Engine will not start

[Pete1952]

I have questions as to why my 88 venture will not start, it cranks, backfires and pops but not running. This is the same bike that the carbs were just rebuilt, it ran well Saturday but not today, any known fixes.

[Prairiehammer]

Lots of possibilities. But, first determine what might have happened or changed since Saturday. Consider everything and anything that might have changed.

[utadventure]

Three vital components to the engine running, Air - Fuel - Spark. Check each and see which is the problem. But first, check the kill switch!!!

[BlueSky]

My 89 wouldn't start yesterday. Today I realized I had not turned the fuel valve on!! That was the first time I had ever turned it off so maybe now it will be my routine and I will remember.

[Pete1952]

Nothing has changed since Saturday, I shut it off Saturday when I left the shop and today I tried to start it to move it outside.

[utadventure]

Time to start checking things.

 

When you turn the key on, do you hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds?

 

Spray a little starter fluid in the air cleaner vents.....does it start momentarily? Likely a plugged filter or pump, if you didn't hear it running.

 

If the fuel system is functioning, pull the plugs (one at a time) and ground the plug while trying to start the bike....do you have spark on each one? (a darker area is helpful on this) If not you will need to check wires, resister caps, coils and TCI.

 

Air is the least likely but if you have a K&N filter is it properly oiled?

 

Hook a carbtune up if you have one and check that you have vacuum on all four carbs.

 

Check your fuses. Make sure you have power on both sides (check both the fuses and the holders)

 

Good luck!

[Jayceesfolly]

Do you have a residual battery drain? The early VR's need a good battery (read: fully charged) to start and run properly. Low voltage may make it hard to start, and check the connections for corrosion.

 

 

Jim