CHAPTER TWO
TROUBLESHOOTING
Diagnosing mechanical problems
is
relatively
si
mple if you use orde
rl
y procedures and keep a
few
basic principles
in
mind .
The troubleshooting procedures
in
this chapter
analyze Iypical symptoms and show logical
methods of isolating causes. These are not the only
methods.
Th
ere may
be
several ways to solve a
problem. but only a systematic. methodical
approach can guarantee success.
Never assume anything. Do
nOI
overlook the
obviou
s.
If
you arc riding along a
nd
the engi
ne
sudde
nl
y
qu
its. check the easiest. most accessible
problems first. Is there gasoline
in
the tank? Is the
fucl shutoff valve in the
ON
position? Has a spark
p
lu
g wire cap come loose? Check the ignition
sw
it
ch and
key
. Sometimes the weight
of
the key
ring may suddenly
!Urn the ignition off.
If
nothing obvious tu rns up
in
a quick
check,
look a little further. Learning to recognize and de-
scribe symptoms will make
repairs easier for you
or a mechanic
at
the sho
p.
Describe problems
accurately and
fully. Saying that
"i
t won't run" isn't
the same as say
in
g "it quit
at
high speed and won't
S
tan
"
or
that
"i
t sat
in
my garage for 3 months and
then wouldn't
start."
Gather as many
sy
mptoms together as possible
to aid in diagnosis. Note whether the engine lost
power gradua
ll
y
or
all at once. Remember that the
more complicated a machine is, the
easier
it is to
troubleshoot because symptoms point to specific
problems.
After the symptoms
are
defined, areas which
could cause the problems arc
te
sted and analyzed.
Guessing
at
the cause
of
a problem may provide
the solution, but
it
can easily lead to frustration,
wasted time and a series
of
eltpensive, unnecessary
parts replacements.
You
do not need fancy equipment
or
complicated
test
gear
to determine whether repairs can be
a
tt
empted
at
home. A
few
simple checks could save
a large repair bill and time lost while the bike sits
in a
dealer'
s service
depanment.
On
the other
hand, be realistic and don't attempt
repairs beyond
your abilities.
Service departments tend to charge
a lot for putting together a disassembled engine that
may have been abused.
Some dealers won', even
take on such a j
ob-so
use common sense and don't
gel
in
over your head.
OPERATING REQUIREMENlS
An engine needs 3 basics to run properly: correct
fuel/
ai
r miltture, compression and a spark al the
correct time.
If
one or more are missing, the engine
just won't run. The electrical system is the weakest
link
of
the 3 basics. More problems result from
electrical breakdowns than from any other source.
Keep that
in
mind before you begin tampering with
carburetor adjustments and the like.
If
th
e bike has been sitting f
or
any leng
th
of
time
and refuses to
stan,
check and clean the spark plug
II
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