Starter Fluid Spray

Discussion in '3rd & 4th Generation 1990-1997' started by Guaire, Jan 18, 2016.

  1. Guaire

    Guaire New Member

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    Where do I spray to get starter fluid into the air box?
    I tried starting my '97. It ran weakly then died. Now it won't restart. The daytime temp is in the twenties. Nights are going down to the teens. I'm in Arlington, VA
    Cheers,
    Bill
     
  2. Y2Kviffer

    Y2Kviffer Insider

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    I would think you have to prop up the gas tank like on a 98 for access. Use that stuff very SPARINGLY!! I've seen heads lifted 1/4" off the jugs and holes blown thru blocks using too much!!
     
  3. Guaire

    Guaire New Member

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    I'll use silicone spray. It's tough getting off that tank. I've done it before. I forget how to pull it off. The rear bolt is easy.
    It may be a few days before I can get at it. I'm in an outside driveway and it's freezing here!
     
  4. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    I guess you could use silicone spray, at least it might make the pistons slide up and down a bit easier
     
  5. squirrelman

    squirrelman Member

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    dON'T EVEN BOTHER, Bill (right?), unless your battery shows at least 12 volts+ :sorrow:

    Starting fluid has bad effects on cylinders, rings, and pistons, so don't start it unless you plan to ride.
     
    Last edited: Jan 22, 2016
  6. Arnzinator

    Arnzinator New Member

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    Make sure there's nothing unusual in your air box.
     
  7. Guaire

    Guaire New Member

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    I got my '97 wired with an Eastern Beaver 3 plug fuse box with relay installed. Then my Gerbing controllers finally arrived. I went to start up and check the connections with the controllers. The bike started, ran weakly and stalled out. I couldn't get it started again. Charged the battery and tried again with the fuse box/relay disconnected from the battery. Same. No start.
    Now it's 28 degrees with a foot of snow in Arlington. I'll have to wait for the weather to get reasonable again to get the VFR going. I work in a driveway, no garage.
     
  8. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    Bill, so what has changed, go back and read the original post, was exactly the same deal when you wanted to use the starter fluid. We need more info on the history of this bike, has this problem just developed? have you just bought the bike? has the bike been sitting with fuel in the carbs?
     
  9. Guaire

    Guaire New Member

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    Hi NormK - Thanks for the response. I replaced the reg/rectifier with one from roadstercycle.com, as recommended by this forum. It uses a fused connection directly to the battery, 30 amp, POS and NEG. The Eastern Beaver 3 connector fuse box integrates a relay. It too connects directly to the battery. I ran the hot connector for the relay to the rear, to the license plate light.
    This bike has always been great for starting. Last Winter I could give it some choke and it would always come on. It's a matte absorbed battery in good shape. I's been good at start up this winter. So, yes, the problem has just developed. When it wouldn't keep running, I disconnected the fuse box leads to the battery. That didn't make any difference. As it's freezing cold here, I couldn't lift the tank to get to the air box intake. Now it's 25 degrees F and more than a foot of snow on the ground. So I can't fairly trouble anyone for advice that I can't apply until we warm up and melt some snow around here.
    You have a Royal Enfield???? I drove a 1960s era twin for a ride once. I had a 2004 Bullet that I sold because the crank wasn't so balanced. The stablemate for my VFR750 is a 2014 Royal Enfield Continental GT. Sort of the opposite of the VFR!
    Cheers,
    Bill
     
  10. NormK

    NormK New Member

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    Bill, no idea how many of those 350 and 500 cranks I have rebuilt over the years, typical Indian junk the way they were put together, but they can be rebuilt into a reliable machine with some expensive goodies from the UK. As you say, different animal to the VFR. We have about 15 Enfield twins out here in Melb, Enfield twin capital in Australia
    I doubt your problem is anything to do with the electrics, it is going to be a fuel problem under the tank I would say, sorry about your weather
     
  11. Guaire

    Guaire New Member

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    The 2014 GT 535 I have is a completely different quality than an iron barrel. The UCE motor is much better.
    It is supposed to stop snowing tonight. By Tuesday the temp will go well over 40 and rain. That will get rid of a lot of snow.
    When it isn't freezing I'll be able to get something done with the VFR.
     
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