Starting problem

Discussion in '8th Generation 2014-Present' started by SteveVFR, Oct 28, 2019.

  1. SteveVFR

    SteveVFR New Member

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    2018 VFR800F
    After 3 weeks without riding....
    Turns over but doesn’t start.
    Replaced battery with new, identical to original.
    Same result.
    Was left without cover in rain for a day, in case that’s relevant.
    Unfortunately I don’t have much mechanical or electrical skills
    So looking for suggestions before booking it in to garage.
    Fuel pump?
    Could it be a fuse despite the fact it turns over?
     
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  2. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

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    Do you hear the fuel pump priming when you turn the ignition on?

    I doubt the rain is the problem, or we should all stop riding when it is wet out.
     
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  3. SteveVFR

    SteveVFR New Member

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    Just had a listen. I hear a buzz for 2 seconds from the tank area I guess that’s the priming?
     
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  4. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    yep - based on the the really limited info I'd look at:
    kill switch ?
    Pulling in clutch to start ?\
    Fuel ?
     
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  5. razedinabarn

    razedinabarn New Member

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    I mean no offense, but must suggest the simple process that you have probably already tried a thousand times- ( as a relative rookie, I miss the basics a lot, still): are you 100% positive its in neutral or that the clutch is coming all the way in? if it's just a hair out of calibration/in/out of gear, it won't start if the clutch is out.... just wiggle the shifter a bit and reel the clutch in tight. before you start her up. ? my old ninja would show the neutral light often but still be slightly off, and my clutch was slippy. It wouldnt start until it was toggled just right. I had to have a conversation with it every time I started it. then I'd have to roll the throttle to feed it some gas, rev it up. all my fault, damage from drops and inadequate care put it in that situation. was a great bike though.
    yes, I am 1 week out of the MSF training course ;p
     
  6. Grum

    Grum New Member

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    Shame the OP has not posted what the fix was for his Starting Issues.

    Here's some general info for 8gen Starting Logic. Assuming ALL Fuses are O.K.!

    The Kill Swich was mentioned, however there could not be an issue with that for three reasons.
    1. The OP could hear the Fuel Pump prime
    2. The Starter Cranks the bike over.
    3. The Amber Engine Warning Light would be displayed.

    Also the Clutch Switch is irrelevant for a Neutral Gear Start.

    The OP did not mention if the bike could be Started with the SideStand UP and Clutch Pulled In. This is important.

    On the 8gen Neutral Light requires All three Gear Position Switches to be CLOSED and Two Relays, Inhibitor 1 and Inhibitor 2 need to energise. A bit more involved than the simple Neutral Switch on a 6gen for example.
    The fact that the bike cranks over would also mean that all the Neutral logic for the Starter Cranking Circuit is good.
    HOWEVER.
    For a Neutral Start the ECM MUST also see the state of the three Gear Switches which ALL must be Closed for Neutral. Even if one switch input is not getting to the ECM it will NOT enable the Ignition and Injectors = Dead Engine.

    So, trying a SideStand UP and Clutch pulled In Start and, if this works, then this would highlight an issue with the three Gear Switch Inputs to the ECM, all three switch Ground Inputs would need to be checked at the ECM. This is the Logic the ECM uses to KILL your engine when in gear and you lower your SideStand.

    Hope this helps to understand the 8gen Starting and Ignition Enable System.
    Cheers.
     
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  7. raYzerman

    raYzerman Member

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    I'll just add that sitting for 3 weeks with ethanol fuel in it may result in a few tablespoons of water in the bottom of the tank. Seafoam (naptha and isopropanol) would be advised. The isopropanol will disperse the water.... in other words, it may be cranking and pumping fuel but it won't start.
     
  8. Cyberob

    Cyberob New Member

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    I would say that 3 weeks is 'a bit' on the short side concerning fuel (ethanol) degradation into water. E10 is preservable for up to 3 months!
     
  9. Diving Pete

    Diving Pete Member

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    Standard shop fuel after 3 months does cause issues with starting. Since switching to a higher octane rating fuel & also adding fuel stabiliser I've had zero issues with my bikes.
     
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