Hitchcocks Forum

Ok folks, I ask this question as pretty much a non technical person who usually has someone else mend their bikes!

Bought a really well fettled/restored 350 last September, rode it for the first time six weeks ago, it started second kick, and ran beautifully for about thirty miles.

Thought I'd have a tootle this afternoon, fired up first kick for a couple of beats, did a kind of a back fire/spit/splutter, then it just wouldn't kick over at all, it really just didn't want to know...not a sausage!

It has fresh fuel, the battery was as flat as a knacker, but so was it last time, that said it is now on charge.

Where should I start???

All suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks.

David

furred up spark plug.

Kill switch?

Charging the batt has got to help, also check the electrolyte levels in the cells and top up if required..

You may have flooded the spark plug so worth changing to a spare, check for spark, refit and try again..

A tip, rather than keep kicking till it floods turn off the ignition and kick through with the throttle held wide open, also the decompressor as well..

This will clear excess fuel vapour ready to turn on ignition and try again.

Use the choke for a cold engine, thats what its there for..

Papasmurf, I did check plug...clean as a whistle!

I would check for spark, then fuel flow into the bowl. if either is weak, it could be the problem. Bad plugs can look good, so test while it's out.

Brand new, NOT JUST cleaned up plug? Has worked a lot for me.

Is the plug wet? If it isn't and yet it sparks there must be a problem with the fuel supply.

Hi matey !!------when you say it "Wouldn't kick over! do you mean the engine is locked-up ??

I was unclear, I guess. Checking for spark also assures the complete ignition system is functional including coil, contacts, etc.