubt its the stator/regulator/rectifier, but check the battery. an XR6, having no battery, might indeed have these symptoms from a failing stator.
if its taking a while to go wrong, it sounds likely something is heating up and breaking down. as you've already done the coils, its likely to be something else - CDI, dodgy switch etc. some have "potted" components that take a while to get hot and bothered. if you're unlucky, one thing will have caused the other and it used to be said that you had to swap coils and CDI/ignitor together
|
CDIs generally do not get hot.
The classic symptons of a stator failure are very hard to start and then when hot cutting out.
Spark is also very weak.
I did not mention regulator/rectifier. They normally never go out.
The oil soak that the domi uses for it's stator is not healthy to stators. The insulation comes off and makes it useless.
If it was the regulator/rectifier then he would be blowinglights and genrally not be intermittent. It would be a black or white issue.
Apart from obvious (like all wires are connected) then I'll stick with the stator .
Even though the domi/XR650L have entire diff electrical systems, the oil bath destroys stators.
XR600 riders on long trips know to carry a spare stator as replacement.
Anyway the real test is to swap one out. Inspect it and see if thw wires are going.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
