Can use some help!

[ActionJax]

Hey everyone!

 

Feel like an idiot! Totally missed the Maintence Day Rally at Freebirds house! Somehow the day just got by me. I blame my wife, she had too many "honey-do" things on my list around the house and I completely forgot.

 

Anyway, here's my problem. My 1983 Venture is just giving me fits. I really would like to have someone that is more mechanically inclined then myself stop by and have a look/listen and maybe give me some advice. So if any members are in or around the local Akron Ohio area, PLEASE PM me! This old girl just doesn't want to start for me anymore. And I've got a trip planned for next month, and don't want to miss out.

 

I'm not sure what the problem is, but ever since I bought her she's had trouble starting. I always have had to use the choke. (Except when she's good and hot).

 

I've replaced the spark plugs, ran what seems like gallons of seafoam through her. Replace the wires. Installed a new OEM battery and installed thicker battery cables.

 

The starter seems to turn just fine, she just dosen't seem to want to turn over.

 

So, I'm looking for a little more hands on. If you've got the time I sure could use the help.

 

Thanks

[dingy]

Jack,

 

Where are you at in Akron?

 

Maybe I could ride over some day. I have some experience with an 83.

 

I have a poker run planned for Saturday.

 

I am in Mansfield, about 60 miles west of you.

 

Gary

[ActionJax]

Gary,

 

I live over by Chapel Hill Mall. Easy to get to my house off of RT 8 and the Howe Rd exit. Send me an email at jherman312@hotmail.com and I'll get you my address proper.

 

And thanks, I really can use all the help I can get at this point.

 

Jack

[ActionJax]

Ok, so this just got strange! I went out and put the "new" batter on a trickle charge and then the next day the bike just started. I mean it has now started "everyday" just like clock work. First try...without choke! It's never started without a choke before.

 

I don't understand this. I can let the bike get stone cold and she'll start up again on the first try without a choke.

 

Anyone ever had this happened to them.

 

Must have been gremlins!

[6m459]

If the battery charge is not up to snuff, (IE if the battery is old) it is likely that while the starter motor is drawing heavy current, the battery voltage will drop below the minimum level that the TCI needs to fire and run the engine. Its a catch 22 situation.

 

Had you tried a new battery ever before?

 

Hope this is useful,

 

Brian H

[Guest tx2sturgis]

Or maybe the Seafoam finally cut thru the crud in the jets and now its fine?

 

[paysaw]

You might want to check your charging system for voltage output.

[GeorgeS]

Check the charging voltage at about 2300 RPM, with digital voltmeter.

Be sure you see about 13.6 to 13.8 volts.

 

If lower then that, then check the large 3 wire plug between the Stator, and the Rectifyer/Rectifyer Unit. Open the plug, and Inspect the male and female pins for being burnt. Any excess resistance in that plug will lower the voltage to everything.

 

Also, check the Run Stop , Red Switch on handle bar, for High Resistance. Any Excess resistance here will lower the voltage to the TCI, Not good, during the start Sequence.

 

Might be a good idea to charge the battery with a Real Battery charger, not just a trickle charger.

 

Also, check the " Ignition fuse " for good Contacts, Also, clean the Pins of the TCI Unit.