Motorbike Doesn't Start When Cold

[GmB]

My motorbike doesn't want to start when cold.

I visited several repair shops but they really do not understand what's the problem.

They suggested me to change the candle, the battery, even to check the cylinder and piston and they do not understand that the problem is flooding.

Once started the motorbike runs great and start without any problem, but if i stop for about 2 hours the problem is there again.

I really think is due to fuel flooding, any suggestion?

[TVmonitor]

Firstly - "candle" is probably "spark-plug" - Bougie in french.

If it won't spark and you turn it over a lot the cylinder will look "flooded."

My first thoughts are you arre getting fuel through but it is failing to ignite - therefore easiest things first - change the plug.

i've never known anyone use a choke here - anyone do that? Once the engine is "warm" it will have less difficulty in combustion even with a dodgy plug it may run reasonably well.

[fiddlehead]

Yes, i agree. and when they take out the old plug, a good mechanic will see if it is running rich or not enough air which usually means: Change the air filter.

But then, what do i know? But that's a good place to start. If your bike shop hasn't done this yet, i'd find a new one.

[GmB]

Thanks a lot

I changed the "spark-plug" yesterday but that didn't fix the problem. I thought about the air filter too. I will try to change it , the problem is to find a good mechanic .

Do you know a good one here in Phuket fiddlehead?

[loong]

They suggested me to change the candle,

You say they've suggested you change the spark plug, have you actually done it?

I agree, first thing to check is spark plug, gap and ignition timing.

i've never known anyone use a choke here - anyone do that?

I have to use the choke first thing in the morning on my Phantom, but I know it's running with the timing a little too far advanced and it goes much better.

[GmB]

Yes i actually changed the spark plug. I refused to change the battery and check the cylinder/piston because i thought this was not the problem.

I tried using the choke but doesn't help

[loong]

What motorbike do you have, how old is it and how many Km.

When you park the bike, can you actually turn off the fuel? If you can, see if it makes a difference. If it does, you may need to have your carburetor overhauled.

Are you burning oil, is the exhaust smoking? could be piston/rings problem. Have a compression test.

[noahvail]

My motorbike doesn't want to start when cold.

I visited several repair shops but they really do not understand what's the problem.

They suggested me to change the candle, the battery, even to check the cylinder and piston and they do not understand that the problem is flooding.

Once started the motorbike runs great and start without any problem, but if i stop for about 2 hours the problem is there again.

I really think is due to fuel flooding, any suggestion?

Slap me with a wet fish if I'm being silly, but my wife will try to kick her Honda first thing in the morning, and it can take her many times. When I kick it, I first slowly work the crank until it 'grabs' at the top - then fires right up. I dunno if it's a compression thing, but I know she floods it when just kicking it without first finding the top.