HStocker Posted July 5, 2008 #1 Posted July 5, 2008 I was attempting to repeat a trip I made to Colorado from Minnesota 2 years ago. We were making good time to just north of Des Moines When "Big Red" just quits running at 75 mph. We make it to the shoulder and we get sputtering but will not start. We wait about 25 minutes and it starts and we are on the road again for 5 miles when we stall again. After a half hour cool down no restart and the battery is drained, we call for a tow. After waiting another 1/2 hour for the heck of it, I try again, starts right up. Make it 5 miles into Akany, got a motel for the night. Ride to get supper everything is fine. Decide to head home rather than continue trip. The bike runs great 200+ miles all the way home. Now I'm wondering what happened? Also wondering about strategies for handling problems and repairs on long distance trips. Any one have any good tips? Thanks H Stocker
93 venture Posted July 5, 2008 #2 Posted July 5, 2008 Check out this post http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=23979
1BigDog Posted July 5, 2008 #3 Posted July 5, 2008 When I had my 83 I had an intermittent problem like your experiencing. It would run fine then quit, run fine again and quit again. After hitting a huge bump the bike completely died along the Interstate. Turns out that one end of one of the fuses had popped loose under the tank cover and was barely making contact. Vibration raised it, which would cut off the engine and once it settled down it made contact slightly. Im hoping that its something as simple as this for you.
Marcarl Posted July 5, 2008 #4 Posted July 5, 2008 Yep, I would check out the fuse box real close, so close in fact I would change it.
thebighop Posted July 5, 2008 #5 Posted July 5, 2008 I had an 83 that did that exact sort of thing...turned out to be the kick stand switch....if I am remembering correctly it was just loose enuff to vibrate to a position that allowed it to complete the circuit and shut the motor off, I would pull over drop the kick stand and that would move the switch back just enuff to allow it to start but once I was rolling again...it would vibrate back to an open position... It's worth a look see...
Black Owl Posted July 5, 2008 #6 Posted July 5, 2008 May be a foolish question, but when was the last time you changed your fuel filter? Sounds like you may be experiencing fuel starvation due to a fouled fuel filter. As for your other question. Carry a print out of the VentureRider Assistance list with you. Then, if you are experiencing a problem there may be a member in close proximity that can give you a hand. BTW: Where are you located in MN???
Condor Posted July 5, 2008 #7 Posted July 5, 2008 I was attempting to repeat a trip I made to Colorado from Minnesota 2 years ago. We were making good time to just north of Des Moines When "Big Red" just quits running at 75 mph. We make it to the shoulder and we get sputtering but will not start. We wait about 25 minutes and it starts and we are on the road again for 5 miles when we stall again. After a half hour cool down no restart and the battery is drained, we call for a tow. After waiting another 1/2 hour for the heck of it, I try again, starts right up. Make it 5 miles into Akany, got a motel for the night. Ride to get supper everything is fine. Decide to head home rather than continue trip. The bike runs great 200+ miles all the way home. Now I'm wondering what happened? Also wondering about strategies for handling problems and repairs on long distance trips. Any one have any good tips?Thanks H Stocker The bike is clearly 'barn sour'. You need to take it out more often. Sounds like there's a problem in the fuel delivery area. Filter, fuel pump, etc. Maybe a can of Sea Foam if you haven't done so in a while. Maybe bad gas at your last fill??? Running hot and vapor lock??? Just some suggestions..... Good luck.
juggler Posted July 5, 2008 #8 Posted July 5, 2008 Bring it to Pork in the Pines and the First Gen'ers will fix it up for you. They just love having a project bike to tear into on Sunday maintenance day. http://www.porkinthepines.com Register now!
HStocker Posted July 15, 2008 Author #9 Posted July 15, 2008 Thanks for the input. Upon making it back from Iowa the bike has run trouble free over 300 miles. This last weekend changed fuel filter, sea foamed the carbs, checked the kick-stand switch and cleaned the fuse ends and reset them as preventive maintenance. Not exactly sure what was the problem but it hasn't reoccurred. Once again thanks for the suggestions. HStocker
GeorgeS Posted July 15, 2008 #10 Posted July 15, 2008 Vent Hose, next to filler cap. Remove hose, check the very small vent hole, make sure its not plugged. -- Clean the " Run-Stop" switch. Maby bad contact there, use electrical contact cleaner -- Fuse block is old, the holders get brittle, and crack off. Replace with an ATM type fuse holder block. -- Open your 40 amp main fuse holder, make sure the two small screws that hold the fuse element are tight. Few more possibilities ??? maby worth checking
cliffno350 Posted July 15, 2008 #11 Posted July 15, 2008 had simalr prob on my 83 was the kick stand switch going bad look at it REAL close can by pass if bike quits again to get home... :confused07:
Mikealiasmike Posted July 18, 2008 #12 Posted July 18, 2008 Ankeny, Iowa is about 50 miles away, I would have been more then happy to lend a hand whether it be trailer and save you some money on motel or bring a good friend of mine along who's excellent with motors. Ride safe and god Bless. Mike
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